What job apocalypse? AI could add almost 2 million new jobs on net by 2030.

New jobs could be on the horizon as artificial intelligence (AI) develops, despite job losses. Employment insights firm Gartner predicts AI will create 10.6 million new jobs globally between 2025 and 2030, while eliminating 8.9 million positions. This results in a net increase of over a million jobs by the decade's end. John Lovelock, Gartner's distinguished vice president analyst and chief of research, pointed out that companies are currently in a wait-and-see mode as the true impact of AI becomes clearer.

Initially, companies may reduce hiring, but as AI usage expands, job cuts may follow, leading to net job additions in the long run. AI will likely affect approximately 20% of workers, or 435.5 million people, by altering their duties and necessitating adaptation. Nicole Bachaud, a ZipRecruiter economist, noted that AI is causing volatility in tech-related industries by changing roles and the skills employers seek.

Employers may now be interested in candidates with AI experience or strong soft skills, as AI can handle tasks previously performed by humans. More than 100,000 AI-related job cuts have already been announced in the US this year, making it the second most common reason for layoffs, after market and economic conditions. While unemployment should remain low next year, AI adoption may lead to increased employment pressure in the coming years.

Some industries, like service industries, may experience job growth as AI boosts productivity, making each employee more valuable. However, concerns about AI-triggered job losses persist, with a majority of people in several countries believing AI will lead to fewer jobs in their respective nations over the next 20 years.