The Future of Work: 170 Million New Jobs and 92 Million Lost by 2030 – What You Need to Know

The Changing Landscape of Global Jobs

A total of 170 million jobs are projected to be created, while 92 million jobs will be lost by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025. This signifies a net increase of 78 million jobs, or approximately 7% of the global workforce.

The report is based on insights from the WEF Future of Jobs Survey, which reflects employers’ expectations regarding roles that are likely to grow, decline, or stabilize over the next five years. The main drivers for these changes include technological advancements, the green transition, geo-economic fragmentation, and demographic shifts.

Fastest-Growing Jobs

The jobs experiencing the most significant growth are in sectors driven by technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital access.
Roles leading the charge include:

• Big Data Specialists
• Fintech Engineers
• AI and Machine Learning Specialists
• Software and Applications Developers

Each of these roles is expected to see demand increase by over 80%. Additionally, positions related to sustainability, such as environmental engineers and renewable energy engineers, are also on the rise due to increased investments in carbon reduction and climate adaptation.

Jobs at Risk of Decline

Conversely, some roles are predicted to decline significantly. Clerical and administrative jobs are particularly vulnerable due to automation and AI technologies.
Positions expected to decline include:

• Postal Service Clerks
• Bank Tellers
• Administrative Assistants
• Cashiers

These roles may see reductions of over 25%. Other positions facing declines include printing workers, accounting clerks, and legal officials.

Largest-Growing and Declining Jobs

While the fastest-growing jobs are measured by percentage increases, the largest-growing jobs reflect total numbers added.

• Farmworkers and laborers are projected to add 35 million new positions by 2030, driven by the green transition.
• Other roles with significant growth include delivery drivers, construction workers, and nursing professionals.
  Conversely, the largest declines are seen in clerical roles, mirroring the trends identified earlier.

Implications for Business School Students

For business school students, these trends indicate a workforce increasingly influenced by technology and sustainability. Fast-growing roles, such as big data specialists and AI experts, highlight a rising demand for skills in data analytics and digital transformation.
Business schools are adapting to this shift by integrating AI into their curriculums, exemplified by partnerships like that of The Wharton School with OpenAI and AI courses at MIT Sloan School of Management.
This evolution underscores the ongoing importance of core skills taught in business education, as the demand for technology-driven expertise rises.