When you think of a “manly” job, you might think of construction or something that happens out in the heat of the day. Jobs “for men” tend to be things that involve getting your hands dirty, and possibly even risking your life. Over the years, there have been plenty of “manly jobs” that slowly disappeared. Do you remember any of these 10?

Manly Jobs That Are Nonexistent Today

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1. Ice Delivery Man

Before refrigerators were standard in every home, ice had to be delivered—block by heavy block. The ice delivery man was a fixture in American towns, lugging 50–100 lb. slabs on his back or shoulders. This was one of the most grueling and physical manly jobs around, requiring both brute strength and stamina. But once affordable electric refrigeration took over in the 1930s and ’40s, the role melted away. Today, ice machines do the job, and this once-essential trade is frozen in history.

2. Coal Stoker

Picture a man covered in soot, shoveling coal into a blazing furnace aboard a train or in a steamship. That was the coal stoker—an essential part of the industrial age’s infrastructure. His job required stamina, resistance to heat, and the ability to work in some of the most inhospitable conditions imaginable. As trains and ships transitioned to oil and diesel power, this hot and hazardous job disappeared. Now, the only place you’ll see a coal stoker is in a movie or history museum.

3. Telegraph Operator

The telegraph operator was once a crucial communicator, translating Morse code across the country. Precision, quick reflexes, and cool nerves under pressure made it one of the more intellectual yet still “manly” jobs of its time. These men often worked in isolation, keeping vital messages moving in both war and peace. But with the rise of telephones, fax machines, and eventually the internet, the need for telegraphy faded into silence. What was once cutting-edge is now a lost art form.

4. Logger (Pre-Mechanization)

There are still loggers today, but the nature of the job has shifted dramatically. The old-school logger used axes and saws to take down massive trees—without the safety gear or technology of modern crews. It was among the deadliest manly jobs, demanding raw muscle, fearlessness, and outdoor survival skills. Now, with machines handling most of the cutting and lifting, the logger’s work is less about brawn and more about machine operation. The image of the bearded, flannel-wearing lumberjack is more legend than reality now.

5. Milkman

The milkman wasn’t just a dairy delivery worker—he was a morning routine in neighborhoods across America. In the mid-20th century, he braved cold, dark mornings to carry glass bottles door to door. The job involved lifting, driving, and repeated physical exertion, with very little room for error. But home refrigeration, supermarket convenience, and changing delivery models wiped this job off the map. Today’s dairy deliveries are anonymous, automated, and nothing like the personal service of the old milkman days.

6. Elevator Operator

Operating an elevator might not sound manly today, but back when elevators were complex and dangerous, it was a respected job. Men handled large control levers, ensured passenger safety, and kept the machinery running smoothly. It was a role that combined technical know-how with customer service—and a sharp uniform to match. But as elevators became automated and safer, the operator role became obsolete. The only elevators with human operators now are in retro hotels or nostalgia-driven buildings.

7. Blacksmith

The blacksmith forged tools, horseshoes, and even weapons—making him an essential figure in both urban and rural life. The clang of hammer on anvil was once the soundtrack of progress, strength, and resilience. Blacksmiths needed fire-handling skills, physical power, and precision. Industrial manufacturing and assembly-line production replaced this centuries-old role. Today, the few remaining blacksmiths are mostly artists or historical reenactors.

8. Switchboard Operator (Male)

Yes, women held many switchboard operator jobs—but in military and industrial settings, men often ran the show. They connected calls, managed lines, and had to work quickly under pressure. The job required tech savvy and total attention, especially during emergencies. However, automated systems and digital communications quickly rendered the switchboard obsolete. Now, communication centers run with minimal human input—and the once-vital male operator is a relic of the analog age.

9. Chimney Sweep

Though made famous by Mary Poppins, chimney sweeping was no child’s game—especially for grown men in the U.S. and Europe. It was dirty, claustrophobic, and often dangerous, involving rope work and high rooftops. Physical agility and stamina were absolute musts in this soot-stained profession. But modern HVAC systems, gas heat, and electric furnaces replaced the old chimney system in most homes. Today, chimney sweeps exist—but they use high-tech tools and protective gear, a far cry from their soot-covered predecessors.

10. Fuller (Wool Cleaner)

Perhaps one of the strangest manly jobs of old: the fuller, who used urine (yes, really) to clean and process wool. It was smelly, messy, and brutally hard labor—men stomped on wet, urine-soaked wool to clean and thicken it. Though essential to the textile trade, it was often considered degrading despite its physical rigor. Thankfully, chemical processes and modern washing techniques made this job extinct. It’s a reminder that “manly” work sometimes came with a stench.

What These Extinct Jobs Say About Changing Masculinity

While most of these careers have disappeared from today’s job market, that doesn’t mean that masculinity is dying. It’s the exact opposite, actually. Masculinity is continuing to evolve. “Manly jobs” might now be in cybersecurity or even wilderness survival instructors. Physical strength isn’t the only marker of what a “manly” role entails anymore. Resilience and adaptability are still important, but it just looks a little different.

Which of these manly jobs surprised you the most—and do you think any of them should make a comeback? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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Drew Blankenship

Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.