Worried that technology improvements or the struggling economy might soon cost you your job? While a prediction isn’t a guarantee, employment predictions from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that some occupations are expected to decline in the near future. The projections, which are updated every two years, show that the total number of people employed in the United States will have increased 10 percent — by 15. 6 million — between 2006 and 2016. Not all jobs, however, are on the rise. Check out this list of 30 jobs expected to be among the fastest declining. (Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook and Career Guide to Industries.)

Model makers and patternmakers, wood Number employed in 2006: 4,000 Percent change in 2016: Model makers, -40.8 percent; patternmakers, -39.9 percent Education/training: Most woodworkers are trained on the job, but employers also look for a high school diploma, and computer and math skills. Woodworkers are increasingly expected to have some secondary education in the field as well, whether from a technical school or college. 2006 median salary: Model makers, $28,470; patternmakers, $31,510; Job outlook: Technology improvements will cut into job availability for these workers. However, there will still be opportunities for those who know how to create and produce designs on a computer. More info on woodworkers

Photographic process workers and processing machine operators Number employed in 2006: 73,000 Percent change in 2016: Photographic process workers, -36.3 percent; photographic processing machine workers, -49.8 percent Education/training: High school graduates with mathematical and computer skills, and some experience in the field, are desired for these positions. Most training is received on the job. 2006 median salary: Photographic process workers, $23,280; photographic processing machine workers, $19,500 Job outlook: Jobs in this field will decline rapidly as digital cameras, which continue to drop in price, become the equipment of choice for professional and amateur photographers. More info on photo process workers

Textile machine setters, operators, and tenders Number employed in 2006: 122,000 Percent change in 2016: From -24.3 percent for winding, twisting, and drawing out machine workers, to -30.9 percent for knitting and weaving machine workers. Education/training: Skills are typically learned on-the-job, but manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude are necessary as well. Apprenticeships and other forms of formal, in-house training can last up to two years. 2006 median salary: From $21,620 to cutting machine workers, to $24,290 for knitting and weaving machine workers. Job outlook: Jobs in textiles will suffer as US companies, under pressure to increase production and contain costs, increasingly import clothing and textiles. Many new textiles also require less production and processing. More info on textile workers

Credit, file, new account, and order clerks Number employed in 2006: 655,000 Percent change in 2016: -27.8 percent Education/training: On-the-job training is usually provided, and different positions may require additional courses. 2006 median salary: Salaries range from $22,090 for a file clerk to $29,970 for an order clerk. Job outlook: All of these careers will be negatively impacted by technology improvements and office automation. More info on credit clerks More info on file clerks More info on order clerks

Computer operators Number employed in 2006: 130,000 Percent change in 2016: -24.7 percent Education/training: A high school degree is typically the only prerequisite for these positions. Employees then receive on-the-job training, though formal computer training from a technical school or community college is a major plus. 2006 median salary: $33,560 Job outlook: The growing use of software that automates computer operations has made systems more efficient, reducing the need for computer operators. More info on computer operators

Bookbinders and bindery workers Number employed in 2006: 72,000 Percent change in 2016: Bindery workers, -21.8 percent; bookbinders, -16.9 percent Education/training: A high school diploma or an associate degree is preferred, and workers will receive on-the-job training. These jobs are ideal for the detail oriented and mechanically inclined. 2006 median salary: Bindery workers, $25,570; bookbinders, $30,260 Job outlook: Technological improvements have changed the way the bookbinding industry operates. More books are printed in-house rather than sent to specialty shops, while other work is being lost to foreign companies that can produce materials that traditionally take longer at a cheaper rate. More info on bindery workers

Radio operators Number employed in 2006: 2,000 Percent change in 2016: -16.3 percent Education/training: This an entry-level position that usually entails on-the-job training. 2006 median salary: $37,890 Job outlook: More radio stations are switching to remote operation of programming and transmitters, which will eliminate many jobs. More info on radio operators

Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Number employed in 2006: 513,000 Percent change in 2016: From -14.9 percent for cutting, punching, and press machine workers, to -23.3 percent for lathe and turning machine setters. Education/training: A high school diploma, classroom training in shop and blueprint reading, a solid math and computer background, and knowledge of the properties of metal and plastic can all help a worker setting out in this career. Training begins with observing and assisting experienced workers. 2006 median salary: From $26,340 for cutting, punching, and press machine workers, to $32,160 for lathe and turning machine setters. Job outlook: The implementation of labor-saving machinery, the changing demand for goods, and foreign competition will all lead to the rapid decline of these types of job opportunities. More info on machine operators

Pumping station operators Number employed in 2006: 29,000 Percent change in 2016: From -11.9 percent for wellhead pumpers, to -17.5 percent for gas compressor and gas pumping station operators Education/training: There may not be any formal education requirements for many of these positions, but employees who handle toxic chemicals receive education in safety awareness and procedure. 2006 median salary: From $36,150 for wellhead pumpers, to $45,400 for gas compressor and gas pumping station operators Job outlook: The need for these workers will decline because of continued productivity increases in the industry. More info on pumping station operators

Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders Number employed in 2006: 106,000 Percent change in 2016: -12.9 percent Education/training: Training is usually provided on the job and can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Becoming skilled in all aspects of the job can take from a year to two years. 2006 median salary: $26,830 Job outlook: The automation of painting and coating techniques will raise worker productivity, eliminating the need for many employees. More info on painting and coating workers

Wallpaper hangers Number employed in 2006: 10,000 Percent change in 2016: -12.2 percent Education/training: Technical school or apprenticeships lasting two to four years are a great way to gain a combination of classroom and paid on-the-job training that could. There are few informal training opportunities. 2006 median salary: $34,190 Job outlook: The need for paperhangers will decline as more modern decorative finishes, such as faux effects and sponging, gain in popularity at the expense of paper, vinyl, or fabric wall coverings. More info on paperhangers

Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles Number employed in 2006: 29,000 Percent change in 2016: -12.2 percent Education/training: Floor layers receive on-the-job training, beginning with learning the basic tools of the trade. They will also learn to prepare floor surfaces, and to cut and install floor covering. 2006 median salary: $34,190 Job outlook: Floor layers who install laminate, cork, rubber, and vinyl will encounter rapid job decline as these materials are used more infrequently.

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Communications equipment operators Number employed in 2006: 209,000 Percent change in 2016: Switchboard operators, -12.1; telephone operators, -39.5. Education/training: Most receive a combination of on-the-job training and classes that last from a few hours to a few weeks. Customer service training is common for switchboard operators. 2006 median salary: Switchboard operators, $22,640; telephone operators, $34,140. Job outlook: Opportunities for switchboard and telephone operators are expected to decline rapidly because of the growth of technology, including voice recognition systems. More info on communications equipment operators

Refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons Number employed in 2006: 3,500 Percent change in 2016: -11.5 percent Education/training: These employees receive moderate-term on-the-job training. 2006 median salary: $34,190 Job outlook: These workers, who build or repair furnaces, kilns, boilers, and ovens, will experience rapid job decline. More info on refractory materials repairers

Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators Number employed in 2006: 25,000 Percent change in 2016: -11.4 percent Education/training: Railroads require a minimum of a high school diploma, and typically provide formal training and on-the-job training for their employees. 2006 median salary: $48,860 Job outlook: These job opportunities will decline as remote control locomotive technology becomes more prevalent. More info on railroad brake, signal, and switch operators

Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers, recordkeeping Number employed in 2006: 79,000 Percent change in 2016: -11.3 percent Education/training: Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers weigh, measure, and check materials, supplies, and equipment in order to keep accurate records. Most of these positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, but computer experience is a plus. Skills such as operating a forklift, which is used to transport the materials to the scale, are learned through on-the-job training. 2006 median salary: $25,370 Job outlook: In this field too the growing use of automated equipment will be responsible for the elimination of many jobs. More info on weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers

Pharmacy aides Number employed in 2006: 50,000 Percent change in 2016: -11.1 percent Education/training: Most receive on-the-job training, with employers looking for at least a high school diploma, as well as strong customer service skills. 2006 median salary: $20,950 Job outlook: Decline is due to pharmacy technicians taking on many of the responsibilities of pharmacy aides, such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and administrative tasks. More info on pharmacy aides

Shoe and leather workers Number employed in 2006: 20,000 Percent change in 2016: Shoe and leather workers and repairers, -10.3 percent; store machine operators and tenders, -35.7 percent Education/training: Skills are typically learned on the job, but manual dexterity and mechanical aptitude are necessary as well. Apprenticeships and other forms of formal, in-house training can take up to two years. 2006 median salary: Shoe and leather workers and repairers, $20,450; store machine operators and tenders, $21,910 Job outlook: The field will decline rapidly as companies import less expensive foreign shoes. The demand for shoe repair has also declined as more people opt just to buy a new pair of shoes. More info on shoe and leather workers

Meter readers, utilities Number employed in 2006: 47,000 Percent change in 2016: -10.3 percent Education/training: This is an entry-level position for which a high school diploma is preferred. People who are interested in a career in utilities use this position as a stepping stone and experience builder. 2006 median salary: $30,330 Job outlook: New technology that allows meters to be monitored and billed from a central location will eliminate many of the jobs of meter readers. More info on meter readers

Telemarketers Number employed in 2006: 395,000 Percent change in 2016: -9.9 percent Education/training: Short-term on-the-job training and good phone and sales skills are all that are typically required. 2006 median salary: $24,190 Job outlook: Decline will come as a result of more people opting out of receiving sales calls from salespersons, and as call-blocking technology improves. More info

Printers Number employed in 2006: 317,000 Percent change in 2016: From -5.7 percent for printing machine operators, to -21.2 percent for pre-press technicians and workers. Education/training: Traditionally, press workers have received on-the-job training. However, employers are now looking for candidates with printing experience and knowledge of new digital technology. 2006 median salary: From $30,990 for printing machine operators, to $33,310 for pre-press technicians and workers. Job outlook: The size of printing staffs is expected to decline because of improvements in printing technology. However, those with computer skills may still be able to find job opportunities. More info on printing machine operators More info on prepress workers

Floral designers Number employed in 2006: 87,000 Percent change in 2016: -8.9 percent Education/training: Floral designers generally aren’t required to have a degree, and most learn their skills on the job. 2006 median salary: $21,700 Job outlook: The decline will mostly affect the wholesale market, as more shops purchase flowers and supplies directly from growers. Still, job opportunities will still exist because there is high turnover in retail floral design. More info on floral designers

Purchasing agents and buyers, farm products Number employed in 2006: 16,000 Percent change in 2016: -8.6 percent Education/training: It depends on the size of the firm, but applicants generally start as trainees, purchasing clerks, or junior buyers and advance as they acquire certifications. Some require bachelor’s degrees. 2006 median salary: $53,730 Job outlook: The decline is due mainly to agricultural and grocery-related consolidation. More info on farm product purchasing agents and buyers

Farmers and ranchers Number employed in 2006: 1,058,000 Percent change in 2016: -8.5 percent Education/training: While many farmers receive their training on the job, getting a 2-year or 4-year degree at an agriculture school is becoming more important. Good managerial skills are important to successfully making a living in this industry. 2006 median salary: $43,520 Job outlook: The decline in farmers and ranchers continue as farms consolidate. However, as a generation of farmers retire in the next decade, there will be opportunities for new farmers, especially those who produce corn used for ethanol. More info on farmers and ranchers

Projectionists Number employed in 2006: 11,000 Percent change in 2016: -8.4 percent Education/training: Short-term on-the-job training. 2006 median salary: $20,180 Job outlook: The movie industry has become increasingly concerned that digital movie piracy could threaten theater attendance. Also, more theaters in the future will be capable of projecting films digitally. More info on motion picture projectionists

Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators Number employed in 2006: 198,000 Percent change in 2016: -8.4 percent 2006 median salary: $46,900 Education/training: Postal service workers receive on-the-job training from experienced employees and classroom instruction on safety and defensive driving. Job outlook Sorting devices, scanners, and optical readers will replace the traditional staff needs of the post office. More info on postal service workers

Radio and television announcers Number employed in 2006: 59,000 Percent change in 2016: -8.3 percent Education/training: Formal broadcasting training from a college or technical school is valuable. Long-term on-the-job training is also common. 2006 median salary: $36,120 Job outlook: The consolidation of radio and TV stations, the growth of other media sources, and new technology are contributing to the decline. Also, the field is very competitive, with many more job seekers than jobs. More info on radio and television announcers

Stock clerks and order fillers Number employed in 2006: 1,705,000 Percent change in 2016: -7.7 percent Education/training: The job is usually learned under close supervision. On-the-job training includes shelf stocking and the use of automated equipment. 2006 median salary: $20,440 Job outlook: Computers and automated equipment will cut largely into the need for clerks and order fillers in such capacities as inventory. More info on stock clerks and order fillers

Data entry and information processing workers Number employed in 2006: 492,000 Percent change in 2016: -7.2 percent Education/training: Employers look for candidates with a high school diploma, prior word processing or data entry experience, and accurate, fast typing skills when hiring. 2006 median salary: The median salary of word processors and typists was $29,430, and the median salary of data entry keyers was $24,690. Job outlook: Job opportunities for word processors and typists will decline the most, as more people own personal computers and do their own typing. Positions in data entry will fall as well, but at a slightly lower rate due to the cost of purchasing new technology such as barcode scanners and voice-recognition software. More info on data entry workers