3 Jobs AI Will Eliminate by 2030
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report provides a comprehensive look at the changing sector of employment, forecasting significant shifts by 2030. As industries adapt to technological advancements, demographic trends, and economic uncertainty, both job creation and displacement will redefine the global workforce.
Net Job Growth by 2030
According to the WEF, there will be a net growth of 78 million jobs by 2030. While 170 million new jobs are expected to be created (equivalent to 14% of current employment), this growth will be offset by the loss of 92 million jobs. These changes represent 22% of today’s total jobs being impacted through new job creation and displacement.
The report is built on data collected from over 1,000 leading employers worldwide, representing more than 14 million workers across 20+ industries in 55 economies. It examines the macro trends reshaping industries, including the green transition, geopolitical tensions, and technological innovation.
Jobs in Decline
Certain professions are expected to see substantial decline, particularly clerical and secretarial roles. This includes:
- Clerical positions: Administrative assistants, executive secretaries, and data entry workers.
- Customer service roles: Cashiers, ticket clerks, and bank tellers.
- Postal services: Postal clerks are among the fastest-declining occupations.
Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and other technological advancements are key drivers of this decline, as repetitive and rule-based tasks are increasingly performed by machines.
Jobs Predicted to Grow
In contrast, several sectors are expected to experience robust growth:
- Frontline roles: Farmworkers, delivery drivers, construction workers, salespeople, food-processing workers
- Care economy jobs: Nurses, social workers, counselors, personal care aides
- Education sector: Teachers and educators are also projected to grow in demand as populations continue to prioritize learning and development.
Technology Roles in the Age of AI
The fastest-growing roles, in percentage terms, are in technology and sustainability-related fields. These include:
- AI and machine learning specialists
- Big data analysts
- Fintech engineers
- Software developers
- Renewable energy engineers
- Autonomous vehicle specialists
With AI automating routine tasks, the demand for advanced technological skills will surge, driving the growth of these professions.
Skills in Demand
The report highlights key skills that employers will prioritize in the coming years:
- Human-centric skills: Critical and creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility
- Core analytical skills: Analytical thinking tops the list, with 7 out of 10 companies deeming it essential.
- Technology-focused skills: Expertise in AI, big data, and cybersecurity will be crucial.
The concept of “skill instability” also features prominently. While 39% of current skill sets are expected to change or become outdated in the next five years, this represents an improvement from 44% in 2023, suggesting that workers are adapting by upskilling.
Adapting to the Future
As the world moves toward 2030, industries and individuals alike must focus on adaptability, innovation, and upskilling. While automation and AI may lead to job displacement, they also open avenues for new and advanced roles. Policymakers, educators, and employers have a critical role to play in preparing the workforce for this evolving sector.
The WEF report underscores the need for a balance between technological advancement and human-centric skills, highlighting that a combination of both will define the workforce of the future.
