The Future of Jobs: Technology and AI to Drive Divergent Change
Technology is predicted to be the most divergent driver of labor market change, with broadening digital access expected to create and displace more jobs than any other macro trend, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
About 170 million new jobs (equivalent to 14% of today’s employment) will be created this decade, according to the WEF’s ‘Future of Jobs Report 2025’. At the same time, 92 million roles will be displaced, creating a net employment increase of 78 million jobs.
Not surprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) and information processing technology are expected to create 11 million jobs, while simultaneously displacing 9 million others, more than any other technology trend. Robotics and autonomous systems are expected to be the largest job displacer, with a net decline of five million jobs from 2025 to 2030.
However, there is good news about new emerging tech trends like AI. Three of the technology trends — broadening digital access, advancements in AI and information processing, and robotics and autonomous systems technologies — also feature prominently as drivers of the fastest-growing jobs.
Change is the new normal in employment trends.
The WEF report notes the shifting paradigm in the human-machine future of work. The interplay between humans, machines, and algorithms is redefining job roles across industries. Automation is expected to drive changes in people’s ways of working, with the proportional share of tasks performed solely or predominantly by humans expected to decline as technology becomes more versatile.
Survey respondents estimate that 47% of work tasks today are performed mainly by humans alone, with 22% performed mainly by technology (machines and algorithms), and 30% completed by a combination of both. By 2030, employers expect these proportions to be nearly evenly split across the three approaches.
The Human-Machine frontier.
Growth and decline drivers for jobs are based on several factors. Five factors will drive a net creation of 78 million jobs globally by 2030: technological changes, the green transition, demographic shifts, geoeconomic fragmentation, and economic uncertainty. Among these drivers, technological change is expected to have the biggest impact on jobs by 2030, creating and displacing them.
The largest growing category of jobs is farmworkers — 34 million additional jobs by 2030, adding to the 200 million farmworkers today. Delivery drivers, software developers, building construction workers, and shop salespersons complete the top five fastest-growing jobs.
The largest growing and declining jobs by 2030.
According to WEF, employers expect 39% of key skills required in the job market to change by 2030. This figure represents significant disruption but is down from 44% in 2023.
Technological skills are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skill in the next five years. AI and big data are at the top of the list, followed by networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy.
The job market is in flux.
Creative thinking and resilience, flexibility, and agility are also rising in importance, along with curiosity and lifelong learning. Other fast-rising skills are leadership and social influence, talent management, analytical thinking, and environmental stewardship.
These are the core skills to focus on in 2025.
Today’s core skills blend cognitive, self-efficacy, and engagement skills. Looking ahead to 2030, technology skills dominate the fastest-growing skills, driven by ongoing digital change.
The impact of AI is clear.
So, how will businesses respond to AI developments? The increased use of emerging technologies is prompting half of businesses to realign their organizations. Accelerated AI innovation is creating a strong demand for skilled talent, with over two-thirds of employers planning to hire for AI-specific roles, even as 40% foresee workforce adjustments in response to the technology’s adoption.
To learn more about the WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, you can find the full report here.
FAQs:
Q: What is the predicted impact of technology on the job market?
A: Technology is expected to create and displace more jobs than any other macro trend, with 170 million new jobs and 92 million roles displaced by 2030.
Q: Which technology trend is expected to create the most jobs?
A: Artificial intelligence (AI) and information processing technology are expected to create 11 million jobs, while simultaneously displacing 9 million others.
Q: What are the fastest-growing jobs?
A: The largest growing category of jobs is farmworkers — 34 million additional jobs by 2030, adding to the 200 million farmworkers today. Delivery drivers, software developers, building construction workers, and shop salespersons complete the top five fastest-growing jobs.
Q: What skills are expected to grow in importance?
A: Technological skills are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skill in the next five years, with AI and big data at the top of the list, followed by networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy.
