World Economic Forum shows how AI could create 78 million net new jobs by 2030, study finds

The World Economic Forum’s latest Future of Jobs Report reveals AI could generate a net increase of 78 million jobs globally by 2030, with 170 million new positions created while 92 million are eliminated.

Key findings: The WEF’s analysis of 1,000 companies employing 14 million workers globally shows a complex transformation of the workforce driven by artificial intelligence adoption.

• Half of surveyed employers plan to reorient their business around AI technologies
• Two-thirds of companies intend to hire workers with specific AI skills
• 40% of businesses anticipate reducing their workforce in areas where AI can automate tasks

Skills in demand: The report identifies specific expertise that will be crucial for the future job market, with technology-focused competencies leading the way.

• AI and big data expertise tops the list of most-desired skills
• Network management and cybersecurity follow as critical capabilities
• Technological literacy rounds out the top three most in-demand skill sets
• 86% of companies expect AI to transform their operations by 2030

Declining positions: Several traditional job categories face significant reduction as automation and AI capabilities expand.

• Postal service clerks, executive secretaries, and payroll staff are among the most vulnerable positions
• Graphic designers and legal secretaries appear for the first time on the list of declining roles
• These changes are attributed to various factors, including the growing capabilities of generative AI in creative and administrative work

Workforce adaptation: Companies are actively preparing for a future of human-machine collaboration rather than wholesale worker replacement.

• 77% of firms plan to implement retraining programs between 2025 and 2030
• 70% aim to hire specialists who can design AI tools
• 62% seek employees capable of working alongside AI systems

Long-term considerations: Industry leaders present varying perspectives on AI’s future impact on employment.

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has suggested AI could eventually replace “median human” worker tasks
• Proposals for universal basic income are being explored as a potential solution to future employment challenges
• Major basic income experiments are already underway to study potential impacts

Future implications: While the WEF report projects overall job growth, the transition period will likely require significant adaptation from both workers and employers as the nature of work evolves with advancing AI capabilities. The success of this transformation will largely depend on effective retraining programs and the ability of workers to adapt to new roles alongside AI systems.