As industries evolve and technology reshapes the workforce, many once-stable professions are now in decline. The most endangered jobs of 2015 face shrinking employment opportunities due to automation, changing consumer behaviors, and digital advancements.

Technology’s Impact on Traditional Jobs

Farming: Fewer Workers, More Automation

The agricultural workforce has been declining for decades. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the number of farms in America dropped by 400,000 between 1982 and 2012. Additionally, the percentage of farmers in the workforce is projected to decline by 19% from 2012 to 2022.

While farming remains essential, technological advancements have made it possible for fewer farmers to accomplish more work, reducing the need for manual labor.

Mail Carriers: A Rapidly Shrinking Profession

The rise of email, digital payments, and online communication has drastically reduced the demand for traditional postal services. Programs like PayPal, Venmo, and electronic billing have further minimized the need for mailing checks and documents.

  • Job Decline: Mail carrier employment is expected to drop by 28% by 2022, making it the most endangered job on the list.

Meter Readers: Digital Tracking Replaces Manual Work

Advancements in smart meters now allow utility companies to track energy and water usage remotely, eliminating the need for meter readers to visit homes and businesses.

  • Job Outlook: This profession faces a steep decline, as more cities and utility companies adopt automated tracking systems.

The Decline of Traditional Media Jobs

Newspaper Reporters: A Struggling Industry

The newspaper industry reached its peak advertising revenue around the year 2000, but since then, print journalism has suffered continuous decline. According to the Newspaper Association of America, ad revenue has plummeted due to digital competition and changing consumer habits.

  • By 2022, newspaper reporter jobs are expected to decline by 13%.
  • Mass layoffs and shrinking newsrooms have forced many journalists to transition into public relations, marketing, or digital media.

Scott Rupp, a former newspaper reporter, experienced this decline firsthand. After surviving multiple rounds of layoffs at The Tampa Tribune, he was ultimately let go during the 2008 economic recession.

Despite these challenges, former journalists have found new opportunities. Rupp now runs his own PR firm and continues reporting on healthcare through ElectronicHealthReporter.com.

The Shift to Digital Media

  • Online publishing offers new opportunities, but monetization challenges remain.
  • Content marketing, advertising, and public relations are fields where former journalists can apply their skills.
  • Zach Miller, a former newspaper reporter, transitioned into content marketing for Music Dealers, LLC.
    • “I still use my same journalistic skills, but now I focus on digital distribution,” he says.

Advice for Aspiring Journalists:
Rupp recommends that those considering a career in journalism should also develop a secondary skillset:

  • Freelance, intern, and write wherever possible.
  • Study another field as a backup career option.

Other Endangered Jobs

Disc Jockey (DJ)

  • Job Decline: 10% decline by 2024.
  • Why? Radio station consolidation, automation, and digital playlists have reduced demand for live DJs.

Advertising Salesperson

  • Job Decline: 3% decrease by 2024.
  • Why? The shift from traditional media advertising to digital marketing has reduced opportunities in TV, print, and radio sales.

Pest Control Workers

  • Why? The job requires dealing with confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, and dangerous animals, making it less appealing to new workers.

Logging Workers

  • Why? Logging remains one of the most dangerous jobs, with a high fatality rate and increasing use of automated forestry equipment reducing employment.

Top 10 Most Endangered Jobs of 2015

As technology and automation continue to reshape industries, many traditional jobs are experiencing declining hiring rates and shrinking employment opportunities. The following careers face the most significant job losses based on projected growth outlook and industry trends.

1. Mail Carrier

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -28%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -28.32
  • Annual Median Salary: $53,100
  • Why It’s Endangered: The rise of digital communication, including email, online billing, and electronic payments, has dramatically reduced the need for traditional mail services.

2. Meter Reader

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -19%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -19.20
  • Annual Median Salary: $37,400
  • Why It’s Endangered: Smart meters now allow utility companies to track electricity, gas, and water usage remotely, eliminating the need for on-site meter readers.

3. Newspaper Reporter

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -13%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -13.15
  • Annual Median Salary: $37,090
  • Why It’s Endangered: The decline of print newspapers and the rise of digital media have resulted in mass layoffs and shrinking newsrooms.

4. Disc Jockey (DJ)

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -10%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -10.45
  • Annual Median Salary: $30,800
  • Why It’s Endangered: Radio station consolidation and automation have eliminated live DJ positions, with many stations relying on pre-recorded content.

5. Logging Worker

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -9%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -9.50
  • Annual Median Salary: $33,630
  • Why It’s Endangered: Logging remains one of the most dangerous jobs, and automation in forestry is reducing the need for manual labor.

6. Advertising Salesperson

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -3%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -3.80
  • Annual Median Salary: $47,890
  • Why It’s Endangered: The shift from traditional advertising (print, TV, radio) to digital marketing has significantly reduced demand for ad sales representatives.

7. Farmer

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -19%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -19.05
  • Annual Median Salary: $69,620
  • Why It’s Endangered: Agricultural automation and corporate farming expansion have decreased the need for small-scale farmers.

8. Pest Control Worker

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -4%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -4.35
  • Annual Median Salary: $32,160
  • Why It’s Endangered: Workers face harsh conditions, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, tight spaces, and dangerous wildlife, making recruitment difficult.

9. Taxi Driver

  • Projected Growth Outlook: -3%
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -3.90
  • Annual Median Salary: $25,980
  • Why It’s Endangered: The rise of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft has made it harder for traditional taxi drivers to compete.

10. Enlisted Military Personnel

  • Projected Growth Outlook: N/A
  • Jobs Rated Outlook Score: -5.00
  • Annual Median Salary: $31,000 (entry-level)
  • Why It’s Endangered: Reduced military recruitment budgets and automation in warfare (drones, AI-driven defense systems) are shrinking the demand for active personnel.

Final Thoughts

These careers face the most significant job losses due to technology, automation, and shifting consumer behaviors. While some workers in declining fields can transition into related industries, others may need to develop new skill sets to remain competitive in the evolving job market.