# McKinsey says 11 million US workers may need new careers by 2035 due to AI

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-09-29T14:36:14Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/mckinsey-says-11-million-us-workers-may-need-new-careers-by-2035-due-t

## Summary

McKinsey & Co. estimates that **11 million US workers**—about **6.5%** of the current labor force—could need entirely new occupations by **2035** because of AI-driven automation. The McKinsey Global Institute report predicts AI will **create more jobs than it eliminates** over the next nine years, but the shift may require the **largest workforce transformation in US history**, per the authors. While **36 million jobs** could be lost to automation, **40 million new roles**—including AI-related ones—are expected to emerge, though **25 million affected workers** may stay in their current fields due to industry growth. The report frames the challenge as **workforce mobility**, not job scarcity, amid broader labor market pressures like aging demographics and slower hiring.

Labor market conditions remain weak, with job openings at a **five-month low** in August, voluntary quits near a **six-year low**, and hiring growth still below historical averages. Glassdoor’s **Employee Confidence Index** hit a record low in September, reflecting rising anxiety over job security and economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment also declined sharply, with the **Conference Board’s index** dropping **6.7 points** to its lowest level in **12 years**, influenced by higher gas prices and geopolitical tensions. Economists expect September’s jobs report to show slower employment growth, with a consensus forecast of **95,000 new jobs** (down from **162,000** in August).

## Key points

- McKinsey estimates **11 million US workers** may need new careers by **2035** due to AI-driven automation
- AI could eliminate **36 million jobs** but create **40 million new ones**, per McKinsey’s base scenario
- Labor market remains sluggish: job openings at **five-month low**, hiring growth below historical averages

## Why it matters

The report highlights a potential **massive shift in US labor demand**, forcing workers to adapt faster than past economic transitions. For policymakers, it underscores the need for reskilling programs, while businesses must prepare for a **less mobile workforce** with higher turnover risks.

## Sources

1. [AI could force 11 million US workers into new careers by 2035](https://cnn.com/2026/09/29/economy/us-economy-jobs-consumer-confidence-ai-jolts) (cnn.com, 2026-09-29)

## Cite

Digest AI, "McKinsey says 11 million US workers may need new careers by 2035 due to AI", 29 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/mckinsey-says-11-million-us-workers-may-need-new-careers-by-2035-due-t

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