Research Summary: The U.S. job market is evolving rapidly, influenced by advancements in technology, shifts in employee expectations, and the ongoing impact of global events. Understanding current trends can help us visualize what the future of work will look like.
We have compiled key trends and statistics that highlight the trajectory of work in the U.S. as we look towards 2026. Based on our comprehensive research:
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85% of jobs in 2030 will not have existed yet in 2020.
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65% of female employees report that recent shifts in work culture have prompted them to reassess their work-life balance.
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Automation has the potential to eliminate 47% of U.S. jobs by 2030, translating to approximately 73 million positions.
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By 2030, up to 37% of Americans will be working from home.
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Total employment in the U.S. is projected to grow by 8.3 million jobs between 2021 and 2031.
For further insights, we have categorized the data as follows:
Where | Who | How
Where Work Will Happen
The pandemic has had a profound impact on where Americans choose to work. Remote work surged in popularity, and many still prefer this model. Our research indicates that:
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74% of companies are implementing hybrid work models.
Many workers prefer the flexibility of remote work, while employers balance this with the need for in-office presence. Notably, 44% of employees and 51% of employers prefer a hybrid approach.
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22% of Americans will be working remotely by 2025.
By 2025, an estimated 36.2 million Americans will work remotely, marking an impressive 87% increase from 2019.
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51% of global knowledge workers are working remotely.
In this sector, 95% of knowledge workers express a desire for more flexible hours, underscoring the value of remote work.
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75% of knowledge workers report increased demand for flexible work expectations.
The pandemic has led to a greater appreciation for the flexibility that remote work offers, resulting in heightened demand for such arrangements.
Who Will Do the Work
As competition intensifies in the job market, especially with automation on the rise, understanding who will be employed in the future is crucial. Our findings reveal that:
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14% of the global workforce may need to change job categories by 2030.
While this may seem modest, it represents over 375 million workers worldwide, driven by digitization, automation, and AI advancements.
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37% of Americans are concerned about being displaced by automation.
While 48% feel automation negatively impacts workers, only 22% perceive it as beneficial.
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77% of young workers are eager to learn new skills or retrain to remain competitive.
This is particularly true for Millennials, with 87% emphasizing the importance of learning for workplace success.
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Only 40% of Millennials view training and development programs as effective.
Millennials are particularly critical of existing training programs, with just 23% considering them relevant, compared to 67% of Baby Boomers.
Generation Share who support current L&D programs Millennials 40% Gen X 50% Baby Boomers 67% -
The U.S. is home to 310,700 industrial robots as of 2022.
This number is growing by approximately 40,000 annually, potentially replacing over 800,000 workers by 2030.
How Work Will Get Done
The methods by which employees work are also undergoing transformation. The gig economy is experiencing unprecedented growth, and its future is worth examining. Here are some insights from our research:
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50% of the U.S. workforce may be freelancers by 2030.
As of 2022, about 36% of the U.S. workforce are freelancers (approximately 70.4 million Americans), marking an 18% increase since 2020.
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By 2030, 60% of U.S. jobs will have at least 30% of their activities automated.
Many jobs will incorporate machine learning and AI, even if human employees are not entirely replaced. Altogether, robots may account for up to 30% of all human labor.
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There are 3 million industrial robots operating globally.
While the exact number of industrial robots by 2030 is uncertain, it is expected to grow at an annual rate of 10.28%.
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52% of employees say recent events led them to question the purpose of their daily work.
Additionally, 63% wish employers would offer more opportunities to find purpose in their roles, contributing to the Great Resignation phenomenon.
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AI is projected to create 58 million new jobs by 2030.
While AI may replace some roles, it will also generate numerous new opportunities, balancing out job losses.
Future Of Work FAQ
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What is the future of work like?
The future of work focuses on three key elements: gig work, remote work, and automation. Here are some details about these factors:
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Gig work. Freelancing is increasingly popular, offering workers autonomy and flexibility, while companies benefit from reduced obligations regarding full-time benefits. By 2030, up to 50% of the U.S. workforce may be freelancers.
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Remote work. Following the pandemic, many workers prefer remote arrangements that enhance productivity and work-life balance. Consequently, 74% of companies are adopting hybrid work models.
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Automation. AI’s role in the workplace will continue to expand, affecting job availability and supporting existing roles. By 2030, 60% of U.S. jobs will incorporate at least 30% automation.
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How do you prepare for the future of work?
To effectively prepare for the future of work, it’s essential to understand current trends and leverage them. Here are several strategies to navigate these changes:
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Embrace innovation. New technology can enhance job efficiency, with 75% of employees agreeing that it simplifies their work. Companies that prioritize innovation will foster a more skilled workforce.
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Develop comprehensive training programs. Proper training is vital for adapting to new technologies, ensuring employees are equipped to handle changes effectively.
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Maintain an adaptable vision. Companies must integrate new technologies and work styles into their goals to thrive amidst change.
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Value both employees and AI. Finding synergy between human workers and AI can enhance productivity and job satisfaction, rather than eliminating either.
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What is the future of job growth?
Despite the challenges of automation, job growth remains promising. While AI may eliminate over 70 million jobs, it is also anticipated to create approximately 59 million new positions, contributing to an overall employment increase of 8.3 million jobs in the U.S. from 2021 to 2031.
Conclusion
The future of work in the U.S. will be shaped by three primary factors: gig work, remote work, and automation. These elements are already transforming our work landscape and are expected to intensify by 2030.
For instance, it is projected that up to 50% of U.S. workers will be freelancers, and automation could eliminate 47% of jobs.
Nonetheless, both U.S. companies and workers possess the necessary tools to navigate these transitions successfully. While concerns persist, the job market is set to grow by 8.3 million jobs between 2021-2031.
References:
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LinkedIn – 85% of Jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet
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Gartner – Gartner HR Research Finds 65% of Women Report the Pandemic Has Made Them Rethink the Place of Work in Their Lives
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Metaculus – Percentage of US remote workers in 2030
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Gartner – Gartner Forecasts 51% of Global Knowledge Workers Will Be Remote by the End of 2021
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Gartner – 9 Future of Work Trends Post Covid-19
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Thomas – 14% of Global Workforce (That’s 375 Million Workers!) May Need to Change Careers by 2030
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Forbes – Automation Could Eliminate 73 Million U.S. Jobs By 2030 [Infographic]
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PWC – Workers want more digital skills, more inclusivity, and more flexibility
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Spiceworks – Millennials are Most Critical of Leadership Development Programs
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CNBC – Robots may replace 800 million workers by 2030. These skills will keep you employed
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Don Cowan – Machine Learning and AI in 2030
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Gartner – Future of Work Reinvented
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BLS – Employment Projections
Author
Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.
