The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights several roles expected to decline significantly by 2030 due to advancements in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and shifting industry demands. The most affected jobs are those that involve repetitive, routine-based tasks or can be easily automated. Key jobs forecasted to decline include:

1. Data Entry Clerks

• Reason for Decline: Automated data processing and AI-driven tools have significantly reduced the need for manual data entry.

• Impact: Many organizations are leveraging AI systems for faster and error-free data management.

2. Administrative and Executive Secretaries

• Reason for Decline: Automation of scheduling, communication, and document management reduces the demand for traditional administrative support roles.

• Impact: Digital assistants and AI platforms like chatbots are replacing routine secretarial tasks.

3. Typists and Word Processors

• Reason for Decline: The shift to advanced document creation software and voice-to-text technologies has rendered manual word processing obsolete.

• Impact: Fewer opportunities in clerical roles across industries.

The Future of Jobs Report 2025: what to expect and how to prepare

4. Bank Tellers and Related Clerks

• Reason for Decline: The rise of online banking, mobile apps, and automated teller machines (ATMs) reduces the need for in-branch banking staff.

• Impact: Banking is becoming increasingly digital, minimizing human involvement in routine transactions.

5. Postal Service Clerks

• Reason for Decline: Digital communication and e-commerce automation have drastically reduced the volume of traditional mail processing.

• Impact: Mail sorting, customer service, and postal delivery roles are shrinking.

6. Cashiers and Retail Workers

• Reason for Decline: Self-checkout systems, mobile payment apps, and cashier-less stores (like Amazon Go) are replacing traditional cashier roles.

• Impact: Retail jobs are shifting toward customer engagement and inventory management.

7. Assembly and Factory Workers

• Reason for Decline: Robotics and advanced manufacturing technologies are automating repetitive tasks in assembly lines.

• Impact: Low-skill manufacturing jobs are particularly vulnerable to automation.

8. Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks

• Reason for Decline: AI-powered accounting software and tools can handle bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial analysis with high efficiency.

• Impact: Routine accounting tasks are increasingly automated, reducing entry-level roles.

9. Travel Agents

• Reason for Decline: The rise of online booking platforms and AI travel assistants has diminished the need for traditional travel planning services.

• Impact: Only niche travel agents focused on luxury or specialized trips remain in demand.

10. Telemarketers

• Reason for Decline: Automated marketing tools, email campaigns, and AI-driven customer outreach are replacing cold-call-based marketing.

• Impact: Companies are investing in digital marketing rather than human telemarketing efforts.

Conclusion

The decline of these jobs reflects broader trends toward automation and digital transformation. Workers in these roles are encouraged to pursue upskilling opportunities in areas like digital literacy, critical thinking, and AI collaboration to stay relevant in the evolving job market.