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11 Dying Blue Collar Jobs That Aren't Worth Pursuing at This Point

Some traditional trades face slower demand as industries evolve.

By Stacy Garrels

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated March 24, 2026

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For generations, blue-collar work has been the backbone of the American economy. Skilled trades and hands-on careers built cities, kept infrastructure running, and supported millions of stable, single-income households.

But not all of yesterday's dependable trades have aged well. Automation, shifting consumer habits, and further AI advancements are projected to reduce demand for many occupations in the decade ahead.

Workers who want to get ahead financially should be aware of these trends. Below are several blue-collar jobs where there is declining employment or slower-than-average growth.

Editor's note: Salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Boilermakers

Median annual salary: $73,340

Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair large containers that hold liquids and gases, often working in power plants and industrial facilities.

Demand for these workers is expected to decline slightly over the next decade as power plants retire dated equipment and modern facilities require fewer specialized repairs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for boilermakers to fall by about 2% through 2034.

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Masonry workers

Median annual salary: $56,600

Brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons build and repair structures made from brick, concrete blocks, and stone.

While these trades remain important in construction, the BLS expects employment growth of about 2%, which is slower than the average for all occupations.

Many projects are now shifting toward prefabricated building materials that lower costs for buyers and reduce the need for traditional masonry work.

Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers

Median annual salary: $47,350

Workers in this field install and repair vending machines, arcade games, and other coin-operated devices.

As digital payments replace coins and many entertainment platforms move online, the BLS projects employment in this occupation to decline by about 3% over the next decade.

Bridge and lock tenders

Median annual salary: $58,490

Bridge and lock tenders operate mechanical bridges, canal locks, and related transportation infrastructure.

These roles remain essential in certain regions, but automation and modernization of infrastructure systems may reduce staffing needs.

Employment for bridge and lock tenders is projected to decline roughly 3% in the decade ahead.

Woodworkers

Median annual salary: $43,720

Woodworkers create furniture, cabinets, and other products using specialized machines and tools.

Increasing automation in manufacturing and the growing use of engineered materials have reduced the need for some traditional woodworking jobs.

The BLS projects employment for woodworkers to decline by about 2% over the next decade.

Chemical plant and systems operators

Median annual salary: $73,540

Chemical plant operators monitor equipment that processes chemicals for use in plastics, fuels, and pharmaceuticals.

Advances in automation allow many facilities to operate with fewer workers than in the past. As a result, the BLS projects employment for these operators to decline by about 6% over the next decade.

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Assemblers and fabricators

Median annual salary: $43,570

Assemblers and fabricators build finished products such as cars, electronics, and appliances by assembling the part components.

While these jobs remain widespread in manufacturing, assembly tasks are increasingly automated. Employment for assemblers and fabricators is projected to decline about 1% through the next decade.

Construction and building inspectors

Median annual salary: $72,120

Construction and building inspectors ensure structures comply with building codes, safety regulations, and zoning rules.

Demand for inspectors will remain tied to the construction market. However, overall job growth is expected to be modest, with the BLS projecting roughly 1% growth over the next decade.

Grinding and polishing workers

Median annual salary: $41,690

Grinding and polishing workers shape and finish materials such as metal, glass, or stone using specialized equipment.

Automation in manufacturing has replaced some manual finishing work, leading to a steep decline. The BLS expects employment for these workers to drop by about 21% over the next decade.

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Machine setters and operators

Median annual salary: $45,700

Machine setters and operators control industrial equipment that cuts, drills, or shapes materials used in manufacturing.

The occupation is projected to grow about 2%, which is slower than average for all jobs. More sophisticated machinery and automated production systems mean companies may need fewer operators per facility.

Metal and plastic machine workers

Median annual salary: $46,800

These workers operate machinery that produces metal and plastic parts used in everything from cars to household products.

Automation and modern manufacturing technologies continue to reduce the number of workers required to run production lines. The BLS projects employment in this field to decline by about 7% over the next decade.

Bottom line

The American workforce is constantly evolving, and even long-standing blue-collar careers can change as technology and industry demands shift.

That doesn't mean these jobs will disappear. But workers may want to keep an eye on long-term trends and prepare financially so they can weather economic downturns or pivot to new opportunities.

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