The Future of Jobs Report 2025, released by the World Economic Forum, predicts that 170 million new jobs will be created by global macro trends over the next decade. The global labor market is undergoing a massive transformation. This change is driven by technological advancements, the green transition, and shifts in economic and demographic patterns.
But, this shift comes with a downside. These same forces will displace 92 million jobs. This will result in a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030.
THE PROFESSIONS OF TOMORROW: JOBS ON THE RISE
The report surveys more than 1,000 of the world’s largest employers, representing over 14 million workers across 22 industry clusters. Based on this data, it identifies the 15 fastest-growing jobs. It also finds the declining jobs in the coming years. The report highlights both technological and human-centered roles.
TOP GROWING PROFESSIONS
- Farmworkers – The green transition fuels changes in this sector. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions also contribute. Increased necessity to adapt to climate change drives this growth. Farmworker roles are expected to increase by 34 million by 2030. This surge will bring the total number of farmworkers to over 200 million globally.
- Delivery Drivers – With the growing e-commerce sector and increased demand for home deliveries, this profession is expected to see significant growth.
- Software Developers – As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the demand for software developers is expected to rise sharply.
- Building Construction Workers – Urbanization and infrastructure development worldwide will contribute to the continued demand for construction workers.
- Shop Salespersons – Retail jobs, particularly in sectors with high customer engagement, will continue to expand, driven by both physical and digital sales channels.
Extra growing roles include food processing workers. There is also a wide array of care jobs. These include nurses, social workers, and counselling professionals. These jobs will see notable expansion due to demographic shifts, especially aging populations in many countries.
SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE: WHAT WORKERS NEED TO THRIVE
The report emphasizes that 39% of key skills required in the job market will change by 2030. Although this represents significant disruption, it is an improvement from the 44% projected in 2023, indicating that businesses are better preparing for the upcoming transformation through reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
Key Skills on the Rise
- Technological Proficiency– Skills related to AI, big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy are set to grow rapidly in importance.
- Creative Thinking– As technology continues to automate many tasks, human traits such as creativity, problem-solving, and innovation will be highly valued.
- Resilience and Adaptability – The ability to navigate changeanduncertainty will be crucial in an ever-evolving job market.
- Leadership and Social Influence – Skills related to leading teams, influencing others, and managing talent are expected to be in high demand.
- Environmental Stewardship– The green transition will drive the need for sustainability-focused skills, ensuring businesses prioritize eco-friendly practices.
The report also highlights analytical thinking and life long learning as vital skills for future success.
THE ROLE OF RESKILLING AND UPSKILLING
To meet the demands of the evolving labor market, businesses are investing more in reskillingand upskillinginitiatives. The World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society is working with governments, businesses, and academia to help workers prepare for the economy of tomorrow through platforms such as the Jobs Initiative and the Reskilling Revolution.
