It’s not surprising that roles related to artificial intelligence (AI) are the fastest-growing and most in-demand jobs globally right now.

 

But while technology roles dominate the list, many rapidly growing jobs have nothing to do with tech. In fact, they’re deeply rooted in human connection and the evolving needs of our planet and society.

These come from LinkedIn’s latest Jobs on the Rise report, which analyzed job trends across 21 countries. By examining LinkedIn’s vast database, the report pinpointed the job titles experiencing the highest growth rates across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 

The findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of work, highlighting shifts in industries and workforce priorities. They also offer important insights for our Toronto executive recruiters to help our clients across Canada and the U.S. navigate the recruitment and labour market. 

Engineering and technology roles lead the way. 

Unsurprisingly, technology remains the fastest-growing industry worldwide, a trend that has held steady over the past few years. Among all the countries analyzed, tech roles consistently appeared in the top 10 fastest-growing jobs, with AI engineers emerging as the standout. This role was listed as a top-growing job in 15 of the 21 countries, including leading markets like the U.K., Singapore, the Netherlands, and the U.S., where it claimed the number one spot.

The demand for AI-related roles doesn’t stop at engineering. Titles like AI researcher, machine learning engineer, and cybersecurity engineer are also seeing explosive growth. In total, the report identified 26 different types of engineering roles as rapidly expanding, from platform engineers to performance engineers. These positions reflect the increasing reliance on advanced technology across industries, driven by the global push for digital transformation.

Yet, the tech boom isn’t without challenges. Gender diversity remains a significant hurdle, especially in fields like AI and engineering. For instance, in the U.S., only 20% of AI engineers are women, and the figure rises to just 26% across engineering roles more broadly. Addressing this imbalance is essential for fostering innovation and building inclusive workplaces.

Beyond tech: the rise of human-centered and green jobs

While technology dominates the conversation, many of the fastest-growing jobs highlight a renewed emphasis on human interaction and environmental stewardship. Post-COVID, the world’s appetite for travel and in-person experiences has skyrocketed, fueling demand for roles in hospitality and travel. Countries around the globe are seeing a surge in positions like event planners, travel consultants, and hospitality managers as people seek to reconnect and explore the world once more.

Simultaneously, the growing urgency of the climate crisis has spurred the creation of green jobs. From renewable energy specialists to sustainability consultants, these roles are becoming essential as governments, companies, and individuals strive to mitigate environmental impacts. This trend underscores the shift toward a more sustainable global economy and reflects the increasing value placed on protecting our planet for future generations.

What this means for hiring organizations 

For organizations looking to hire, these trends are a wake-up call to adapt their strategies to the changing job market.

Organizations will need to focus on creating compelling employee value propositions that resonate with candidates seeking these roles. Finally, as competition for talent intensifies, employers must embrace flexible, inclusive, and forward-thinking practices to remain attractive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

 

Not sure where to start? We can help.

At South End Partners, our Toronto executive recruiters work with large and small organizations across industries to help them find the right leaders for the right opportunities using an objective, data driven approach.

We also provide comprehensive HR consulting services including onboarding support, interview coaching and training, and strategies to develop your superstar teams.

Reach out to find out how we can help you today!