What the WEF “Future of Jobs” tells us about 2030
The "Future of Jobs" 2025 report by the World Economic Forum has been released. Here are a few key takeaways related to how global companies and experts see the next 5 years, until 2030.
The most in-demand jobs for the next 5 years are: Big Data Specialist, Fintech Engineer, and AI & Machine Learning Specialist. The top 15 jobs for 2030 are, without surprise, data & AI connected.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights key macrotrends shaping global labor markets through 2030, including technological change, geoeconomic fragmentation, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts, and the green transition. Insights are drawn from over 1,000 employers across 22 industries and 55 economies, representing 14 million workers.
Key Trends:
Digital Access: The most transformative trend, with 60% of employers expecting significant changes by 2030. AI (86%), robotics (58%), and energy advancements (41%) will drive demand for tech skills like AI, big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy.
Rising Costs: Economic challenges, including inflation and slower growth, will transform businesses. Creative thinking, resilience, and agility will become critical skills.
Climate Change: Green transitions are increasing demand for renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers, and vehicle specialists, with environmental stewardship emerging as a top skill.
Demographic Shifts: Aging populations fuel demand for healthcare professionals, while expanding working-age populations drive growth in education roles.
Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Trade and geopolitical tensions are reshaping business models, increasing demand for cybersecurity and leadership skills.
Labor Market Impact:
Job Creation and Loss: By 2030, structural transformation will affect 22% of current jobs, creating 170 million new jobs while displacing 92 million, resulting in a net gain of 78 million roles.
Growth Areas: Technology-related jobs (AI specialists, fintech engineers) and green economy roles are the fastest-growing. Care economy and frontline jobs also show significant growth.
Declines: Clerical roles, including cashiers and data entry clerks, are expected to decrease sharply.
Workforce Strategies:
Upskilling: Skill gaps are the biggest barrier to transformation, with 59% of workers needing training by 2030. Employers prioritize upskilling, reskilling, and aligning wages with performance.
Diversity and Inclusion: DEI initiatives are expanding, with 83% of employers adopting them, up from 67% in 2023.
AI is central to transformation, automating tasks and creating new specialized roles, highlighting the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning for workforce resilience.