Artificial intelligence is expected to create more jobs than it eliminates by 2030, according to a new forecast released by global research and advisory firm Gartner. The forecast indicates that the growing use of AI across industries could reshape the global employment market while creating new opportunities for workers with relevant skills.
According to Gartner, AI is projected to generate approximately 10.6 million new jobs worldwide by 2030. At the same time, around 8.9 million existing jobs could be eliminated as businesses introduce AI technologies and automate certain tasks. This would result in a net increase of 1.7 million jobs globally.
The forecast offers a different perspective on concerns that artificial intelligence could significantly reduce employment opportunities. Although automation may affect several existing roles, Gartner expects the overall impact on global employment to be positive by the end of the decade.
More Than 20 Percent of Workers May See Their Roles Change
Gartner's forecast also highlights that the impact of AI will extend beyond job creation and job losses. More than 20 percent of workers worldwide, representing approximately 435.5 million employees, are expected to experience changes in their job responsibilities by 2030.
These changes could affect the tasks employees perform, the methods they use to complete their work and the responsibilities assigned to them. Rather than replacing every employee, AI may increasingly become a tool that changes how people work.
For example, employees in several sectors may use AI-powered systems to analyse information, prepare reports, manage routine activities and support business decisions. This could allow workers to spend more time on tasks that require human judgement, communication, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Gartner also estimates that between 0.4 percent and 1.8 percent of workers worldwide could experience job losses directly attributable to AI by 2030. The actual impact is expected to differ depending on the industry and the nature of the work involved.
Technology Sector Expected to See Significant Job Creation
The technology industry is expected to experience considerable changes as AI adoption increases. Gartner estimates that the sector could create approximately 1.9 million jobs and eliminate around 400,000 positions by 2030. This represents a net increase of 1.5 million jobs.
The technology workforce is also expected to have significant exposure to AI. Gartner estimates that nearly 70 percent of technology workers will have high exposure to AI-related changes.
However, increased exposure does not necessarily mean that all these employees will lose their jobs. Many technology professionals may need to take on new responsibilities involving AI development, implementation, monitoring, security and maintenance.
As companies expand their use of artificial intelligence, demand could increase for professionals who can build AI systems, manage data infrastructure, maintain digital platforms and ensure that automated systems operate effectively.
Different Industries May Experience Different Outcomes
The impact of artificial intelligence is not expected to be the same across all industries.
In asset-intensive industries, which include businesses involved in physical products and large infrastructure operations, Gartner projects that AI could create 6.4 million jobs and eliminate approximately 6 million positions by 2030. This would result in a net increase of 400,000 jobs.
The public sector may experience a different trend. Gartner estimates that this segment could create around 400,000 jobs while eliminating approximately 900,000 positions by 2030. This represents a net reduction of 500,000 jobs in the sector.
These estimates demonstrate that the effects of AI will depend on the type of industry, the way organisations adopt the technology and the skills required to perform different roles.
Hiring Decisions Could Also Be Affected by AI
Gartner has highlighted that AI could influence employment not only through direct job losses but also through changes in recruitment decisions.
The firm estimates that business executives postponed the creation and hiring of approximately 1.3 million positions in 2026. This reflects how some organisations are reassessing their workforce requirements while evaluating the potential of AI technologies.
Gartner expects that by 2030, around 5 million people will have experienced delayed hiring because organisations postponed creating new positions.
However, delayed hiring and job losses are not the same. When a company postpones creating a new role, it does not necessarily mean that an existing employee has been dismissed. Instead, the position may not be opened because the organisation is reviewing its staffing requirements and future technology investments.
This distinction is important when assessing the overall impact of AI on employment.
Developing New Skills Will Be Important for Workers
The changing employment landscape is likely to increase the importance of continuous learning and professional development. Workers may need to improve their digital knowledge and understand how AI tools can be used in their respective industries.
Skills related to data analysis, software development, cybersecurity, AI system management and digital operations could become increasingly valuable. At the same time, communication, critical thinking, creativity and decision-making are likely to remain important in roles where human involvement is essential.
For students and job seekers, understanding emerging technologies and gaining practical experience with relevant tools could help improve career opportunities. Existing employees may also need to update their skills as their responsibilities evolve.
Gartner's forecast suggests that artificial intelligence should not be viewed only as a technology that replaces human labour. Its impact will also depend on how businesses redesign their operations, train employees and create new roles.
Overall, the forecast indicates that AI could contribute to a net increase of 1.7 million jobs worldwide by 2030. However, the transition may not be equally beneficial for every worker or industry. Preparing for changing responsibilities and developing relevant skills will be important as artificial intelligence becomes a larger part of the global workplace.
