Layoffs are at an all-time high since 2009, and we’re also experiencing the lowest hiring on record in the job market. But AI spending is also reaching all-time highs—especially among Big Tech companies, who are on an extravagant spending spree. As I recently reported, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are forecast to drop a staggering $650 billion on AI in 2026 alone.
And while many companies are pouring a lot of that money—we’re talking hundreds of billions—into building massive data centers, hoping to establish a long-term strategic advantage in the AI arms race, many are still hiring workers for jobs that utilize AI skills.
So, what are those skills? While many people assume the most in-demand AI skill is coding, according to a new report, it’s actually not. Here’s a look at what recruiters and companies are looking for right now.
The most in-demand AI skills
A recent report from online freelance marketplace Upwork found that the AI skill for which hiring is growing fastest is AI video generation and editing (a type of design and creative work). Demand for that skill is up over 329% year over year (YoY).
That refers to the ability to use AI tools to cut down on time by generating and editing video content from text, images, or audio.
Some of the other AI skills that are most in demand include the following (by category):
- Coding and web development: Artificial intelligence integration is up 178%.
- Data science and analytics: Data annotation and labeling is up 154%.
- Customer service and admin support: E-commerce management is up 130%.
- Design and creative work: AI image generation and editing is up 95%.
Job skills are foundational, not replaceable
“While the World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of workers’ skills will be transformed or become redundant by 2030—only a small share of complex tasks can be fully automated by today’s AI,” according to the report.
While workers are increasingly concerned about being displaced by AI, Upwork’s findings show companies still rank talent acquisition and retention as their top strategic priority (consistently ahead of innovation and technology adoption). This means that instead of replacing workers with AI, businesses are still prioritizing adaptable and agile learners slightly ahead of those who can build or understand AI tools (at least, for now).