As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into business operations, it is changing the tasks people perform and the skills companies need. Some activities can be automated, and many roles are evolving as organizations adopt AI systems and need people who can develop, manage, secure, and use them effectively.
Across the broader economic, technological, demographic, and environmental trends examined in the report, 170 million jobs are projected to be created and 92 million displaced, resulting in a net gain of 78 million roles.
AI is one of several forces shaping this wider workforce transformation.
According to McKinsey, AI and automation are expected to reshape workforce demand, with continued growth in high-skill occupations such as STEM and healthcare. In its U.S. analysis, McKinsey estimates that demand for STEM jobs could increase by 23% by 2030.
Many existing roles are already experiencing increased demand due to AI and the growing reliance on data-driven business strategies. These roles involve areas where AI assists but cannot fully replace human expertise:
Data scientists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for data scientists to grow by 34% between 2024 and 2034. Growing demand for data analysis and AI applications is expected to support the need for these professionals.
Cybersecurity analysts. As more AI systems are deployed, ensuring security is paramount. The global cybersecurity talent gap is roughly 4.8 million unfilled roles against an active workforce of 5.5 million. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for information security analysts is expected to grow by 29% between 2024 and 2034.
Machine learning engineers. Demand for AI and machine learning expertise is expected to grow as businesses expand their use of AI systems. AI and machine learning specialists are projected to be the third-fastest-growing job category globally through 2030.
AI-powered product managers. As businesses integrate AI into their products and services, product managers increasingly need to understand how to align AI capabilities with customer and business requirements. In a recent survey, 56% of product professionals said AI and machine learning were a major area of focus.
The role of healthcare in AI-driven job growth
Healthcare is one of the sectors that will benefit most from AI-driven job growth. McKinsey predicts significant job growth in healthcare due to AI technologies enhancing diagnostics, patient care, and administrative efficiencies. By 2030, healthcare is expected to be the fastest-growing sector in terms of job creation, driven by AI’s application in personalised medicine, remote patient monitoring, and optimised healthcare services.
AI will enhance roles such as medical technicians, radiologists, and healthcare data analysts, enabling them to work more efficiently by analysing vast amounts of data and improving patient outcomes. This transformation will create new opportunities in AI-assisted healthcare, offering professionals the chance to work at the intersection of technology and patient care.
Explore deeper. Read AI and the Future of Work: Unlocking Growth with Human-AI Collaboration. AI and the Future of Work
Roles and skills developing alongside AI
AI is also creating entirely new job categories that require both technical expertise and a deep understanding of how AI systems fit within broader business contexts.
McKinsey estimates that 8% to 9% of labor demand in 2030 could be in entirely new occupations, based on historical patterns of job creation linked to technological change.
Some areas businesses may increasingly recruit for include:
AI prompt engineers. As generative AI advances, specialists who can craft precise prompts will be essential for ensuring AI delivers meaningful results.
AI quality analysts. New roles will focus on ensuring AI systems produce reliable, ethical, and accurate outputs by monitoring and guiding AI quality.
Ethical AI consultants. As AI adoption increases, businesses will need experts to ensure responsible use, addressing ethical implications and mitigating biases.
Synthetic data scientists. With the growing demand for training data, new roles will manage and create synthetic data, ensuring AI systems have the data they require.
Preparing your workforce for an AI-enabled future
AI is reshaping how work gets done and the skills businesses need. As roles continue to evolve, demand is growing for professionals who can work with AI, data, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies.
For businesses, preparing for this shift means identifying the capabilities they need and building teams that can adapt as technology changes.
At Outsourced, we recognize the immense opportunities AI brings. Our team is dedicated to helping businesses navigate these changes by providing skilled professionals in emerging roles, ensuring your company stays competitive in the future of work.
Outsourced helps businesses build dedicated offshore teams with professionals from the Philippines, Colombia, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Argentina. With more than a decade of experience, we support over 350 global clients by recruiting talent based on their specific roles, systems, and business requirements.
Our workforce of more than 1,700 professionals is supported by over 150 specialists across recruitment, HR, compliance, IT, facilities, and local operations. Clients retain direct oversight of their team’s day-to-day work, priorities, and performance, while we manage the employment and operational support needed to help their offshore employees succeed.
Discover how Outsourced can enhance your operational capabilities and set new standards of excellence for your business at https://outsourced.co/.
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