Future of Jobs Report 2025: 92M Jobs Lost & 170M Created

With the ongoing chaos of AI intruding on the job market, stats shown through reports like the Future of Jobs Report 2025 provide you with a real picture of the market. It represents the perspective of more than 1,000 global employers that are leading the market in their respective domains. With this report, you will develop a clear idea about how true the statements are, like “AI is going to take your job.” Moreover, in this article, we have tried to mention all the sectors where there will be a huge demand for AI-equipped professionals and the sectors that will be least impacted by the same.

What Is the Future of Jobs Report 2025?

The World Economic Forum publishes the Future of Jobs Report 2025 every year. This year, in 2025, it was published on 7 January 2025. In this report, the recruiter’s point of view is presented, which gives clarity to fresh graduates and working professionals about the future skills they must opt for. This report also accounts for the major technical changes that impact the job market and other drivers that enhance the demand for professionals in a particular field.

Major Findings of the WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025

Some of the major findings of the Future of Jobs Report 2025 include:

• Net Global Job Growth by 2030: With the rise in automation processes, it has been estimated that 92 million jobs will be displaced, but at the same time, 170 million new opportunities will emerge. This results in a net growth of 78 million jobs globally.
• Fastest-Growing Roles Beyond Tech: Everyone is talking about AI and how it is going to take away everyone’s job, but the fact is, there are many sectors which are going to get benefitted from this AI era. Roles like AI specialists, cybersecurity professionals, big data experts, UX/UI designers, FinTech engineers, and data storage professionals are going to be in demand for a longer time in the industry.
• Macro Drivers Shaping the Workforce: The labor market has been influenced by many factors, but some of the key ones include economic volatility, technological innovation, demographic shifts, geopolitical fragmentation, and the green transition.
• Boom in Green and Sustainability Roles: With more awareness about making industry growth and Earth’s life go hand-in-hand, the demand for green roles has increased multiple-fold. Now, environmental engineers, renewable energy engineers, and electric/autonomous vehicle specialists are highly sought by the industry recruiters.

• Not AI, But Humans With AI are in Great Demand: As per the top employers, around 39% of core skills are going to be outdated by 2030, suggesting the need for urgent upskilling and reskilling efforts. Thus, professionals with technical literacy are going to benefit highly from the current market trends.

• Reskilling and Talent Strategy Shift: One of the major changes that has been observed in the market is that almost 77% of employers are ready to invest in upskilling programs, and 81% have prioritized hiring based on practical experience and skills over formal degrees from 2025–2030.
• Skills Gaps Playing A Major Barrier for Transformation: As per the World Economic Forum, 63% of employers are facing skill shortages in their employees as the main obstacle in their digital and organizational transformation.

 

Top 5 Industries Driving Job Growth and Transformation

The industries that will drive the job growth in the market due to digital transformations include a diverse list. The top five ones on that list are mentioned below. 

1. Technology and Digital Transformation

• Key Drivers: Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud computing, big data analytics, and cybersecurity.
• High-Growth Roles: AI and machine learning specialists, software developers, data analysts, UX/UI designers, cybersecurity experts.
• Why It Matters: With almost every sector undergoing digital transformation, tech literacy is becoming a primary requirement.
• Growth Outlook: The tech sector is projected to add tens of millions of roles by 2030, with AI adoption alone boosting productivity in multiple industries.

2. Green and Sustainability Industries

• Key Drivers: Renewable energy expansion, sustainable manufacturing, climate change adaptation, and circular economy practices.
• High-Growth Roles: Renewable energy engineers, environmental scientists, sustainability specialists, EV technicians.
• Why It Matters: Green transitions are accelerating due to regulatory policies, climate goals, and corporate ESG commitments.
• Growth Outlook: Expected to generate millions of new jobs globally, particularly in construction, energy, and transport.

3. Healthcare and Care Economy

• Key Drivers: Ageing populations, increased focus on mental health, and global health resilience.
• High-Growth Roles: Registered nurses, healthcare assistants, social workers, mental health specialists, physiotherapists.
• Why It Matters: Demand for healthcare roles is expected to outpace many other sectors. This is due to the drastic demographic and lifestyle shifts.
• Growth Outlook: Significant employment gains, especially in developing economies with expanding healthcare access.

4. Education and Workforce Development

• Key Drivers: Lifelong learning, reskilling demands, and digital education platforms.
• High-Growth Roles: Vocational trainers, corporate learning specialists, online course creators, STEM educators.
• Why It Matters: As automation reshapes work, education providers play a critical role in preparing future-ready talent.
• Growth Outlook: The need for upskilling to survive the job market competition is going to create multiple opportunities in this sector.

5. Infrastructure, Construction, and Mobility

• Key Drivers: Urbanization, transport innovation, and smart city projects.
• High-Growth Roles: Civil engineers, light vehicle drivers, construction laborers, logistics coordinators.
• Why It Matters: Infrastructure investments are a long-term growth driver that also triggers economic stimulus.
• Growth Outlook: With the demand to complete all the government and even private projects on time, the opportunities for skilled professionals will be quite high in this segment.

Emerging Careers and In-Demand Roles by 2030

As per the Future of Jobs Report 2025, it has been observed that the automation process is going to disrupt many traditional job roles. However, several new ones are going to get created as well, but only for those who possess the in-demand skills and knowledge. Here are the top in-demand jobs that are going to peak in the industry by 2030.

1. AI and Machine Learning Specialists

• Why in demand: With the involvement of AI across different industries, the need for experts who can develop, train, and maintain intelligent systems has become quite high
• Key skills: Deep learning, model deployment, natural language processing (NLP), AI ethics
• Industries hiring: IT, healthcare, finance, manufacturing

2. Renewable Energy Engineers

• Why in demand: The rising global climate concerns and energy transition strategies are the main drivers for the growth in renewable infrastructure
• Key skills: Solar and wind system design, sustainable materials, battery storage
• Industries hiring: Energy, automotive, construction

3. Cybersecurity Analysts

• Why in demand: As digital transformation overtakes the industry, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated
• Key skills: Threat detection, risk management, incident response, ethical hacking
• Industries hiring: Banking, government, telecom, e-commerce

4. Healthcare & Wellbeing Professionals

• Why in demand: Ageing populations and mental health awareness are increasing the need for medical and care services
• Key skills: Clinical expertise, telehealth technologies, patient care
• Roles: Nurses, physiotherapists, mental health counselors

5. Data Analysts and Big Data Specialists

• Why in demand: Businesses are highly dependent on data and thus, on professionals who know how to use data for decision-making. This increases the requirement for professionals to extract actionable insights.
• Key skills: SQL/Python, data visualization, predictive analytics, statistical modeling
• Industries hiring: Retail, logistics, public policy, marketing

6. Sustainability and ESG Specialists

• Why in demand: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is now a global business priority
• Key skills: Carbon accounting, sustainable supply chain management, impact assessment
• Industries hiring: Manufacturing, real estate, finance

7. Education & Reskilling Experts

• Why in demand: With skills becoming obsolete faster, professionals are needed to design upskilling programs
• Key skills: Curriculum design, instructional design, e-learning tools, soft skills coaching
• Industries hiring: EdTech, NGOs, corporate training

 

Skills of the Future: AI, Green Tech, and Human-Centric Abilities

With the digital transformations going on in the market, the major thing that has been captured by the Future of Jobs Report 2025 is that, “on average, workers can expect that two-fifths (39%) of their existing skill sets will be transformed or become outdated over the 2025-2030 period.” This statement signifies the need for upskilling or reskilling that will bridge the gap between the industry demands and the professionals’ desires. Here are some most in-demand skills that are also referred to as the Skills of the Future and can help you get a high-paying, secure job in the related domain.

1. Artificial Intelligence & Digital Literacy

• Why important: AI is no longer a niche skill; it’s becoming a standard requirement across industries, and to have a sustainable career in this era, you need to have digital literacy and AI skills
• Key skills to develop: AI/ML model building & deployment, Cloud computing proficiency, Data analytics & visualization, Automation tools & low-code platforms
• Who needs them: Tech professionals, marketers, business analysts, healthcare workers, and almost all sectors

2. Green Technology & Sustainability Competencies

• Why important: The global concern to transition to a low-carbon economy is driving the demand for professionals with green skills 
• Key skills to develop: Renewable energy systems (solar, wind, hydrogen), Circular economy design & waste reduction strategies, Carbon footprint measurement & ESG reporting, Sustainable supply chain management
• Who needs them: Engineers, policymakers, urban planners, corporate sustainability teams

3. Human-Centric Abilities

• Why important: As automation takes over repetitive tasks, employers value qualities machines can’t replicate
• Key skills to develop: Analytical thinking & problem-solving – making sense of complex situations, Resilience & adaptability – thriving amid uncertainty, Creativity & innovation – designing novel solutions, Emotional intelligence & collaboration – leading diverse teams effectively
• Who needs them: Leaders, managers, educators, service professionals

Jobs at Risk: Roles Most Likely to Decline

Since AI has taken over the market, a few job profiles are going to get outdated in the market for sure. However, professionals who update themselves with the related skills can make their path to better profiles, but those with a stagnant approach are going to suffer a lot.

1. Data Entry Clerks & Administrative Staff

• Why at risk: AI-based scheduling and chatbots reduce the need for manual admin work. Also, automated document processing affects this job role highly.
• Projected decline: Over 50% of roles by 2030 in many industries

2. Bank Tellers & Cashiers

• Why at risk: Fintech apps, online banking, and self-checkout systems are replacing front-desk financial transactions
• Projected decline: Up to 40% as digital payments dominate

3. Telemarketers & Customer Service Agents

• Why at risk: AI-powered virtual assistants and automated response systems can handle high call volumes at a lower cost
• Projected decline: Around 35–40%, especially in retail and telecom

4. Postal & Mail Sorters

• Why at risk: Digital communication, logistics automation, and e-billing have reduced the need for manual mail sorting
• Projected decline: Sharp decline across developed economies

5. Assembly Line & Factory Workers (Low-Skill)

• Why at risk: Industrial robots and advanced manufacturing technologies can perform repetitive tasks faster and more accurately
• Projected decline: Significant drop in labor-intensive roles without upskilling

6. Travel Agents

• Why at risk: Online booking platforms and AI trip planners offer personalized travel planning without human intermediaries
• Projected decline: Nearly obsolete in many regions by 2030

7. Proofreaders & Basic Content Writers

• Why at risk: Generative AI tools can produce and edit content quickly, reducing the need for entry-level human writers
• Projected decline: Demand shifting toward editors with advanced creative and strategic skills

Bridging the Skills Gap: Why Upskilling Matters Now

As per the Future of Jobs Report 2025, “77% of companies plan to invest in training programs over the next five years.” This statement is nothing but an indication to all the working professionals and even fresh graduates that if you want a well-paying job in the times where almost every industry sector is undergoing digital transformation, you need to skill up! Since we have already talked about the future skills, you can take up any of them to stay relevant in the AI-driven job market. 

Upskilling serves as Career Insurance for you, through which you can gain career stability, enhance your earning potential, and even have job security in times when layoffs have become a trend. Thus, with the employers being open to training their employees with the updated technical skills, it is quite evident that bridging the skill gap is not only needed at the employee’s end.

Global Workforce Trends Across 22 Industries and 55 Economies

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 has been published after jotting down the perspective of 800 companies from 22 industries and 55 economies that cover around 150 million workers worldwide. Thus, this report will also give you a brief on the different aspects in which the global workforce is trending.

• Uneven Job Growth Across Regions: With the digital transformation, there is job growth in the industry sectors, but this growth is not evenly distributed. In the Asia-Pacific and North America & Western Europe regions, the growth is quite high due to manufacturing modernization, strong demand for AI, renewable energy roles, and expanding green infrastructure are the major drivers for this growth. However, Latin America & Africa are low-growth regions with great potential in green energy and care economy, but slowed by infrastructure gaps and limited skills availability.
• Industry-Level Transformations: Based on the industry, the growth can be monitored. For example, Technology & Digital Services, Healthcare & Care Economy, Green Energy & Sustainability, and Education & Workforce Development are the fastest-growing industries globally. However, Traditional Manufacturing (without automation upgrades), Basic Administrative Services, and Postal & Print Media are the industries with the sharpest declines.

• AI and Automation Adoption Rates: Some companies are predominantly using AI tools to run their core business functions, but in some, it is limited to certain processes. It has also been reported in the Future of Jobs Report 2025 that by 2030, over 75% of surveyed companies expect to integrate AI, and the industries that will be covered in this 75% are manufacturing, logistics, and finance.
• Skills as the Global Currency: Skill gap is a universal concern and is now actively being addressed by employers. This has increased the demand for AI literacy and sustainability expertise in both developed and emerging economies. Moreover, this trend has replaced degree-based hiring by skills-based hiring in many industries.

How to Prepare for the Future Job Market?

Well, the best way to survive the competition of the AI-driven era of the industry is to upgrade your knowledge and skills that align with the digital transformations. One thing that you need to keep in mind while gaining future skills is that AI cannot mimic human emotions, and that's one of the biggest advantages that we all have. By just acquiring some tech-driven skills and blending them with human-centric abilities, you can easily survive the competition in the industry. 

To stay updated and relevant in the current job market, you can take up any online course related to your field of interest. This will help you get promoted to better job roles in the same organization or even get you better packages in other industries. Moreover, the accountability of online courses is quite high and makes you a valuable asset for your organization, who can well manage multiple tasks at the same time. 

Which Online Degree Can Be Suitable For You?

If you are a working professional or a fresh graduate, you can always pursue an online degree that can enhance your skills and knowledge. Here are some breakdowns:

For UG, you should have completed the 12th grade (or equivalent) from a recognized board.

Online UG Degree (3 years)	Career Opportunities
Online BA	Public Relations Specialist, Journalist or Content Writer, Marketing Executive, Human Resource Executive, Civil Services Preparation, Social Media Manager, NGO Worker, or Social Worker, and many more
Online B.Sc	Biostatisticians, Scientific Assistants, Lecturers, Research Analysts, Chemists, and many more
Online B.Com	Accountant, financial analyst, and tax consultant, as well as emerging fields like digital marketing, Data analysis, and many more.
Online BBA	Marketing, finance, human resources, and operations, Marketing managers, financial analysts, HR executives, operations managers, and many more.
Online BCA	Software Developer, Web Developer, Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, Technical Support Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, and many more.

For PG courses, you must have passed a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum 50% score (not required by many online colleges) in the general category and some percentage lower in reserved categories.

Online PG Courses (2 years)	Career Opportunities
Online MA	Education, media, public relations, social work, content writing, journalism, and roles in government and the corporate sector, among many others.
Online M.Sc	Data Science and Analytics, Teaching and Research, IT and Software Development, Government Jobs,  Environmental Science and Sustainability, and many more.
Online M.Com	Financial analysts, tax consultants, accountants, auditors, and in various positions within the banking and insurance sectors
Online MBA	Management consultant, entrepreneur, project manager, operations management, financial analyst, human resources, information technology, digital marketing manager, and many other positions.
Online MCA	Software developer, data scientist, cloud computing specialist, cybersecurity analyst, software developer, data scientist, cloud computing specialist, cybersecurity analyst and many more.

You must have at least a UG and a minimum of three years of experience to become a doctorate.

Online Doctorate Courses	Career Opportunities
Online DBA	Chief Executive Officer, Management Executive, Management Analyst/Consulting, Corporate Training and Development, Management/Organizational leaders, and many more

Conclusion: Turning Job Disruption into Opportunity

With the increasing AI adoption in the industry, recruiters are clearly focusing more on hiring skilled employees rather than those with a degree. This trend has drastically influenced the job growth trends in the market. While many profiles have been negatively impacted by the AI, many are facing a good projection in the upcoming years. However, the benefits of this digital transformation are limited to those who upgrade themselves with the relevant skills and cope with the technical advancements in the field.