The Future of Jobs 2025

 

The Future of Jobs 2025–2030: How Technology, Climate, and Demographics Will Shape the Next Workforce Generation

The Future of Jobs 2025–2030: How Technology, Climate, and Demographics Will Shape the Next Workforce Generation


Published: 12 June 2025
Author: The Future Report

In a world constantly reshaped by change, one thing remains clear: the jobs of tomorrow will not look like those of today. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 offers a clear and powerful message — from 2025 to 2030, the global workforce will undergo a transformation unlike anything we've seen before.

Backed by insights from over 1,000 of the world’s largest employers, representing 14 million workers across 55 countries, this report outlines the seismic shifts that are not just coming — they’re already happening.

Digital Access Leads the Way

By 2030, the biggest game-changer for businesses globally is expected to be digital access. That’s right — 60% of employers say that expanding access to digital tools and platforms will completely change how they operate. With improvements in internet coverage, cloud technology, and mobile access, more people will be able to work, learn, and even launch businesses from anywhere.

And where there’s technology, there’s AI.

AI, Big Data, and Cybersecurity Dominate the Skills Race

When it comes to high-demand skills, three areas stand out:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data

  • Cybersecurity and Network Management

  • General Technology Literacy

These are no longer niche skills reserved for tech companies. From banking to agriculture, employers say that knowing how to work with smart tools, manage data, and stay safe online is essential.

In fact, AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Big Data Analysts, and Cybersecurity Experts are among the fastest-growing job roles globally. If you're considering what to study or what to teach your kids — these fields should be at the top of your list.

Rising Prices, Rising Pressure

Interestingly, it's not just tech that’s transforming work — economics plays a huge role too. Despite expectations that inflation might slow down in the next five years, the high cost of living remains one of the most disruptive trends.

Half of all employers believe rising prices will force them to change the way they operate. This pressure is expected to increase demand for workers who can think creatively and adapt quickly — soft skills like resilience, agility, and problem-solving are now just as valuable as technical know-how.

The Green Economy Is Booming

Climate change is no longer just a policy debate — it’s a massive job creator. The green transition is driving new opportunities in:

  • Renewable energy

  • Electric vehicles

  • Environmental engineering

Jobs like Renewable Energy Engineer, Environmental Technician, and Electric Vehicle Specialist are among the 15 fastest-growing roles from now until 2030. These aren’t only jobs of the future — they’re jobs with purpose.

At the same time, environmental awareness is becoming a key skill. For the first time, “environmental stewardship” has entered the top 10 most in-demand skills, highlighting how sustainability is becoming essential in every profession.

Demographics: A Tale of Two Worlds

We are witnessing two major shifts in population:

  • Aging populations in wealthier countries

  • Youthful, growing populations in developing economies

In older nations, healthcare jobs like Nursing and Elder Care are expanding fast. In younger nations, there’s a growing need for teachers, mentors, and youth development professionals to manage the booming student-age population.

Both trends are creating urgent demand for skills in talent management, self-awareness, and motivation. In simple terms, emotional intelligence will be just as crucial as technical intelligence in managing people across age groups.

The Skills Shake-Up: 2 Out of 5 Skills Will Be Outdated

By 2030, around 39% of workers’ current skills will be outdated or transformed. This means almost two out of every five things you know now will need to be refreshed, replaced, or re-learned. The good news? Many workers are already catching on — 50% have taken some form of reskilling or upskilling in recent years.

Top future skills include:

  • Analytical thinking

  • Leadership and social influence

  • Creativity and curiosity

  • Flexibility and lifelong learning

Meanwhile, manual skills like precision, endurance, and dexterity are declining in value due to automation and robotics.

170 Million Jobs Will Be Created — But 92 Million Will Be Lost

Across all industries, employers expect about 170 million new jobs to emerge by 2030. However, 92 million jobs will also disappear, mostly in roles affected by automation and AI.

The net effect? A 7% growth in global employment — roughly 78 million more jobs than we have today.

The fastest growth is expected in roles like:

  • Farm Workers

  • Construction Workers

  • Food Processing Workers

  • Delivery Drivers

  • Sales Associates

Why? These roles are harder to automate and require physical presence — giving them a level of job security in a high-tech world.

On the flip side, jobs like Cashiers, Bank Tellers, Postal Clerks, and Data Entry Clerks are likely to decline sharply due to automation.

Reskilling: A Global Priority

If the global workforce were a classroom of 100 people, here’s what the future would look like:

  • 59 will need reskilling

  • 29 can be upskilled in their current role

  • 19 can move to new roles within their company

  • 11 are at risk of job loss without retraining

This is why 85% of employers say upskilling is their top workforce strategy over the next five years. Half of all employers also plan to support mental health and wellness as a way to attract talent.

What’s more, 83% of companies now have Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in place — up from just 67% two years ago. Employers are realizing that tapping into a more diverse talent pool increases productivity and innovation.

Wages Are Expected to Rise — But Not for Everyone

Over 50% of companies expect to increase wages by 2030 to stay competitive and retain top talent. However, this wage growth is mostly expected in roles that demand high-performance and advanced skills. For workers whose skills become outdated, job security and wage growth may be harder to come by.

Conclusion: The Future Is Now — Are You Ready?

The workforce is on the edge of a massive shift. From AI to climate change, from economic stress to generational gaps, every force is pushing us toward a new world of work.

Whether you're a student, worker, employer, or policymaker, the next five years will require resilience, flexibility, and curiosity. Staying relevant will mean learning continuously, embracing change, and developing not only technical skills but also emotional and creative strengths.

The jobs are coming. The question is: Will you be ready for them?


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