The Most Endangered Jobs

The excitement of innovation tends to overshadow the plight of its victims, but for people whose jobs are becoming obsolete, technological advances can be a little terrifying. Many jobs that existed centuries or just decades ago seem like quaint pieces of history, but inventions like automated machinery, modern refrigeration and mouse traps also represent the ends of occupations like switchboard operators, ice cutters and rat catchers.

10 Most Endangered Jobs in 2014

As technology and consumer preferences evolve, thousands of people will see their industries and possibly disappear. Some of these jobs may go quicker than others, and some may never go extinct, but according to CareerCast’s 2014 Jobs Rated report (based on projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics), these careers are going the way of the lamplighter:

10. Tax examiner and collector
Median annual salary: $50,440
Hiring outlook by 2022: -4%

9. Printing worker
Median annual salary: $34,100
Hiring outlook by 2022: -5%

8. Drill-press operator
Median annual salary: $32,950
Hiring outlook by 2022: -6%

7. Flight attendant
Median annual salary: $37,240
Hiring outlook by 2022: -7%

6. Lumberjack
Median annual salary: $24,340
Hiring outlook by 2022: -9%

5. Travel agent
Median annual salary: $34,600
Hiring outlook by 2022: -12%

4. Newspaper reporter
Median annual salary: $37,090
Hiring outlook by 2022: -13%

3. Meter reader
Median annual salary: $36,410
Hiring outlook by 2022: -19%

2. Farmer
Median annual salary: $69,300
Hiring outlook by 2022: -19%

1. Mail carrier
Median annual salary: $53,100
Hiring outlook by 2022: -28%

If your occupation is one of those listed, it doesn’t mean you’re without a future, but you’re probably looking at a more competitive job market at the very least. Your job doesn’t matter when it comes to your credit standing, because income isn’t included on credit reports, but if you’re out of work, you’ll have trouble getting loans because of your diminished ability to repay debt. That’s why it’s important to keep your credit score at its best, so you have access to credit when you need it. You can see where your credit scores stand for free on Credit.com.