The world of work is changing at a pace that can leave even the most seasoned professionals feeling a little dizzy.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your job is safe—or if you’re thinking about what roles your children or grandchildren should be aiming for—recent research has shed some much-needed light on which Australian jobs are fading into history, and which are booming.
Let’s take a closer look at the jobs that are vanishing, the ones that are thriving, and what’s driving these dramatic shifts in the employment landscape.
It’s no secret that technology, automation, and changing consumer habits have transformed how we work. But which jobs are most at risk? According to KPMG’s analysis of employment trends from 2014 to 2024, these five roles have seen the steepest declines:
1. Travel agents: Down 34 per cent to just 17,600 workers
Remember the days of popping into your local travel agency to book a holiday? Thanks to the rise of online booking sites and apps, those days are largely behind us. The industry has shrunk dramatically while there’s still a place for travel specialists—especially for complex or bespoke trips.
2. Print manufacturing workers: Down 23 per cent to 20,700 workers
As more of us read news and books on screens, the demand for printed materials has plummeted. The decline in printed books, newspapers, and magazines has hit this sector hard.
3. Executive assistants: Down 21.6 per cent to 82,300 workers
Automating admin tasks—calendar management, travel bookings, and even note-taking—has reduced the need for traditional executive assistants. Smartphones and productivity apps are now doing much of the heavy lifting.
4. Farmers: Down 13.3 per cent to 144,800 workers
The shift from small, family-run farms to larger, more industrial operations has meant fewer people are needed on the land. Add in the challenges of climate change and fluctuating commodity prices, and it’s a tough time for many in agriculture.
5. Telco repair and installation workers: Down 12.4 per cent to 37,500 workers
As technology becomes more reliable and self-service options increase, fewer technicians are needed to keep us connected.
The reasons behind these declines are as varied as the jobs themselves. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, many administrative and technical roles have begun to vanish, overtaken by software, apps, and more intelligent devices.
The convenience these innovations offer has fundamentally changed how we work, making once vital positions seem obsolete.
Meanwhile, consumer habits are evolving at an unprecedented pace. People now book their holidays online, read e-books on tablets, and manage their schedules through various digital platforms, embracing technology’s ease.
This shift reflects a broader change in how we interact with the world around us, as we gravitate towards more efficient and self-directed ways of living.
As industries adapt, consolidation has become a notable trend, particularly in sectors like farming. Larger, more efficient operations are becoming the norm, focusing on maximising productivity and reducing overhead costs.
Additionally, globalisation plays a significant role in this evolution. Many roles have been outsourced or replaced by overseas services as companies seek to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Jobs that are on the rise
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Some sectors are experiencing a jobs boom like never before. If you’re looking for job security—or thinking about a career change—these are the fields to watch:
1. Aged and disabled care workers: Up 98 per cent to 429,400 workers
Australia’s ageing population means there’s a massive demand for carers. As more Baby Boomers enter their late 70s and 80s, the need for aged care and disability support will only grow.
2. Allied health workers: Up 83.9 per cent to 189,200 workers
This includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other health professionals who support recovery and well-being.
3. Tech and IT professionals: Up 55 per cent to 497,300 workers
From cybersecurity to software development, the digital world needs skilled workers. As our lives become more connected, the demand for tech talent continues to soar.
4. Early childhood and child care: Up 52.5 per cent to 257,000 workers
With more families relying on dual incomes, the need for quality childcare has never been higher.
5. Human resources professionals: Up 41.2 per cent to 264,700 workers
As workplaces become more complex, HR professionals are in demand to manage recruitment, well-being, and compliance.
And it’s not just these broad sectors. Some specialist roles have seen even more dramatic growth:
- Audiologists and speech pathologists: Up 147.1 per cent
- Psychologists: Up 99.6 per cent
- Nutrition Professionals: Up 50 per cent
As society evolves, we face significant demographic shifts that shape our future. An ageing population and higher birth rates drive an increasing demand for care workers and childcare professionals.
In response to these changing demands, governments are making substantial investments. Billions of dollars are allocated to health, disability, and childcare services, paving the way to meeting our society’s future needs.
At the same time, a tech revolution is sweeping across every industry, fundamentally transforming how we live and work. Advancements in technology are creating new roles and opportunities, paving the way for innovative solutions to age-old problems.
Could ‘extinct’ jobs make a comeback?
Some experts believe that not all disappearing jobs are gone for good. For example, travel agents may see a renaissance as people seek more personalised, complex travel experiences that an algorithm can’t replicate.
As LinkedIn’s career expert Cayla Dengate pointed out, ‘Travel specialists have a strong network and talk to airlines and travel providers to find out what’s the best deal. And that’s something that AI can’t do just yet.’
Are you working in a sector that’s shrinking or booming? Have you made a career change later in life? We’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences in the comments below.
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