LinkedIn’s 2025 Jobs On The Rise Report: Emerging Careers To Watch

In the ever-evolving job market, adaptability has never been more important — and LinkedIn’s 2025 Jobs on the Rise report offers a roadmap for what’s ahead, including emerging careers. The annual report highlights the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S., reflecting the shifting demands of employers and the rise of transformative technologies — particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

This year’s rankings are, unsurprisingly, driven by AI roles. With AI’s explosive growth over the last year, companies are quickly integrating automation and generative AI into their operations. But the report also highlights surprising standouts, like physical therapists, showing that roles requiring human touch remain important. Sixty percent of the titles are new to LinkedIn’s list this year, and even returning roles have climbed sharply in the rankings.

Here are the top emerging careers to keep an eye out for.

AI engineers design, build, and deploy AI-powered applications, often working on machine learning models, generative AI tools, and automation systems. As Julie Faraut states in the report, it’s a technical-focused position.

Job skills required for this career include machine learning frameworks, cloud platforms, data engineering, and an understanding of AI ethics. According to Simplilearn, a career in AI engineering asks for a solid foundation in computer science, knowledge of machine learning algorithms, proficiency in programming languages like Python, and experience in data management and analysis.

Large financial institutions, tech companies, startups, and healthcare industries are steadily hiring AI engineers. Think of companies like Apple, Adobe, Google, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, and even LinkedIn.

Where AI engineers are more technical-focused, Julie shares that AI consultant careers hone in on the business implementation of AI into workplaces. Ultimately, they help organizations implement AI technologies strategically to solve business problems and optimize operations.

As shared by Teal, AI consultants should have a solid understanding of AI technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI, while also being able to communicate complex concepts to non-technical teams. Strong project management, problem-solving, and data analysis skills are essential, along with familiarity with cloud platforms and AI ethics and governance.

This career is in demand across a variety of industries, from tech firms and startups, to industries in healthcare, finance, and retail. Companies with active job listings hiring for AI consultant roles include Sia, Google, Amazon, Salt, and SEI.

Coming in at the third-place spot to shake up the AI-focused roles were physical therapists, who play a vital role in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical therapists assess patient needs, design personalized treatment plans, and guide individuals through exercises and therapies to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall physical function.

Success as a physical therapist requires a strong foundation in anatomy, kinesiology, and rehab techniques, meshed with a balance of communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and motivate patients throughout their recovery. Higher education is required for this role, as physical therapists must hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and be licensed to practice.

If you’re looking for opportunities as a physical therapist, explore positions at local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and sports organizations. Private practices and home healthcare services are often hiring as the career demand grows.

Following physical therapists in the rankings is the role of workforce development manager, which centers on designing and managing training programs that help employees develop the skills necessary to meet evolving business needs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Key skills for this position include leadership, project management, and an understanding of workforce trends. Companies in need of these professionals look for strong leadership, adaptability, and critical thinking. Job seekers interested in this role should target large corporations, government agencies, hospitals, and nonprofits focused on employee development initiatives.