The American job market is undergoing a transformation that’s deeper than a post-pandemic recovery. According to recent forecasts by McKinsey & Company, the World Economic Forum, and other global research bodies, some jobs are not just changing—they’re on track to disappear completely by the end of this decade.
Driven by advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and cloud technologies, a growing number of routine occupations are becoming obsolete. Below are five jobs most at risk of vanishing by 2030, based on current data and trends.
1. Data Entry Clerks
Across the U.S., companies are replacing manual data entry tasks with automated systems. AI-powered software now handles large-scale data processing with fewer errors and at a fraction of the time.
A report from the World Economic Forum lists data entry as one of the fastest-declining job categories globally. This trend is reflected domestically as well—corporations are increasingly investing in cloud-based automation tools that make human data input redundant.
Projected decline in the U.S. by 2030: up to 83%
Sectors affected: Healthcare, finance, logistics, insurance
2. Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
These positions once formed the backbone of American offices. But today, AI scheduling tools, digital calendars, and smart assistants (like Google Assistant and Microsoft Copilot) handle many of the tasks once assigned to administrative professionals.
According to McKinsey’s job automation analysis, nearly two-thirds of admin functions can now be fully automated. This makes these roles especially vulnerable in large corporations, government agencies, and legal offices.
Key reasons for decline: Digitization of workflow, AI-driven email and document management
Estimated automation rate: 64%
3. Bookkeeping and Payroll Clerks
Accounting used to be one of the most stable fields in the U.S. job market. But today, small businesses and enterprises alike are moving toward automated platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and Gusto. These tools use AI to reconcile accounts, run payroll, and generate tax reports without human oversight.
McKinsey estimates that up to 80% of the tasks in this profession are automatable. While certified accountants and tax experts remain in demand, entry-level bookkeeping roles are in steady decline.
Impact sectors: Small business, nonprofit, retail, hospitality
Timeline for disruption: Already in motion
4. Assembly Line and Manufacturing Workers
The U.S. manufacturing industry is rapidly adopting robotics. While this boosts productivity and lowers production costs, it also reduces the need for human labor—particularly in repetitive, low-skill tasks.
Companies like Tesla, GE, and Ford are expanding the use of autonomous robots on factory floors. At the same time, demand is growing for technicians who can maintain and program these machines.
Job loss risk: High for non-specialized workers
Geographies most affected: Midwest, South, Rust Belt states
5. Customer Service Representatives
AI-powered chatbots are becoming the new front line in customer interaction. These systems are now capable of resolving shipping issues, processing refunds, answering FAQs, and escalating problems—without human agents.
According to a 2024 McKinsey report, more than half of all customer service interactions in the U.S. are now fully automated. As natural language processing improves, this figure is expected to grow sharply by 2030.
Industries affected: Telecom, banking, e-commerce, travel
Current trend: Human support teams are shrinking
The Bigger Picture: Reskilling Is Not Optional
While these shifts can seem threatening, experts stress that they also create opportunities. New roles in AI oversight, cybersecurity, data science, and renewable energy are growing. What’s disappearing is routine, repetitive work—not work itself.
The World Economic Forum estimates that 69 million new jobs will be created globally by 2030, largely in technology, healthcare, and green energy. In the U.S., the public and private sectors are being urged to invest in reskilling initiatives to help displaced workers transition into future-proof careers.
