The jobs of the future – and the skills you need to get them

About 170 million new jobs will be created by global macro trends this decade. That’s according to a new report from the World Economic Forum that delves into the future of work over the next five years.

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 finds that, driven by technological development, the green transition, economic and demographic shifts, the global labour market is being reshaped.

The jobs created are equivalent to 14% of today’s employment. Alongside, 92 million roles will be displaced by these same trends. This means there will be a net employment increase of 78 million jobs.

So what will those jobs be – and what skills will people need to possess to land one of them?

To find out, the report surveyed more than 1,000 of the largest employers around the world, representing 22 industry clusters and more than 14 million workers.

Five jobs of the future

Some jobs are growing fast – in percentage terms, demand for roles driven by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly increasing. These jobs include big data specialists, fintech engineers and AI and machine learning specialists.

But what about absolute numbers? Combining estimates from surveyed companies with International Labour Organization employment data, the report lists the 15 professions that will see the largest net growth and decline.

The largest growing jobs are dominated by roles core to many economies.

Farmworkers top the list. Green transition trends, including efforts to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the climate crisis, will drive growth that will create 34 million additional jobs by 2030, adding to the 200 million farmworkers today. Widening digital access and the rising cost of living are also contributing to the profession’s growth.

Delivery drivers, software developers, building construction workers and shop salespersons complete the top five.

Food processing workers also feature among the largest growing jobs, while care jobs – including nursing professionals, social workers and counselling professionals – are projected to grow significantly over the next five years. This can be explained by demographic trends, especially ageing working-age populations, the report says.

Skills workers need to thrive

Employers expect 39% of key skills required in the job market will change by 2030. This figure represents significant disruption but is down from 44% in 2023. A growing focus on continuous learning, upskilling and reskilling programs has enabled companies to better anticipate and manage future skill requirements, the Future of Jobs Report 2025 says.

Technological skills are projected to grow in importance more rapidly than any other skills in the next five years. AI and big data are at the top of the list, followed by networks and cybersecurity and technological literacy.

Creative thinking and resilience, flexibility and agility are also rising in importance, along with curiosity and lifelong learning.

Rounding out the top 10 skills on the rise are leadership and social influence, talent management, analytical thinking and environmental stewardship.

Businesses are increasingly investing in reskilling and upskilling programs to align their workforce with evolving demands, the report says. The World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society is working with business, academia and governments to help people around the world to prepare for the economy of tomorrow, including through its Jobs Initiative and Reskilling Revolution platforms.

Helping workers achieve the right mix of technical and human skills will be vital as the future of work continues to evolve.