Here’s a sad statistic: Employment at U.S. airlines has just hit a 16 year low.

Terrible – both for the people who’ve lost their jobs, and for us passengers who’ve long depended on these folks.

So who’d want to join this industry? Good question – but just in case your kid asks your advice (hah!) on employment opportunities, here is my list of the five worst airline industry jobs.

Believe me, this has nothing to do with the great people who hold these jobs now – most of them work very hard at what they do and deserve our thanks. It’s just that, thanks to the financial mess that the airline industry is in, these jobs now lack opportunity, or security, or pay – or all of the above.

So keep reading – to see my picks for the Top 5 Worst Airline Jobs…

Top 5 Worst Jobs in the Airline Industry

1.) Customer service: Well, since we passengers don’t get much customer service anymore, it would seem a risky venture, career-wise. Lots of kiosks, lots of out-sourcing (though some airlines are trying to improve). One might find more opportunity for work in this “people friendly” line, at say – your local cable company.

2.) Sky Caps: Let’s see, first they started charging a fee for checked-bags, so a lot of people began using carryons. At the same time, some who continued to check bags stopped tipping. Then the airlines started penalizing passengers who checked their bags at the airport – by charging less to check bags online. Is it any wonder you see fewer baggage guys these days?

3.) Regional Pilots: The hours can be bad, and the wages can be embarrassing – but if you are an incredibly disciplined and dedicated individual who loves flying, this may be for you – and may be a way to get your foot in the door with the big boys. But – no guarantees.

4.) Flight Attendants: These overworked men and women probably once thought they had terrific job security, but – look at recent headlines: hundreds and hundreds laid off. And remember, it’s usually the case of “last hired, first fired”.

5.) Airline Chefs: A dying breed. Sure, they still cook meals (or at least, “design” them) for first class passengers, but I’m also pretty sure the likes of Chef Gordon Ramsay and his pals had nothing to do with my pack of pretzels. Besides, passengers lucky enough to get a free hot meal still complain — and sometimes write very nasty letters (just ask Richard Branson).