17 Dead-End Jobs That May Not Exist a Decade From Now

02/14/2025

The world knows artificial intelligence (AI) is coming for our jobs. What we don’t yet understand is how far the impact will reach. The experts suggest that AI will replace 30% of the workforce by 2030, although it could be more. Certainly, dead-end jobs are likely to be the first target because it makes sense. Advanced machine learning is an incredible technology that can and will apply to many manual jobs worldwide.

Here are 17 jobs that may not be around in 10 years.

1. Cashiers

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Many retail stores have added self-checkout systems and need fewer checkout cashiers. Instead, the stores have one or two people monitoring the self-checkout to assist when required. Although the public may have initially resisted the move to automated checkouts, the systems are sneaking into many stores, a few at a time, so people can adapt to using them.

2. Warehouse Stockers

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The advance of AI means there will be less need for warehouse stockers. Advanced AI robots will fulfill all the menial tasks in a warehouse, including picking, sorting, and managing inventory. It will save companies money and reduce incidents of human error.

3. Fast Food Worker

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There is already a rise in robot chefs in fast-food restaurants and automated kiosks. Robots can serve customers efficiently and potentially prepare, cook, and serve food. Within the next 10 years, and with the advancement of AI voice recognition, fast food restaurants could become entirely automated.

4. Machine Assemblers

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Machine assembly is a monotonous, repetitive job that robots can do more efficiently without errors. An Oxford Economics report suggests that robots will replace about 20 million jobs by 2030, and machine assemblers may be on that list.

5. Watch Repairers

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Smartwatches are becoming popular with all ages, particularly millennials and Gen Zers, and fewer people wear traditional watches. Even the top luxury brands incorporate digital features to keep pace with trends. Since they’re digital, they do not need a watch repairer.

6. Proofreaders

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AI writing and editing software is becoming increasingly sophisticated at proofreading written content. For instance, Grammarly can determine style, place the Oxford comma, assess passive voice, squinting modifiers, and more. Some AI writing software can determine tone and style.

7. Textile Workers

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AI will replace many factory workers worldwide, including textile workers. Computer-controlled machines can perform cutting and sewing tasks to a high standard 24/7 without expecting a lunch break or overtime pay. Organizations wanting to reduce costs will replace textile workers as suitable robots become more affordable.

8. Librarians

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Digital books reduce the carbon footprint. They are more convenient and easy to store. Online stores like Amazon and Barnes and Noble offer digitized, hardcover, and paperback books. In time, these stores could change their book offerings to digital only. A digital library could save the destruction of thousands of trees yearly but put librarians out of work.

9. Mail Sorters

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The postal service works hard to sort mail, but AI sorting machines could soon replace this manual work. These sophisticated machines could sort mail, track delivery, and send recipients notifications when necessary. Physical mail is declining as people switch to paper-free correspondence, like monthly bank statements.

10. Telemarketers

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Telemarketing is a tough job and typically has a high staff turnover due to the intensity and tediousness of the job. Advanced AI can automate the process and take over the role of sales calls. The algorithms can learn to analyze customer data and sell like top salespersons. Organizations may experience a better return on investment (ROI) and save money by “hiring” AI to sell their products and services.

11. Translators

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What was once an entirely human skill is now transitioning to AI-based translating tools. With machine learning, AI can manage complex translations in various languages. As this technology advances, the need for human translators will decline.

12. Toll Booth Operators

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Automated toll collection booths will become defunct as AI technology advances. The successful E-ZPass electronic toll collection system has over 53 million stations in circulation and stretches across 19 states. Automatic toll collection is faster and can operate 24/7 without human interference.

13. Parking Enforcement Workers

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The days of parking enforcement workers may end soon as smart parking systems take over monitoring parking spaces. Reducing human error and system management could reduce municipal budget costs, diverting funds to other services.

14. Dispatchers

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Real-time tracking systems may be under threat from AI in emergency services and logistics. Machine learning means it is more efficient than a human response team in providing high-level service.

15. Data Entry Workers

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Data entry roles may be among the first to switch to AI for human jobs. Accurate data entry is essential for every business, and AI systems can predict a high efficiency and accuracy rate.

16. Meter Readers

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Digital meter reading with smart meters will soon replace human meter readers. Smart meters quickly send accurate data directly, shortening the data transfer process. They will help organizations reduce costs and increase efficiency and accuracy.

17. Taxi Drivers

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Thinking about getting into a taxi without a human driver is unimaginable, but it’s set to happen eventually. Early adoption has already started in some larger cities, and self-driving cars will become the norm as the concept proves successful. It will be interesting to see if successful taxi apps like Uber keep up with this new trend.

Change is inevitable. It may seem alarming that AI could take over so many jobs, but there will be benefits with advancements in the work landscape as we know it today. More people will upskill into roles AI cannot do, such as counseling and psychotherapy.

That said, AI will also create more jobs that don’t currently exist. Robots need maintenance and human supervision when they malfunction.

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