Top 5 most in-demand jobs by 2030: What you need to know

The global labor market is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technological advancements, the green transition, and shifting economic and demographic factors, as outlined in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025.

According to the report, global macro trends are set to create approximately 170 million new jobs over the next decade, reshaping the labor market significantly. While these trends will lead to a 14 per centage increase in global employment, 92 million jobs will be displaced, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs by 2030.

The Future of Jobs Report 2025, based on insights from over 1,000 major global employers across 22 industry sectors and International Labour Organization (ILO) data representing over 14 million workers, identifies professions projected for the largest growth and decline.

Five jobs of the future

Technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), are fueling rapid growth in specific job sectors. Roles such as big data specialists, fintech engineers, and AI and machine learning experts are seeing significant demand.

The report highlights 15 professions with the largest projected net growth and decline in absolute numbers, using data from surveys and employment statistics from the ILO. While tech-related roles are growing quickly in percentage terms, traditional roles are also expanding considerably in terms of overall numbers.

1. Farm workers

At the top of the list are farmworkers, with 34 million new jobs expected to be created by 2030. This surge is driven by the green transition and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, as well as the need to adapt to the climate crisis. Additionally, expanding digital access and the rising cost of living are contributing to the growing demand for farmworkers. This growth is crucial, as it adds to the existing 200 million farmworkers worldwide.

2. Delivery drivers

With the continued rise of e-commerce and online shopping, delivery drivers are expected to see major growth. As businesses rely more on logistics and fast delivery services, the demand for drivers is expected to remain high, making this a key area of expansion in the labour market.

3. Software developers

As technology continues to advance, software developers will be in high demand. The increasing need for custom software, applications, and cybersecurity solutions means that more software developers will be needed to build and maintain digital infrastructure across various industries.

4. Construction workers
The construction sector will also see growth, particularly in building construction. As urbanisation continues and infrastructure development increases, the demand for skilled workers in this field will continue to rise, contributing to job creation in both residential and commercial construction projects.

5. Shop salespersons

Retail roles, particularly shop salespersons, are also growing, driven by changes in consumer habits and the ongoing evolution of brick-and-mortar retail. These workers play a key role in customer service and sales, helping businesses engage with consumers directly in stores.

Diverse job growth

In addition to these top five roles, the report also highlights growing demand for food processing workers and care jobs, including nursing professionals, social workers, and counselors. The demand for care professionals is especially tied to demographic shifts, such as aging populations and the increasing need for healthcare services.

Overall, the Future of Jobs Report underscores that while technological roles are in high demand, traditional and foundational jobs in agriculture, retail, and construction are also experiencing strong growth. These shifts reflect broader economic and societal trends that will continue to shape the workforce in the coming years.

Skills in demand

By 2030, nearly 40 per cent of essential workforce skills are expected to evolve. Many employers see this skills gap as a significant obstacle to business transformation, with 63 per cent of them citing it as a major challenge.

The skills in highest demand will include expertise in AI, big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy. Additionally, human-centric skills such as creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and agility will become increasingly important. To thrive in the future job market, workers will need a combination of both technical and human skills.

In response, 77 per cent of employers are planning to invest in workforce training to ensure employees develop the skills needed for success. The WEF report highlights the critical role of upskilling and reskilling in preparing workers for a rapidly evolving job market.