- According to the World Economic Forum’s Future Jobs Report 2025, approximately 170 million new jobs will be created over the next 10 years.
- This report shows that global macro trends are driving changes in the labor market.
- Here’s a look at the jobs predicted to be most in demand and the skills workers will need in the future.
Over this decade, global macrotrends will create approximately 170 million new jobs. This is according to a new report from the World Economic Forum that delves into the future of work over the next five years.
of Future of Employment Report 2025 We found that technological developments, the green transition, and economic and demographic changes are reshaping global labor markets.
The jobs created will represent 14% of today’s jobs. At the same time, 92 million people’s roles will be replaced by similar trends. This means a net increase in employment of 78 million people.
So what will those jobs be like, and what skills will people need to have to get those jobs?
To find out, this report surveyed more than 1,000 of the world’s largest employers, representing 22 industry clusters and more than 14 million workers.
5 jobs of the future
Some jobs are growing rapidly, and by percentage, the demand for roles facilitated by advances in technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly increasing. These jobs include big data specialists, fintech engineers, and AI and machine learning specialists.
But what about absolute numbers? The report, which combines estimates from surveyed companies with employment data from the International Labor Organization, lists the 15 occupations with the greatest net growth and net decline.
The biggest growth jobs are held in core roles in many economies.
Farmers are at the top of the list. Green transition trends, such as reducing carbon emissions and adapting to the climate crisis, will drive growth and create 34 million additional jobs by 2030, adding to the current 200 million agricultural workforce. Expanding digital access and rising costs of living are also contributing to the growth of the profession.
Delivery drivers, software developers, construction workers and store salespeople round out the top five.
Food processing workers are also among the fastest growing occupations, and caregiving occupations, which include nursing professionals, social workers, and counseling professionals, are predicted to grow significantly over the next five years. This can be explained by demographic trends, particularly the aging of the working-age population, the report said.
Skills workers need to grow
Employers expect 39% of the key skills needed in the job market to change by 2030. While this number represents a significant disruption, it is down from 44% in 2023. An increased focus on continuous learning, upskilling and reskilling programs is enabling companies to better predict and manage future skills requirements, says the Future of Employment Report 2025.
Technology skills are predicted to grow in importance faster than other skills over the next five years. AI and big data top the list, followed by networks, cybersecurity, and technical literacy.
In addition to curiosity and lifelong learning, creative thinking and resilience, flexibility and agility are also gaining importance.
Rounding out the top 10 rising skills are leadership and social influence, people management, analytical thinking, and environmental management.
The report says companies are increasingly investing in reskilling and upskilling programs to align their workforce with evolving demands. The World Economic Forum’s Center for New Economies and Societies works with industry, academia and governments to help people around the world prepare for tomorrow’s economy, including through the Jobs Initiative and the Skills Revolution platform.
As the future of work continues to evolve, it will be important to help workers achieve the right mix of technical and human skills.
