OM in the News: Six Jobs From the 1950s That Barely Exist Today

The U.S. workforce has transformed dramatically since the 1950s, a decade marked by economic prosperity, suburban expansion, and rapid industrialization, writes History Facts. Some careers that may have seemed stable and essential then, but time, technology, and changing needs have made them and many others all but disappear. Here are 6 jobs that were popular in the 1950s but are now nearly extinct.

Telephone Switchboard Operator. Before direct-dial telephone systems took over, switchboard operators were the backbone of communication, ensuring calls reached the right destination. In the 1950s, the U.S. had about  1,342,000 telephone switchboard operators. It was a demanding job that required quick reflexes. By the 1970s, automated dialing systems phased out the need for human operators.

Milkman. Having fresh milk delivered to your doorstep was once a common part of American life. The local milkman made rounds, leaving glass bottles on doorsteps and retrieving empty ones. This service was necessary before the widespread adoption of home refrigeration. By 2005, this number had dwindled from over 50% of homes  receiving delivery to just 0.4%.

Elevator Operator. In the mid-20th century, elevator operators were essential for manually controlling elevators in department stores, office buildings, and hotels. At its peak, the profession employed more than 90,000 workers. Only a few historic buildings still employ operators today, for nostalgia.

Typist. Secretarial jobs became essential during the Industrial Revolution, as businesses generated more paperwork than ever before. By 1950, secretarial work had become the most common occupation for women, with 1.7 million employed.  While secretarial roles still exist today, the number of workers specifically categorized as “word processors and typists” has declined to 37,200.

Motion Picture Projectionist. Projectionists played a vital role in the moviegoing experience in the 1950s, operating and maintaining film projectors in theaters. By 2013, 92% of movie theaters had made the switch to digital projection. In 1950, 26,000 people were employed as projectionists. By 2023, that number had fallen to 2,610.

Gas Station Attendant. Full-service gas stations were the standard in the 1950s, with attendants pumping gas, checking oil levels, cleaning windshields, and inspecting tire pressure. The 1973 oil crisis, which led to soaring gas prices, accelerated the transition to self-service as both businesses and consumers sought cost-saving measures. (Today, New Jersey is the only state that prohibits drivers from pumping their own gas).

Classroom discussion questions:

1. What jobs that exist today do you think will be extinct in 20 years?
2. What new jobs have been created in this past 1/2 century?