78 million new jobs to be generated by 2030, but urgent upskilling needed: Report

A new report indicates that shifting global trends are projected to create 170 million new jobs by 2030, while simultaneously causing 92 million existing positions to disappear. This signifies a net increase of 78 million jobs, but also foreshadows a significant transformation in the labor market.

The World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs Report 2025" reveals that approximately 22% of jobs will be impacted by 2030. Technological advancements, demographic shifts, geo-economic tensions, and economic pressures are key drivers of these changes, reshaping industries and occupations globally.

The report, based on data from over 1,000 companies, finds that skills gaps remain a major obstacle to business transformation today. Nearly 40% of required job skills will change, and 63% of employers already consider this a major hurdle. While demand for technical skills such as AI, big data, and cybersecurity is expected to grow rapidly, human skills such as creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility remain crucial. Combining both types of skills will become increasingly important in the rapidly changing job market.

If the global workforce were viewed as 100 people, it is projected that 59 would need retraining or upskilling by 2030, and 11 of those may not have access to training. This means over 120 million workers are at risk of job displacement in the medium term. Frontline roles and key sectors like healthcare and education are projected to see the highest job growth by 2030. Meanwhile, advancements in AI and renewable energy are reshaping the market, driving increased demand for many technical or specialized roles, while also leading to decreased demand for others, such as graphic designers.

“Generative AI and rapid technological change are disrupting industries and labor markets, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and profound risks,” said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum. “Now is the time for businesses and governments to work together, invest in skills, and build a fair and resilient global workforce.”

By 2030, frontline roles, including farm workers, delivery drivers, and construction workers, are expected to see the largest absolute job growth. Nursing roles, such as nursing professionals, and education roles, such as secondary school teachers, are also projected to increase significantly, with demographic trends driving demand in key areas. At the same time, advancements in AI, robotics, and energy systems, particularly in renewable energy and environmental engineering, are expected to increase demand for specialized roles in these fields. Furthermore, positions such as cashiers and administrative assistants continue to be among the fastest-declining roles, and now, with generative AI rapidly reshaping the workforce, positions like graphic designers are joining their ranks.

AI is reshaping business models, with half of global employers planning to adjust their business direction to capitalize on new opportunities presented by the technology. The most common workforce response to these changes is expected to be upskilling workers, with 77% of employers planning to do so. However, 41% of employers plan to reduce their workforce as AI automates certain tasks. Nearly half of employers anticipate shifting AI-impacted employees to other areas of the business, which presents both an opportunity to alleviate skills shortages and reduce the human cost of technological transition.

Given the rapid pace of emerging technologies, business leaders, policymakers, and workers need to work together to ensure the workforce is prepared, while also mitigating the risk of job displacement across industries and regions. The rising cost of living is another key factor driving labor market changes, with half of employers expecting it to alter business models. Although global inflation has eased, price pressures and slower economic growth are projected to lead to a loss of 6 million jobs globally by 2030. These challenges are increasing the demand for resilience, agility, flexibility, and creative thinking skills.

Demographic shifts are reshaping the labor market, with aging populations in high-income countries driving demand for healthcare roles, while expanding working-age populations in lower-income regions are fueling growth in the education sector. Workforce strategies focused on improving talent management, teaching, and mentoring skills are critical to bridging these gaps. Geopolitical tensions are a top concern for 34% of businesses, while trade restrictions and shifts in industrial policy are also affecting many, with some companies planning to adjust through offshoring and reshoring strategies. These pressures are also increasing demand for skills such as cybersecurity.

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