A new report shows the most in-demand jobs as AI and automation change industries worldwide.
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs report (PDF link) lists the jobs expected to grow the most in the next five years.
Here’s what you need to know.
AI’s Impact On Job Market
The report surveyed over 1,000 global executives, representing over 14 million workers in 55 economies.
Most executives—86%—believe AI and related technologies will significantly change their businesses by 2030.
Key points include:
AI & Information Processing: This technology is expected to create about 11 million new jobs while displacing around 9 million, leading to net job growth in AI fields.
Robotics and Autonomous Systems: While some jobs may be replaced, many positions will support robotic tasks.
Broadening Digital Access: 60% of businesses see this as essential to their operations.
Despite advances in AI, human workers are still crucial. New job opportunities will emerge in big data, cybersecurity, and human-focused roles such as talent management and customer service.
The Fastest-Growing Jobs
According to the report, technology-related roles are expected to grow most by 2030.
Leading the pack are positions like:
Big Data Specialists
FinTech Engineers
AI and Machine Learning Specialists
Software and Applications Developers
Security Management Specialists
Data Warehousing Specialists
Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists
UI and UX Designers
Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers
Internet of Things Specialists
Data Analysts and Scientists
Environmental Engineers
Information Security Analysts
DevOps Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers
The demand for tech workers is increasing as businesses adopt AI, information processing technologies, and robotics.
The report notes that “AI and big data are the fastest-growing skills,” followed by networks, cybersecurity, and technology literacy.
Green jobs, like Electric Vehicle Specialists and Environmental Engineers, are also among the fastest-growing roles due to efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
While tech jobs grow the fastest in percentage terms, the largest increase in actual job numbers is expected in traditional frontline roles.
These include:
Farmworkers, Labourers, and Other Agricultural Workers
Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers
Software and Applications Developers
Building Framers, Finishers, and Related Trades Workers
Shop Salespersons
Food Processing and Related Trades Workers
Car, Van and Motorcycle Drivers
Nursing Professionals
Food and Beverage Serving Workers
General and Operations Managers
Social Work and Counselling Professionals
Project Managers
University and Higher Education Teachers
Secondary Education Teachers
Personal Care Aides
Care economy jobs, such as nursing professionals, social workers, counselors, and personal care aides, are also expected to grow significantly.
The Most In Demand Skills
As job roles transform, so do the skills required to perform them successfully.
The Future of Jobs Report finds that, on average, workers can expect 39% of their core skills to become outdated over the next five years.