AI will create more jobs than it kills, McKinsey says. The catch: 11 million Americans may need new careers

Artificial intelligence and automation could reshape the U.S. labor market over the next decade, reducing demand for tens of millions of jobs while creating even more positions in other areas, according to a report from the McKinsey Global Institute.

The report estimates that demand for about 36 million U.S. jobs could decline by 2035. At the same time, employment growth elsewhere could generate roughly 41 million jobs.

Job growth may come with major disruption

The figures suggest that the overall number of jobs could rise despite widespread changes in the types of work employers need. The report’s projection points to a potential gain of about 5 million jobs when the two estimates are compared.

That growth would not mean a seamless transition for workers. Around 11 million Americans may need to move into new careers as AI and automation alter demand across the economy.

Why the transition matters

The report highlights a central challenge of AI-driven change: new opportunities may emerge, but workers whose roles are affected could need to pursue entirely different career paths. The scale of potential job movement makes the adjustment a significant workforce issue, even if total employment increases.

By 2035, the impact of AI and automation is expected to be measured not only by jobs created or reduced, but also by how many workers must change careers to participate in the evolving U.S. labor market.