The fastest growing (and declining) jobs by 2030: report
Over the next five years, the world will see 170 million new jobs created. But despite the growth, 92 million existing jobs or 8% of total employment will also be displaced, according to the World Economic Forum’s latest Future of Jobs report.
The anticipated pattern of creative destruction in the job economy overall will deliver a net growth of 78 million jobs. But which roles will emerge as the fastest growing, and which ones will start to decline quickly?
Big Tech roles and beyond
It might not come as a surprise, but the fastest-growing jobs in the next five years will centre on innovations in AI and robotics, propelled by workers’ increasing access to digital technology, executives surveyed by the WEF predict.
These roles include Big Data Specialists, FinTech Engineers, AI and Machine Learning Specialists and Software and Applications Developers.
The pivot to more advanced technology—amid growing geopolitical challenges—is also giving rise to security-related roles such as Security Management Specialists and Information Security Analysts.
Meanwhile, with the climate crisis continuing to pose business challenges, the world is seeing an increasing demand for Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists, Environmental Engineers, and Renewable Energy Engineers.
“The growth of these roles is driven by increased efforts and investments to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change. The growing adoption of energy generation, storage and distribution technologies, alongside other technology trends, are additional contributing factors,” the WEF said.
Also Read: How midcareer workers in Singapore are pivoting with new skills
Top 30 fastest growing jobs by 2030
1. Big Data Specialists
2. FinTech Engineers
3. AI and Machine Learning Specialists
4. Software and Applications Developers
5. Security Management Specialists
6. Data Warehousing Specialists
7. Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists
8. UX and UI Designers
9. Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers
10. Internet of Things Specialists
11. Data Analysts and Scientists
12. Environmental Engineers
13. Information Security Analysts
14. DevOps Engineers
15. Renewable Energy
16. Robotics Engineers
17. Blockchain Developers
18. Data Engineers
19. Digital Transformation Specialists
20. Process Automation Specialists
21. Sustainability Specialists
22. Renewable Energy Technicians
23. System Engineers
24. Organisational Development Specialists
25. Online Learning Managers
26. Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialists
27. Environmental Protection Professionals
28. Solar Energy Installation and System Engineers
28. Database and Network Professionals
29. Car, Van and Motorcycle Drivers
30. Full Stack Engineers
Also Read: Of bots and bricklayers: AI and blue-collar work
Traditional roles on the decline
While increasing digital access, AI, robots and autonomous systems drive the growth of tech-savvy roles, the same macrotrends are also causing the decline of clerical roles, such as Cashiers, Ticket Clerks, Administrative Assistants, Executive Secretaries, Printing Workers, Accountants and Auditors.
Meanwhile, a slowdown in the global economy, coupled with an ageing workforce, is also contributing to the decrease in traditional jobs.
Top 30 fastest declining jobs by 2030
1. Postal Service Clerks
2. Bank Tellers and Related Clerks
3. Data Entry Clerks
4. Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
5. Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries
6. Printing and Related Trades Workers
7. Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Clerks
8. Material-Recording and Stock-Keeping Clerks
9. Transportation Attendants and Conductors
10. Door-to-Door Sales Workers
11. Graphic Designers
12. Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
13. Legal Officials
14. Legal Secretaries
15. Telemarketers
16. Credit and Loans Officers
17. Concierges and Hotel Desk Clerks
18. Accountants and Auditors
19. Statistical, Finance, and Insurance Clerks
20. Business Services and Administration Managers
21. Paralegals and Legal Assistants
22. Building Caretakers, Cleaners, and Housekeepers
23. Insurance Underwriters, Valuers, and Loss Assessors
24. Recruiters and Technical Recruiters
25. Security Guards
26. Client Information and Customer Service Workers
27. Chemical Engineers
28. Assembly and Factory Workers
29. Survey Researchers
30. Mining, Petroleum and Other Extraction Workers
Jobs with the largest growth
As the job economy experiences massive change in the next five years, roles that “make up the core of many economies” are expected to see the highest growth, according to the WEF.
“Farmworkers top the list of the largest growing job roles in the next five years and are expected to see 35 million more jobs by 2030,” the report said.
Care and education-focused jobs are predicted to see the largest increase as well. These include the roles of Nursing Professionals, Social Work and Counselling Professionals, and Personal Care Aides, alongside University and Higher Education Teachers and Secondary Education Teachers.