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100 least popular jobs in America

Published

11 months ago

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Stacker searched for the least popular jobs in America. It found them in Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
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Pinpointing which jobs are the country’s least popular can tell you something about the direction an economy is going.

That’s because industries that once thrived might have lost ground to technological or other advances and have few job openings. Others with many opportunities for employment might be growing.

Of course, jobs can be unpopular or uncommon for many reasons. On the TV show “Dirty Jobs,” host Mike Rowe is seen farming deer for urine and relocating beavers—clearly, employment that’s not for everyone.

Other jobs might require years of education or training or be limited to certain geographical areas.

Stacker ranked the 100 least popular jobs in America, based on their total employment and using May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Only detailed job categories were included in the analysis. Every position’s number of total workers in the United States is listed alongside its average annual wage and average hourly wage.

Read on to see if you hold one of the least popular jobs in the country.

A woman pulls out documents in a file cabinet.

Stokkete // Shutterstock

#100. Archivists

– Total nationwide employment: 7,230
– Median hourly wage: $28.19
– Median annual wage: $58,640

Heavy machinery workers in a discussion.

Kzenon // Shutterstock

#99. Helpers–extraction workers

– Total nationwide employment: 6,910
– Median hourly wage: $20.73
– Median annual wage: $43,110

A worker uses a welding torch on a piece of metal.

Glen Jones // Shutterstock

#98. Layout workers, metal and plastic

– Total nationwide employment: 6,890
– Median hourly wage: $28.01
– Median annual wage: $58,260

Railroad workers check the track for repairs.

APChanel // Shutterstock

#97. Signal and track switch repairers

– Total nationwide employment: 6,880
– Median hourly wage: $39.09
– Median annual wage: $81,300

Two colleagues look at a statistical analysis.

Golubovy // Shutterstock

#96. Statistical assistants

– Total nationwide employment: 6,710
– Median hourly wage: $23.50
– Median annual wage: $48,880

A worker dyes some fabric blue.

Brian Goodman // Shutterstock

#95. Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders

– Total nationwide employment: 6,640
– Median hourly wage: $15.71
– Median annual wage: $32,680

A man on a treadmill is monitored by a doctor.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#94. Exercise physiologists

– Total nationwide employment: 6,580
– Median hourly wage: $24.69
– Median annual wage: $51,350

A woman at a desk works on a computer.

GOLFX // Shutterstock

#93. Desktop publishers

– Total nationwide employment: 6,560
– Median hourly wage: $23.04
– Median annual wage: $47,910

A California Fish & Wildlife badge on the side of a car.

ZikG // Shutterstock

#92. Fish and game wardens

– Total nationwide employment: 6,530
– Median hourly wage: $28.61
– Median annual wage: $59,500

Workers bore a hole in a metal piece.

Pixel B // Shutterstock

#91. Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

– Total nationwide employment: 6,470
– Median hourly wage: $20.41
– Median annual wage: $42,450

Two men work on an architectural model of a house.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#89. Architecture teachers, postsecondary

– Total nationwide employment: 6,420
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $93,220

A technician works on a furnace blower fan.

Canva

#89. Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders

– Total nationwide employment: 6,420
– Median hourly wage: $20.62
– Median annual wage: $42,890

A man uses a tool to tune a piano.

Canva

#88. Musical instrument repairers and tuners

– Total nationwide employment: 6,330
– Median hourly wage: $18.34
– Median annual wage: $38,150

A patient waits for a dental procedure.

Canva

#87. Orthodontists

– Total nationwide employment: 6,310
– Median hourly wage: $83.83
– Median annual wage: $174,360

Workers at an oil drilling site.

LaKirr // Shutterstock

#86. Extraction workers, all other

– Total nationwide employment: 6,290
– Median hourly wage: $24.81
– Median annual wage: $51,600

A hydrologist takes a water sample.

Patrizio Martorana // Shutterstock

#85. Hydrologists

– Total nationwide employment: 6,270
– Median hourly wage: $41.34
– Median annual wage: $85,990

A farm worker checks on cows eating food.

Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#84. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

– Total nationwide employment: 6,250
– Median hourly wage: $36.42
– Median annual wage: $75,760

Researchers examine a tide pool.

I. Noyan Yilmaz // // Shutterstock

#83. Environmental science teachers, postsecondary

– Total nationwide employment: 6,240
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $83,040

An agricultural worker in a wheat field.

Canva

#82. Agricultural workers, all other

– Total nationwide employment: 6,100
– Median hourly wage: $17.17
– Median annual wage: $35,720

A forest worker looks at a tree while holding a chainsaw.

Canva

#81. Forest and conservation workers

– Total nationwide employment: 6,080
– Median hourly wage: $15.51
– Median annual wage: $32,270

Molten metal being poured into a casting.

Max Mark Agnor // Shutterstock

#80. Pourers and casters, metal

– Total nationwide employment: 6,070
– Median hourly wage: $21.67
– Median annual wage: $45,070

A worker getting gear checked for radioactivity.

Krysja // Shutterstock

#79. Nuclear technicians

– Total nationwide employment: 5,880
– Median hourly wage: $48.28
– Median annual wage: $100,420

Workers installing clay tiles on a roof.

Canva

#78. Helpers–roofers

– Total nationwide employment: 5,790
– Median hourly wage: $17.80
– Median annual wage: $37,020

Colorful costumes on hangars.

Linda Zupanc // Shutterstock

#77. Costume attendants

– Total nationwide employment: 5,730
– Median hourly wage: $23.30
– Median annual wage: $48,470

Three people on large stairway outside a building.

Desizned // Shutterstock

#76. Political scientists

– Total nationwide employment: 5,660
– Median hourly wage: $61.55
– Median annual wage: $128,020

A DJ uses a digital turntable.

viktoriia varvashchenko // Shutterstock

#75. Disc jockeys, except radio

– Total nationwide employment: 5,640
– Median hourly wage: $21.34
– Median annual wage: Not available

A woman with a headset in front of a computer.

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#74. Nuclear power reactor operators

– Total nationwide employment: 5,450
– Median hourly wage: $55.71
– Median annual wage: $115,870

A ballet instructor works with students.

Canva

#73. Choreographers

– Total nationwide employment: 5,400
– Median hourly wage: $24.52
– Median annual wage: $50,990

Photography equipment on a wood table.

Canva

#72. Photographic process workers and processing machine operators

– Total nationwide employment: 5,380
– Median hourly wage: $17.44
– Median annual wage: $36,280

A woman sharpens a tool.

Canva

#71. Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners

– Total nationwide employment: 5,320
– Median hourly wage: $20.16
– Median annual wage: $41,940

A patient in a chair getting dental work.

Canva

#70. Dentists, all other specialists

– Total nationwide employment: 5,250
– Median hourly wage: $102.28
– Median annual wage: $212,740

A wheel loader works in a mine.

Canva

#69. Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining

– Total nationwide employment: 5,210
– Median hourly wage: $30.73
– Median annual wage: $63,920

A proofreader works on documents.

Canva

#68. Proofreaders and copy markers

– Total nationwide employment: 5,120
– Median hourly wage: $21.83
– Median annual wage: $45,410

A woman writes in a notebook.

Canva

#67. Correspondence clerks

– Total nationwide employment: 4,970
– Median hourly wage: $18.61
– Median annual wage: $38,700

A teacher helps a student with a laptop.

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#65. Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary

– Total nationwide employment: 4,930
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $85,000

A man gives a ticket to an entertainment attendant.

ALPA PROD // Shutterstock

#65. Entertainment attendants and related workers, all other

– Total nationwide employment: 4,930
– Median hourly wage: $13.11
– Median annual wage: $27,260

A view of the casino floor at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

HannaTor // Shutterstock

#64. Gambling managers

– Total nationwide employment: 4,800
– Median hourly wage: $38.80
– Median annual wage: $80,710

A craft artist works on a piece of jewelry.

Robilad Co // Shutterstock

#63. Craft artists

– Total nationwide employment: 4,760
– Median hourly wage: $18.34
– Median annual wage: $38,150

Part of a building is imploded by explosives.

Fortish // Shutterstock

#62. Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters

– Total nationwide employment: 4,710
– Median hourly wage: $27.24
– Median annual wage: $56,670

A logging worker cuts up a tree.

Yulyazolotko // Shutterstock

#61. Fallers

– Total nationwide employment: 4,530
– Median hourly wage: $23.64
– Median annual wage: $49,160

A librarian helps a customer.

Canva

#60. Library science teachers, postsecondary

– Total nationwide employment: 4,330
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $76,370

An oral surgeon works on a patient.

Canva

#59. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons

– Total nationwide employment: 4,290
– Median hourly wage: #
– Median annual wage: #

A sander being used on a wood floor.

Canva

#58. Floor sanders and finishers

– Total nationwide employment: 4,270
– Median hourly wage: $22.14
– Median annual wage: $46,060

A woman on a headset talking with a customer.

Canva

#57. Telephone operators

– Total nationwide employment: 4,030
– Median hourly wage: $18.43
– Median annual wage: $38,330

A casket sits with flowers on it.

NKM999 // Shutterstock

#55. Embalmers

– Total nationwide employment: 3,950
– Median hourly wage: $23.99
– Median annual wage: $49,910

A log grader at work in a log yard.

TFoxFoto // Shutterstock

#55. Log graders and scalers

– Total nationwide employment: 3,950
– Median hourly wage: $20.37
– Median annual wage: $42,370

A rock splitter works at a quarry.

Canva

#54. Rock splitters, quarry

– Total nationwide employment: 3,910
– Median hourly wage: $22.12
– Median annual wage: $46,010

A commercial diver works on a project.

Aniwat phromrungsee // Shutterstock

#53. Commercial divers

– Total nationwide employment: 3,860
– Median hourly wage: $32.84
– Median annual wage: $68,300

A woman works on a math problem.

Erickson Stock // Shutterstock

#52. Mathematical science occupations, all other

– Total nationwide employment: 3,840
– Median hourly wage: $34.47
– Median annual wage: $71,700

A gas compressor operator checks the system.

Canva

#51. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators

– Total nationwide employment: 3,740
– Median hourly wage: $28.84
– Median annual wage: $59,990

A therapy aid works with a child.

Canva

#50. Occupational therapy aides

– Total nationwide employment: 3,710
– Median hourly wage: $17.82
– Median annual wage: $37,060

A marine worker looks through binoculars.

Denys Yelmanov // Shutterstock

#49. Bridge and lock tenders

– Total nationwide employment: 3,690
– Median hourly wage: $22.73
– Median annual wage: $47,280

A flat bed hauler carries a manufactured home.

indykb // Shutterstock

#48. Manufactured building and mobile home installers

– Total nationwide employment: 3,630
– Median hourly wage: $17.70
– Median annual wage: $36,820

A pile of logs await processing.

Canva

#47. Logging workers, all other

– Total nationwide employment: 3,490
– Median hourly wage: $22.65
– Median annual wage: $47,110

A piece of fabric being sewed by hand.

Canva

#46. Sewers, hand

– Total nationwide employment: 3,440
– Median hourly wage: $15.16
– Median annual wage: $31,530

A parked transit police vehicle.

JL IMAGES // Shutterstock

#45. Transit and railroad police

– Total nationwide employment: 3,370
– Median hourly wage: $33.25
– Median annual wage: $69,150

Two people discuss a model of a car.

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#44. Model makers, metal and plastic

– Total nationwide employment: 3,350
– Median hourly wage: $27.70
– Median annual wage: $57,620

A geography teacher points to Africa on a map.

GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

#43. Geography teachers, postsecondary

– Total nationwide employment: 3,340
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $81,920

A heavy machine drives a pile at a construction site.

Canva

#42. Pile driver operators

– Total nationwide employment: 3,290
– Median hourly wage: $30.92
– Median annual wage: $64,310

A fertility doctor consults with a couple.

Canva

#41. Genetic counselors

– Total nationwide employment: 3,220
– Median hourly wage: $43.26
– Median annual wage: $89,990

A dosimetrist gives radiation treatment to a patient.

Mark_Kostich // Shutterstock

#40. Medical dosimetrists

– Total nationwide employment: 3,190
– Median hourly wage: $62.01
– Median annual wage: $128,970

A woman with a laptop sits in front of a bookcase.

Agenturfotografin // Shutterstock

#39. Historians

– Total nationwide employment: 3,120
– Median hourly wage: $31.03
– Median annual wage: $64,540

A motorboat operator steers his watercraft.

Dmitry Dven // Shutterstock

#38. Motorboat operators

– Total nationwide employment: 3,110
– Median hourly wage: $19.92
– Median annual wage: $41,430

An apparel patternmaker measures some fabric.

Sergii Kovalov // Shutterstock

#37. Fabric and apparel patternmakers

– Total nationwide employment: 3,070
– Median hourly wage: $29.00
– Median annual wage: $60,320

An overhead view of a professional meeting.

Canva

#36. Sociologists

– Total nationwide employment: 2,980
– Median hourly wage: $47.40
– Median annual wage: $98,590

A makeup artist gets a performer ready.

Kokulina // Shutterstock

#35. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance

– Total nationwide employment: 2,970
– Median hourly wage: $46.33
– Median annual wage: $96,370

A worker repairs a shoe.

Olaf Speier // Shutterstock

#34. Shoe machine operators and tenders

– Total nationwide employment: 2,960
– Median hourly wage: $15.89
– Median annual wage: $33,060

Decorative urns sit on display.

SimonTheSorcerer // Shutterstock

#33. Crematory operators

– Total nationwide employment: 2,930
– Median hourly wage: $19.40
– Median annual wage: $40,360

A hydrologic technician writes in a notebook.

Photodiem // Shutterstock

#32. Hydrologic technicians

– Total nationwide employment: 2,920
– Median hourly wage: $28.06
– Median annual wage: $58,360

A rail worker walks on rail station platform.

APChanel // Shutterstock

#31. Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers

– Total nationwide employment: 2,680
– Median hourly wage: $27.09
– Median annual wage: $56,340

Farmers in a conversation near some cows.

Pressmaster // Shutterstock

#30. Animal scientists

– Total nationwide employment: 2,520
– Median hourly wage: $33.36
– Median annual wage: $69,390

A worker guides a hoist and winch operator.

Canva

#29. Hoist and winch operators

– Total nationwide employment: 2,440
– Median hourly wage: $28.34
– Median annual wage: $58,950

A man teaches a class with students.

Canva

#28. Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary

– Total nationwide employment: 2,420
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $76,440

Workers clear limbs and debris in the forest.

NancyS // Shutterstock

#27. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists

– Total nationwide employment: 2,290
– Median hourly wage: $23.13
– Median annual wage: $48,110

Workers operate heavy machinery in a mine.

Peruphotart // Shutterstock

#26. Underground mining machine operators, all other

– Total nationwide employment: 2,270
– Median hourly wage: $30.86
– Median annual wage: $64,180

A worker fixes a stretch of rail.

Canva

#25. Rail transportation workers, all other

– Total nationwide employment: 2,240
– Median hourly wage: $20.33
– Median annual wage: $42,280

A worker pours molten metal into a cast.

Funtay // Shutterstock

#24. Patternmakers, metal and plastic

– Total nationwide employment: 2,230
– Median hourly wage: $26.43
– Median annual wage: $54,970

Two men hanging wallpaper.

Canva

#23. Paperhangers

– Total nationwide employment: 2,220
– Median hourly wage: $21.60
– Median annual wage: $44,930

A man sets up a high-powered telescope.

abriendomundo // Shutterstock

#22. Astronomers

– Total nationwide employment: 2,160
– Median hourly wage: $61.70
– Median annual wage: $128,330

A worker repairs a digital camera.

Sergey Ryzhov // Shutterstock

#21. Camera and photographic equipment repairers

– Total nationwide employment: 2,120
– Median hourly wage: $21.18
– Median annual wage: $44,060

Parts of a math problem appear on a piece of paper.

Kenishirotie //Shutterstock

#19. Mathematicians

– Total nationwide employment: 2,070
– Median hourly wage: $53.90
– Median annual wage: $112,110

A model with a hat poses for a photo.

Canva

#19. Models

– Total nationwide employment: 2,070
– Median hourly wage: $20.73
– Median annual wage: $43,130

A projectionist at work in a theater.

Canva

#18. Motion picture projectionists

– Total nationwide employment: 1,900
– Median hourly wage: $16.04
– Median annual wage: $33,360

A wristwatch being fixed.

Canva

#17. Watch and clock repairers

– Total nationwide employment: 1,880
– Median hourly wage: $23.25
– Median annual wage: $48,370

A heavy machine attaches large bolts the ceiling of a mine.

Causeway // Shutterstock

#16. Roof bolters, mining

– Total nationwide employment: 1,700
– Median hourly wage: $28.95
– Median annual wage: $60,210

An agricultural worker checks soil makeup.

Budimir Jevtic // Shutterstock

#15. Agricultural engineers

– Total nationwide employment: 1,500
– Median hourly wage: $40.03
– Median annual wage: $83,260

Workers polish a floor.

Bannafarsai_Stock // Shutterstock

#14. Terrazzo workers and finishers

– Total nationwide employment: 1,460
– Median hourly wage: $25.16
– Median annual wage: $52,330

A man looks at a rock in a desolate landscape.

Adwo // Shutterstock

#13. Geographers

– Total nationwide employment: 1,360
– Median hourly wage: $42.74
– Median annual wage: $88,900

Workers listen to a coworker at a meeting.

fizkes // Shutterstock

#12. Industrial-organizational psychologists

– Total nationwide employment: 1,280
– Median hourly wage: $66.96
– Median annual wage: $139,280

Students examine soil and plant life.

Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock

#10. Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary

– Total nationwide employment: 1,270
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $96,500

A worker feeds milk to a baby goat.

goodluz // Shutterstock

#10. Animal breeders

– Total nationwide employment: 1,270
– Median hourly wage: $21.79
– Median annual wage: $45,320

A woman with a headset sits in front of a computer.

Canva

#9. Communications equipment operators, all other

– Total nationwide employment: 1,240
– Median hourly wage: $22.20
– Median annual wage: $46,180

Heavy machinery doing dredging work in a river.

motodan // Shutterstock

#8. Dredge operators

– Total nationwide employment: 940
– Median hourly wage: $22.64
– Median annual wage: $47,090

A pediatric surgeon at work.

beerkoff // Shutterstock

#7. Pediatric surgeons

– Total nationwide employment: 780
– Median hourly wage: #
– Median annual wage: #

A worker makes a model out of wood.

Canva

#6. Model makers, wood

– Total nationwide employment: 720
– Median hourly wage: $22.57
– Median annual wage: $46,940

A chef prepares a dish to serve.

carlesmiro // Shutterstock

#5. Cooks, private household

– Total nationwide employment: 610
– Median hourly wage: $18.54
– Median annual wage: $38,570

Heated refractory material at foundry.

Canva

#4. Refractory materials repairers, except brick masons

– Total nationwide employment: 580
– Median hourly wage: $24.30
– Median annual wage: $50,550

Farm laborers working in a field.

Canva

#3. Farm labor contractors

– Total nationwide employment: 550
– Median hourly wage: $23.72
– Median annual wage: $49,330

A man assembles a timing device.

PRESSLAB // Shutterstock

#2. Timing device assemblers and adjusters

– Total nationwide employment: 370
– Median hourly wage: $20.33
– Median annual wage: $42,290

A worker makes a measurement on a piece of wood.

Dusan Petkovic // Shutterstock

#1. Patternmakers, wood

– Total nationwide employment: 330
– Median hourly wage: $21.29
– Median annual wage: $44,290

 

Data reporting by Paxtyn Merten. Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. 

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Is real estate actually a good investment?

Published

3 days ago

on

April 22, 2024

By

Wealth Enhancement Group analyzed data from academic research, Standard and Poor's, and Nareit to compare real estate to stocks as investments.
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It’s well-documented that the surest, and often best, return on investments comes from playing the long game. But between stocks and real estate, which is the stronger bet?

To find out, financial planning firm Wealth Enhancement Group analyzed data from academic research, Standard and Poor’s, and Nareit to see how real estate compares to stocks as an investment.

Data going back to 1870 shows the well-established power of real estate as a powerful “long-run investment.” From 1870-2015, and after adjusting for inflation, real estate produced an average annual return of 7.05%, compared to 6.89% for equities. These findings, published in the 2019 issue of The Quarterly Journal of Economics, illustrate that stocks can deviate as much as 22% from their average, while housing only spreads out 10%. That’s because despite having comparable returns, stocks are inherently more volatile due to following the whims of the business cycle.

Real estate has inherent benefits, from unlocking cash flow and offering tax breaks to building equity and protecting investors from inflation. Investments here also help to diversify a portfolio, whether via physical properties or a real estate investment trust. Investors can track markets with standard resources that include the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, which tracks residential real estate prices; the Nareit U.S. Real Estate Index, which gathers data on the real estate investment trust, or REIT, industry; and the S&P 500, which tracks the stocks of 500 of the largest companies in the U.S.

High interest rates and a competitive market dampened the flurry of real-estate investments made in the last four years. The rise in interest rates equates to a bigger borrowing cost for investors, which can spell big reductions in profit margins. That, combined with the risk of high vacancies, difficult tenants, or hidden structural problems, can make real estate investing a less attractive option—especially for first-time investors.

Keep reading to learn more about whether real estate is a good investment today and how it stacks up against the stock market.


A line chart showing returns in the S&P 500, REITs, and US housing. $100 invested in the S&P 500 at the start of 1990 would be worth around $2,700 today if you reinvested the dividends.

Wealth Enhancement Group

Stocks and housing have both done well

REITs can offer investors the stability of real estate returns without bidding wars or hefty down payments. A hybrid model of stocks and real estate, REITs allow the average person to invest in businesses that finance or own income-generating properties.

REITs delivered slightly better returns than the S&P 500 over the past 20-, 25-, and 50-year blocks. However, in the short term—the last 10 years, for instance—stocks outperformed REITs with a 12% return versus 9.5%, according to data compiled by The Motley Fool investor publication.

Whether a new normal is emerging that stocks will continue to offer higher REITs remains to be seen.

This year, the S&P 500 reached an all-time high, courtesy of investor enthusiasm in speculative tech such as artificial intelligence. However, just seven tech companies, dubbed “The Magnificent 7,” are responsible for an outsized amount of the S&P’s returns last year, creating worry that there may be a tech bubble.

While indexes keep a pulse on investment performance, they don’t always tell the whole story. The Case-Shiller Index only measures housing prices, for example, which leaves out rental income (profit) or maintenance costs (loss) when calculating the return on residential real estate investment.

A chart showing the annual returns to real estate, stocks, bonds, and bills in 16 major countries between 1870 and 2015.

Wealth Enhancement Group

Housing returns have been strong globally too

Like its American peers, the global real estate market in industrialized nations offers comparable returns to the international stock market.

Over the long term, returns on stocks in industrialized nations is 7%, including dividends, and 7.2% in global real estate, including rental income some investors receive from properties. Investing internationally may have more risk for American buyers, who are less likely to know local rules and regulations in foreign countries; however, global markets may offer opportunities for a higher return. For instance, Portugal’s real estate market is booming due to international visitors deciding to move there for a better quality of life. Portugal’s housing offers a 6.3% return in the long term, versus only 4.3% for its stock market.

For those with deep enough pockets to stay in, investing in housing will almost always bear out as long as the buyer has enough equity to manage unforeseen expenses and wait out vacancies or slumps in the market. Real estate promises to appreciate over the long term, offers an opportunity to collect rent for income, and allows investors to leverage borrowed capital to increase additional returns on investment.

Above all, though, the diversification of assets is the surest way to guarantee a strong return on investments. Spreading investments across different assets increases potential returns and mitigates risk.

Story editing by Nicole Caldwell. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

This story originally appeared on Wealth Enhancement Group and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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5 tech advancements sports venues have added since your last event

Published

6 days ago

on

April 19, 2024

By

Uniqode compiled a list of technologies adopted by stadiums, arenas, and other major sporting venues in the past few years.
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In today’s digital climate, consuming sports has never been easier. Thanks to a plethora of streaming sites, alternative broadcasts, and advancements to home entertainment systems, the average fan has myriad options to watch and learn about their favorite teams at the touch of a button—all without ever having to leave the couch.

As a result, more and more sports venues have committed to improving and modernizing their facilities and fan experiences to compete with at-home audiences. Consider using mobile ticketing and parking passes, self-service kiosks for entry and ordering food, enhanced video boards, and jumbotrons that supply data analytics and high-definition replays. These innovations and upgrades are meant to draw more revenue and attract various sponsored partners. They also deliver unique and convenient in-person experiences that rival and outmatch traditional ways of enjoying games.

In Los Angeles, the Rams and Chargers’ SoFi Stadium has become the gold standard for football venues. It’s an architectural wonder with closer views, enhanced hospitality, and a translucent roof that cools the stadium’s internal temperature. 

The Texas Rangers’ ballpark, Globe Life Field, added field-level suites and lounges that resemble the look and feel of a sports bar. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are building a new arena (in addition to retail space, team offices, and an outdoor public plaza) that will seat 18,000 people and feature a fan section called The Wall, which will regulate attire and rooting interest.

It’s no longer acceptable to operate with old-school facilities and technology. Just look at Commanders Field (formerly FedExField), home of the Washington Commanders, which has faced criticism for its faulty barriers, leaking ceilings, poor food options, and long lines. Understandably, the team has been attempting to find a new location to build a state-of-the-art stadium and keep up with the demand for high-end amenities.

As more organizations audit their stadiums and arenas and keep up with technological innovations, Uniqode compiled a list of the latest tech advancements to coax—and keep—fans inside venues.


A person using the new walk out technology with a palm scan.

Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register // Getty Images

Just Walk Out technology

After successfully installing its first cashierless grocery store in 2020, Amazon has continued to put its tracking technology into practice.

In 2023, the Seahawks incorporated Just Walk Out technology at various merchandise stores throughout Lumen Field, allowing fans to purchase items with a swipe and scan of their palms.

The radio-frequency identification system, which involves overhead cameras and computer vision, is a substitute for cashiers and eliminates long lines. 

RFID is now found in a handful of stadiums and arenas nationwide. These stores have already curbed checkout wait times, eliminated theft, and freed up workers to assist shoppers, according to Jon Jenkins, vice president of Just Walk Out tech.

A fan presenting a digital ticket at a kiosk.

Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox // Getty Images

Self-serve kiosks

In the same vein as Amazon’s self-scanning technology, self-serve kiosks have become a more integrated part of professional stadiums and arenas over the last few years. Some of these function as top-tier vending machines with canned beers and nonalcoholic drinks, shuffling lines quicker with virtual bartenders capable of spinning cocktails and mixed drinks.

The kiosks extend past beverages, as many college and professional venues have started using them to scan printed and digital tickets for more efficient entrance. It’s an effort to cut down lines and limit the more tedious aspects of in-person attendance, and it’s led various competing kiosk brands to provide their specific conveniences.

A family eating food in a stadium.

Kyle Rivas // Getty Images

Mobile ordering

Is there anything worse than navigating the concourse for food and alcohol and subsequently missing a go-ahead home run, clutch double play, or diving catch?

Within the last few years, more stadiums have eliminated those worries thanks to contactless mobile ordering. Fans can select food and drink items online on their phones to be delivered right to their seats. Nearly half of consumers said mobile app ordering would influence them to make more restaurant purchases, according to a 2020 study at PYMNTS. Another study showed a 22% increase in order size.

Many venues, including Yankee Stadium, have taken notice and now offer personalized deliveries in certain sections and established mobile order pick-up zones throughout the ballpark.

A fan walking past a QR code sign in a seating area.

Darrian Traynor // Getty Images

QR codes at seats

Need to remember a player’s name? Want to look up an opponent’s statistics at halftime? The team at Digital Seat Media has you covered.

Thus far, the company has added seat tags to more than 50 venues—including two NFL stadiums—with QR codes to promote more engagement with the product on the field.  After scanning the code, fans can access augmented reality features, look up rosters and scores, participate in sponsorship integrations, and answer fan polls on the mobile platform.

Analysts introducing AI technology at a sports conference.

Boris Streubel/Getty Images for DFL // Getty Images

Real-time data analytics and generative AI

As more venues look to reinvigorate the in-stadium experience, some have started using generative artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics.  Though not used widely yet, generative AI tools can create new content—text, imagery, or music—in conjunction with the game, providing updates, instant replays, and location-based dining suggestions

Last year, the Masters golf tournament even began including AI score projections in its mobile app. Real-time data is streamlining various stadium pitfalls, allowing operation managers to monitor staffing issues at busy food spots, adjust parking flows, and alert custodians to dirty or damaged bathrooms. The data also helps with security measures. Open up an app at a venue like the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and report safety issues or belligerent fans to help better target disruptions and preserve an enjoyable experience.

Story editing by Nicole Caldwell. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

This story originally appeared on Uniqode and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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Import costs in these industries are keeping prices high

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2 weeks ago

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April 11, 2024

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Machinery Partner used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to identify the soaring import costs that have translated to higher costs for Americans.  
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Inflation has cooled substantially, but Americans are still feeling the strain of sky-high prices. Consumers have to spend more on the same products, from the grocery store to the gas pump, than ever before.

Increased import costs are part of the problem. The U.S. is the largest goods importer in the world, bringing in $3.2 trillion in 2022. Import costs rose dramatically in 2021 and 2022 due to shipping constraints, world events, and other supply chain interruptions and cost pressures. At the June 2022 peak, import costs for all commodities were up 18.6% compared to January 2020.

While import costs have since fallen most months—helping to lower inflation—they remain nearly 12% above what they were in 2020. And beginning in 2024, import costs began to rise again, with January seeing the highest one-month increase since March 2022.

Machinery Partner used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to identify the soaring import costs that have translated to higher costs for Americans. Imports in a few industries have had an outsized impact, helping drive some of the overall spikes. Crop production, primary metal manufacturing, petroleum and coal product manufacturing, and oil and gas extraction were the worst offenders, with costs for each industry remaining at least 20% above 2020.


A multiline chart showing the change in import costs in four major product industries.

Machinery Partner

Imports related to crops, oil, and metals are keeping costs up

At the mid-2022 peak, import costs related to oil, gas, petroleum, and coal products had the highest increases, doubling their pre-pandemic costs. Oil prices went up globally as leaders anticipated supply disruptions from the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. and other allied countries put limits on Russian revenues from oil sales through a price cap of oil, gas, and coal from the country, which was enacted in 2022.

This activity around the world’s second-largest oil producer pushed prices up throughout the market and intensified fluctuations in crude oil prices. Previously, the U.S. had imported hundreds of thousands of oil barrels from Russia per day, making the country a leading source of U.S. oil. In turn, the ban affected costs in the U.S. beyond what occurred in the global economy.

Americans felt this at the pump—with gasoline prices surging 60% for consumers year-over-year in June 2022 and remaining elevated to this day—but also throughout the economy, as the entire supply chain has dealt with higher gas, oil, and coal prices.

Some of the pressure from petroleum and oil has shifted to new industries: crop production and primary metal manufacturing. In each of these sectors, import costs in January were up about 40% from 2020.

Primary metal manufacturing experienced record import price growth in 2021, which continued into early 2022. The subsequent monthly and yearly drops have not been substantial enough to bring costs down to pre-COVID levels. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting shows that increasing alumina and aluminum production prices had the most significant influence on primary metal import prices. Aluminum is widely used in consumer products, from cars and parts to canned beverages, which in turn inflated rapidly.

Aluminum was in short supply in early 2022 after high energy costs—i.e., gas—led to production cuts in Europe, driving aluminum prices to a 13-year high. The U.S. also imposes tariffs on aluminum imports, which were implemented in 2018 to cut down on overcapacity and promote U.S. aluminum production. Suppliers, including Canada, Mexico, and European Union countries, have exemptions, but the tax still adds cost to imports.

U.S. agricultural imports have expanded in recent decades, with most products coming from Canada, Mexico, the EU, and South America. Common agricultural imports include fruits and vegetables—especially those that are tropical or out-of-season—as well as nuts, coffee, spices, and beverages. Turmoil with Russia was again a large contributor to cost increases in agricultural trade, alongside extreme weather events and disruptions in the supply chain. Americans felt these price hikes directly at the grocery store.

The U.S. imports significantly more than it exports, and added costs to those imports are felt far beyond its ports. If import prices continue to rise, overall inflation would likely follow, pushing already high prices even further for American consumers.

Story editing by Shannon Luders-Manuel. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.

This story originally appeared on Machinery Partner and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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