15 Most Vulnerable Jobs in America if a Recession Hits

Considering how quickly COVID-19 threw the world's economy into turmoil, workers can never be too prepared when it comes to protecting their livelihoods.

While there are several smart money moves to make before a recession, it can be hard to plan for the future when you're worried about job security. But you can try to stay one step ahead.

Here are 15 jobs that could see big cuts should the economy go into recession.

Jobs in big tech were thought to be a secure career path for young people, but the 2023 layoffs at major companies like Meta and Amazon suggested otherwise.

And if tech companies let go of employees by the thousands due to fears of a recession, an actual recession could mean even more layoffs.

Tech workers, luckily, are as equipped as anyone to build reliable side hustles.

Any industry that relies on discretionary income will face problems during a recession, so people who work at hotels, airlines, travel agencies, or other areas of the tourism industry may be in for a rough year or so. 

When people don’t have extra money or feel comfortable spending it, they’re not going to book vacations. This could be especially harsh since the tourism industry was one of the most severely affected by the pandemic.

When people are looking for ways to save, cutting leisure activities — like going to the theater, concerts, museums, and other entertainment venues — is usually one of the first steps.

Since entertainment is technically not a necessity, many people struggling during a recession will not consider it a priority.

Like the hospitality industry, those who work in arts and entertainment may see their jobs cut until Americans begin to have a bit more discretionary income.

The retail industry was shaken up by the pandemic, which prompted many people to begin doing most of their shopping online. 

With the transition to online retailers — plus a lack of disposable income forcing people to cut back on spending in general — those who work in brick-and-mortar stores may see their hours cut or their jobs disappear altogether.

One positive may be that the shift to online shopping will open new positions for people who used to work in retail stores.

A looming recession means people are less likely to go house hunting, especially since mortgage rates have doubled on average over the past year. 

Plus, those who remember the housing market crash of the Great Recession are unlikely to want to buy a new home during another one — even if this recession is less extreme. When homes are not in demand, neither are the agents who sell them.

Business experts expect that automation will vaporize many jobs, especially in a recession. 

If a computer program or robot can do a job faster and on the cheap, companies may take advantage of this opportunity and cut some staff in the process.

Manufacturing, inventory management, and food service are among the most vulnerable jobs to automation.

The restaurant industry was also shaken up badly by COVID-19 and could be at risk again with a looming recession. 

When money is tight, people simply don’t go out as much, putting all sorts of service-industry workers — from wait staff to cooks to hosts and bartenders — at risk.

Even those who work a few shifts waiting tables or tending bar a few nights a week to make extra money may want to begin looking for different side hustles.

While we’ll all still need haircuts during a recession, beauty services can get pricey, and many people will decide to skip the salon visit altogether to save cash. 

For some, this could mean cutting down on how often they visit a salon or barber. For others, it could mean doing haircuts at home.

Casino workers are at risk for two reasons. First, people are likely to cut back on gambling when trying to save money or simply no longer have disposable income. 

Second, this is another gig that could be at risk due to automation. With the rise in popularity of digitized games, the need for casino workers may be dwindling.

Those who work in warehouses may also be at risk in a recession. This is partially due to automation, but it could also be caused by a decline in demand. 

If manufacturing activity is on a decline during a recession, warehouse jobs are likely to begin to vanish as well.

A recession is likely to affect transportation jobs across the board. This includes those in the trucking industry, on cruises, for airlines, and more.

Any transportation linked to travel is likely to see a decline, which could lead to widespread cuts. Any cutback in manufacturing, warehouse production, and so on could also reduce the need for those who drive trucks or work in delivery.

When money is tight, people may decide to stick it out and do their own taxes or manage their own money rather than hire an accountant. 

Plus, recessions will inevitably lead to more businesses failing and shutting down, which means fewer companies where accountants can find work.

Construction workers may see a decrease in demand for their services as individual households and companies avoid embarking on big and expensive renovation projects. 

When money is tight, companies are less likely to build and will be more focused on maintaining what they already own.

People who own their own homes may also put off unnecessary projects or planned renovations until the economy is looking a little less bleak.

The sports and leisure industries may also be hit hard as people cut back on unnecessary activities that could take a toll on their wallets. 

Consumers may no longer feel comfortable shelling out cash for tickets to games, jerseys, sports equipment, or leisure activities like golf.

Those who work in these industries may see a reduction in hours or have their jobs cut altogether until the average American pockets a bit more disposable income.

Like many of the other jobs on this list, car salespeople may have fewer opportunities when the average family is focused on tightening its belts.

The same is true (perhaps even more so) for people who sell other motor vehicles, such as RVs, boats, and motorcycles.

When money is tight, people are more likely to invest in the cars or vehicles they already have rather — and perhaps lower car insurance — than splurge on a new one.

Unfortunately, many people don’t consider the possibility of a recession when they're choosing the career that best suits their interests. 

There are simply so many other aspects to consider when you're trying to stop living paycheck to paycheck.

While some jobs—like doctors and electricians—may be a bit more recession-proof than others, that doesn't mean everyone with an at-risk job will see their livelihood destroyed by a recession. 

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that many industries are able to bounce back strongly.