Jobs That Will Grow or Disappear by 2034, According to U.S. Labor Data

The Future of Work Might Surprise You

Imagine stepping into 2034. Some of the jobs you see everywhere today — cashiers, delivery drivers, even certain office clerks — might be rare or completely gone. At the same time, brand-new roles in green energy, AI, and healthcare could dominate the employment landscape.

This isn’t science fiction. These predictions come straight from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the American equivalent of Brazil’s IBGE. Every decade, they release detailed forecasts about which professions will grow, shrink, or stay the same. And the latest outlook to 2034 paints a fascinating picture of how work is transforming.

In this article, we’ll break down the jobs that will grow the fastest, the ones that are shrinking, and the reasons behind these shifts. More importantly, we’ll talk about what this means for your career — and how to stay ahead in a world where change is the only constant.

The Big Picture: Why Job Trends Matter in 2034

Work is changing faster than ever. A few big forces are driving this shift:

• Technology & Automation: AI, robotics, and machine learning are reshaping how businesses operate.

• Aging Populations: The U.S., like many countries, has more older people than ever before, boosting healthcare demand.

• Climate Change: Green jobs in renewable energy and sustainability are rising as nations push for net-zero emissions.

• Consumer Behavior: People shop online, use apps for services, and expect instant results — all affecting which roles grow or decline.

The BLS projections don’t just show numbers. They highlight where opportunities will open up and where they’ll vanish. If you’re making career choices — or just curious about the future — this roadmap can be a game-changer.

The Fastest-Growing Jobs by 2034

Let’s start with the exciting part: the jobs of tomorrow. According to the BLS, these are the roles expected to grow the most over the next decade. Spoiler: healthcare, tech, and green energy dominate.

1. Wind Turbine Technicians

• Projected Growth: +45% by 2034

• Why? The U.S. is investing heavily in renewable energy. Wind power is expanding, and someone has to install, maintain, and repair those giant turbines.

• Fun fact: Wind techs already earn around $60,000+ annually, often with training programs shorter than a traditional degree.

2. Nurse Practitioners & Healthcare Workers

• Projected Growth: +38% by 2034

• With an aging population, demand for healthcare skyrockets. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and home health aides are at the heart of this boom.

• Why it matters: These jobs combine stability with purpose — helping people live longer, healthier lives.

3. Data Scientists & AI Specialists

• Projected Growth: +35% by 2034

• Every industry is going digital. Data is the “new oil,” and companies need experts to analyze it, build AI tools, and create smarter systems.

• Expect demand in finance, healthcare, logistics, and even entertainment.

4. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

• Projected Growth: +32% by 2034

• Solar is no longer niche — it’s mainstream. With government incentives and consumer demand rising, solar panel installers will be in high demand.

• Good news: Many training programs are short, and salaries are climbing.

5. Occupational & Physical Therapy Roles

• Projected Growth: +25% by 2034

• From sports injuries to aging older people needing rehab, therapy roles are crucial. This sector blends healthcare and personal care, creating jobs that AI simply can’t replace.

6. Cybersecurity Analysts

• Projected Growth: +20% by 2034

• Hackers never sleep, and neither does the demand for digital security. Cybersecurity jobs are booming because companies, governments, and even individuals need protection against data breaches.

7. Mental Health Professionals

• Projected Growth: +19% by 2034

• Awareness around mental health has skyrocketed. More people are seeking therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, making this one of the most stable growth areas.

👉 Bottom line: If you’re looking to future-proof your career, healthcare, tech, and green energy are safe bets.

The Jobs Likely to Shrink or Disappear by 2034

Now for the tougher news: some jobs are fading fast. Automation, AI, and changing habits are making certain roles less necessary. Here’s what the BLS projects will decline.

1. Cashiers

• Projected Decline: –10% by 2034

• Self-checkout kiosks and automated payment systems are replacing traditional cashier roles.

• Think about how often you already scan your own groceries — this trend isn’t slowing down.

2. Office Clerks & Data Entry Workers

• Projected Decline: –12% by 2034

• Paperwork is going digital. AI systems handle scheduling, filing, and data entry faster than humans.

• Roles once considered “safe office jobs” are now at risk.

3. Postal Service Workers

• Projected Decline: –18% by 2034

• Fewer people send letters. With email and online billing, the postal industry is shrinking, although package delivery remains strong.

4. Drivers (Taxi, Truck, Delivery)

• Projected Decline: –15% by 2034 (in some categories)

• Autonomous vehicles are still developing, but once they go mainstream, they’ll reshape transportation jobs.

• Ride-sharing apps are already changing how people think about car ownership.

5. Printing & Publishing Jobs

• Projected Decline: –20% by 2034

• Newspapers and magazines are moving online. Printing press operators and traditional publishing jobs are declining as digital takes over.

6. Telemarketers

• Projected Decline: –25% by 2034

• Robocalls, AI chatbots, and automated marketing tools are replacing human telemarketers. Most of us don’t pick up calls from unknown numbers anyway.

👉 Takeaway: Jobs based on routine, repetitive tasks are most at risk. If a robot or software can do it faster and cheaper, chances are it will.

Why These Changes Are Happening

The BLS isn’t just guessing. Here’s what’s driving these shifts:

1. Automation & AI: Machines can do repetitive tasks cheaper, faster, and without breaks.

2. Demographics: More older people = higher demand for healthcare and caregiving.

3. Sustainability: Green energy is replacing fossil fuels, fueling renewable jobs.

4. Consumer Habits: From online shopping to digital subscriptions, people’s choices shape which industries thrive.

In short, technology and demographics are rewriting the playbook for employment.

How to Future-Proof Your Career

Okay, so what do you do with all this info? Whether you’re a student, a mid-career professional, or just curious, here are ways to stay ahead:

1. Learn Digital Skills

Even if you’re not in tech, digital literacy is crucial. Knowing how to analyze data, use AI tools, or manage digital systems can make you valuable in almost any job.

2. Embrace Lifelong Learning

The days of “study once, work forever” are over. Reskilling and upskilling will be part of every career. Online courses, certifications, and short training programs can open new doors.

3. Focus on Human Skills

Robots can’t replace empathy, creativity, or leadership. Jobs that rely on communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence will remain strong.

4. Explore Growth Industries

Healthcare, tech, sustainability — these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re industries with guaranteed demand over the next decade.

5. Stay Flexible

The career you start with may not be the one you end with. Flexibility is the real job security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which jobs will grow the most by 2034?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest-growing jobs include wind turbine technicians, nurse practitioners, solar panel installers, data scientists, and cybersecurity analysts.

Which jobs will disappear by 2034?

Roles like cashiers, office clerks, postal service workers, and telemarketers are projected to shrink significantly due to automation and digital transformation.

How reliable are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections?

BLS projections are considered highly reliable because they use economic models, labor data, and demographic trends. Of course, unexpected global events (like a pandemic) can shift timelines.

How can I prepare for the future of work?

Stay adaptable. Learn digital skills, focus on human-centered roles, and keep up with industries expected to grow (healthcare, tech, and green energy).

Conclusion: Don’t Fear the Future — Shape It

Yes, some jobs will shrink by 2034. But history shows that while technology replaces certain roles, it also creates entirely new ones. A century ago, there were no app developers, social media managers, or solar technicians. Now they’re thriving careers.

The key is to stay informed, stay flexible, and keep learning. The future of work isn’t about disappearing jobs — it’s about transformation.

So the real question isn’t, “Will my job exist in 2034?” It’s “Am I ready to adapt to the jobs of 2034?”

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