Top Jobs Rising in 2026: AI Leads the Way

LinkedIn's annual Jobs on the Rise report tracks which roles are gaining momentum based on changes in user profiles between 2023 and 2025.

The clear headline for 2026: AI-related roles are surging.

From AI engineers to data annotators, the list reflects how rapidly businesses are adopting and adapting to new AI tools.

This isn't speculation about future trends. It's based on actual hiring patterns and career transitions happening right now.

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report predicted this shift, estimating that 23% of jobs would change by 2027 due to AI and automation. LinkedIn's data suggests we're already seeing that transformation accelerate.

The top rising roles (U.S.): a quick snapshot

1. AI Engineers - Building and deploying AI systems
2. AI Consultants and Strategists - Helping businesses apply AI effectively
3. New Home Sales Specialists - Real estate roles adapting to market shifts
4. Data Annotators - Ensuring AI training data quality
5. AI/ML Researchers - Advancing the science behind AI models
6. Healthcare Reimbursement Specialists - Navigating complex healthcare billing
7. Strategic Advisors and Independent Consultants - Flexible expertise on demand
8. Advertising Sales Specialists - Adapting to changing media landscape
9. Founders - More professionals launching their own businesses
10. Sales Executives - Enterprise sales remains in high demand

What's notable: six of the top ten roles are either directly AI-related or reflect broader shifts in how work is organised (consultants, founders, specialists).

Gartner's research supports this pattern, showing AI technologies moving rapidly from hype to practical implementation across industries.

Why AI roles are growing so fast

AI tools that didn't exist a few years ago are now mainstream. ChatGPT reached 100 million users faster than any consumer application in history, and enterprise adoption has followed.

Organisations now need:

Technical talent to build and maintain AI models. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects computer and information technology jobs will grow 15% through 2031, much faster than average.

Strategists to apply AI effectively. Building AI is one thing. Knowing where it creates value is another. McKinsey's research estimates generative AI could add $2.6 to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy, but only if organisations deploy it strategically.

Quality-control roles like data annotators to ensure training data is reliable. AI models are only as good as their training data. MIT Technology Review has highlighted how data quality directly impacts AI reliability.

Beyond technical jobs, the report highlights a rise in founders and independent consultants. More professionals are choosing flexible or self-employed paths as the market shifts. LinkedIn's Workforce Report shows self-employment and contract work growing steadily across industries.

What this means for your career

Don't panic. Adapt thoughtfully.

AI isn't simply a replacement for human expertise. These systems extend what people can do, but they don't "understand" outputs the way a trained professional does.

Research from Stanford's Human-Centered AI Institute consistently shows that AI performs best when paired with human judgment, not when left to operate autonomously.

That means:

If you already have domain expertise, learning how to use AI tools will boost your productivity and opportunities. You understand context that AI cannot.

If you lack core knowledge in your field, relying solely on AI can produce risky or sub-par results. AI can generate plausible-sounding content that's factually wrong or contextually inappropriate.

Focus on complementary skills

Skills that combine domain knowledge, critical thinking, and AI fluency will be the most valuable. Harvard Business Review's analysis puts it simply: "AI won't replace humans. But humans with AI will replace humans without AI."

The most valuable skill combinations include:

Data literacy - Understanding how to interpret, question, and apply data insights. Data Literacy Project research shows only 24% of employees feel confident working with data.

Model evaluation - Knowing when AI outputs are reliable and when they need verification.

Prompt engineering - OpenAI's best practices show that how you ask AI matters as much as what you ask.

Human judgment - The ability to spot where AI outputs need correction, context, or ethical consideration.

Practical steps to prepare and upskill

Start with purpose

Identify how AI could augment your current role rather than replace it. Ask yourself: What repetitive tasks consume my time? Where could AI handle first drafts while I focus on refinement?

Anthropic's research on AI-assisted work suggests the biggest productivity gains come from using AI for structured, repeatable tasks while reserving human effort for judgment-intensive decisions.

Mix learning modes

Combine technical tutorials with real-world projects and mentorship. LinkedIn Learning's research shows that employees who apply new skills immediately retain significantly more than those who only complete courses.

Consider:

• Online courses for foundational knowledge
• Side projects for hands-on practice
• Mentorship for context and career guidance
• Community participation for ongoing learning
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Take advantage of free resources

LinkedIn Learning is offering free courses tied to the "Jobs on the Rise" skills through February 6 (check the full report for details).

Other quality free resources:

• Google's AI Essentials course
• Microsoft Learn's AI modules
• Coursera's AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng

Where to learn more (trusted resources)

• LinkedIn's full Jobs on the Rise 2026 report - The primary source for this analysis
• World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report - Global perspective on workforce transformation
• McKinsey Future of Work insights - Research on AI adoption and workforce implications
• O*NET OnLine - U.S. Department of Labor's detailed job descriptions and skill requirements
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook - Official U.S. job growth projections

How organisations can respond

Companies should invest in reskilling programmes that pair AI tool training with domain-specific knowledge. PwC's Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey found that 74% of workers are ready to learn new skills, but only 40% feel their employer provides adequate upskilling opportunities.

The gap between employee willingness and employer investment represents both a risk and an opportunity.

Internal mobility matters. LinkedIn's Workplace Learning Report shows employees at companies with strong internal mobility stay nearly 2x longer.

Storytelling accelerates culture change. Employee advocacy platforms can help amplify upskilling stories, highlight internal mobility, and showcase how teams are evolving. This makes it easier to attract talent in a competitive market where candidates increasingly research company culture before applying.

When employees share their learning journeys and career growth publicly, it signals that your organisation invests in people. Glassdoor research shows 86% of job seekers research company reviews and ratings before applying.

Summary

The 2026 Jobs on the Rise report is a reminder that change is accelerating. AI roles are rising, but the winners will be professionals and organisations that combine human expertise with the right AI tools.

The opportunity isn't about becoming an AI expert overnight. It's about understanding how AI fits into your domain and developing the judgment to use it effectively.

Start where you are. Learn continuously. Share what you discover.

Curious how employee advocacy can help your team ride this wave?

Explore how Vulse can amplify skills, share success stories, and attract top talent. Book a demo to see how employee advocacy supports your workforce development goals.