Even as the labor market improves, some fields continue to lose jobs. Changing technology, changing tastes and overseas competition are among the reasons. To help you avoid these dying professions, we analyzed hundreds to see which have the dimmest prospects – and where you can turn instead.
Here are three of the worst jobs for your future:
Textile Machine Worker
Total number of jobs: 26,639
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Job growth, 2005-2015: -42.3%
Projected job growth, 2015-2025: -12.1%
Median annual salary: $26,077
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Manufacturing in America is not doomed – there’s considerable growth in some fields. But textile work? Forget it. If you can run machines, see if you can switch to being a machinist, which does have a promising future.
Floral Designer
Total number of jobs: 54,520
Job growth, 2005-2015: -25.6%
Projected job growth, 2015-2025: -16.6%
Median annual salary: $24,066
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Floral design is fading as budget-conscious customers buy loose flowers at the supermarket and the Internet takes over delivery. If you have an eye for arrangement, look into merchandise display or interior design. We see growth for both of these fields.
Upholsterer
Total number of jobs: 41,272
Job growth, 2005-2015: -25.4%
Projected job growth, 2015-2025: -3.3%
Median annual salary: $30,023
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Finding work as an upholsterer is getting harder as more people opt to replace rather than repair. If you’re handy, becoming a carpenter may offer sturdier prospects.
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