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
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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.
See seven more of the worst jobs for the future.
-
What Happens Financially When You Work One More Year?The impact of saving more, spending less later and benefiting from an extra year or more of compounding can be truly staggering.
-
Seven Ways to Spend Your Tax RefundYou may want to splurge, but using your tax refund to save for the future or pay down debt is a much better idea — even if not as fun.
-
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be?Brandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the importance of building an emergency fund.
-
Homeowners Insurance: How to Protect Your HomeBrandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
-
The "Real" Cost of Buying a CarBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland illustrates how car prices are far more than meets the eye.
-
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Family VacationBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to go on vacation without breaking the bank.
-
The Great Resignation: How to Quit Your Job With ConfidenceBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to properly quit your job and upgrade your career.
-
How to Achieve Your 2022 New Year's ResolutionsBrandon Copeland You've already made your New Year's resolutions. Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland explains how you can stick with them and accomplish them.
-
Santa's End-of-the-Year Finance TipsBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland shares a few ways you can improve your finances before 2022 gets here.
-
Planning Your Child's Financial FutureBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland talks about ways to set your child up with a strong financial foundation.
