LinkedIn Reveals Fastest-Growing Skills in the U.S.

As technology reshapes the workplace, the skills that define career success are shifting just as quickly. LinkedIn’s 2026 Skills on the Rise report identifies the fastest-growing skills in the United States, offering insight into what employers value most in today’s evolving job market.

“We’ve seen the skills required to do our jobs evolve dramatically in the last 10 years, with even more change on the way, largely fueled by AI,” Andrew Seaman, LinkedIn News Senior Editor-at-Large for Jobs & Career Development, told CNBC. “Employers are looking less at job titles or degrees and more at what people can actually do.”

How the List Was Determined

LinkedIn compiled its rankings by analyzing year-over-year growth in both “skill acquisition” and “hiring success” between Dec. 1, 2024 and Nov. 30, 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier. Skill acquisition measures how many LinkedIn members added a specific skill to their profiles. Hiring success tracks how many members with a given skill were hired during that timeframe.

The company then grouped individual fast-growing skills into broader categories based on usage and relevance across industries.

“Think of your skills like career currency — they help determine who gets hired, who gets promoted, and who’s tapped for new projects,” Seaman said. “Even as industries evolve or companies change, skills are what give you flexibility and resilience, especially in an uncertain job market.”

AI Continues to Dominate

Not surprisingly, artificial intelligence remains a major driver of demand. Among the fastest-growing categories are AI engineering and implementation, which includes skills such as data annotation and prompt engineering.

AI business strategy is also on the rise, covering areas like data governance and responsible AI practices. As companies expand their use of AI tools, they are seeking workers who understand both the technical and ethical sides of the technology.

“Those [who] embrace AI, are curious with the technology, and use it in their daily work will be seen as the future leaders at each company,” LinkedIn COO Dan Shapero previously told CNBC. AI literacy topped LinkedIn’s 2025 Skills on the Rise list as well, underscoring its continued importance.

Operational and Financial Expertise

Beyond AI, companies are prioritizing operational efficiency. Skills in logistics management and process optimization are increasingly valuable as organizations look to streamline operations and cut costs.

Financial operations and reporting also made the list. Skills such as cash reporting and financial data analysis are in demand as companies navigate economic uncertainty and heightened scrutiny over financial performance.

Risk compliance management, including policy compliance and safety monitoring, reflects the need for businesses to manage regulatory risks and maintain internal controls.

Human-Centric Skills Still Matter

While technical capabilities are crucial, the report highlights that soft skills remain equally important. Executive and stakeholder communications, including public speaking and relationship development, ranked among the fastest-growing areas.

Leadership and people management skills, such as cross-functional team management and talent development, are also in high demand. These competencies help organizations execute strategy and retain top talent.

Andrew McCaskill, formerly a LinkedIn career expert, previously told CNBC that “human-centric skills” like conflict mitigation, adaptability and innovative thinking are “really game changers.” Roughly half of LinkedIn’s 2025 list consisted of soft skills, a trend that continues into 2026.

A Balanced Skill Set

The 2026 list reflects a blend of hard and soft skills. AI knowledge may open doors, but communication, leadership and adaptability help sustain long-term success.

For job seekers and professionals looking to stay competitive, LinkedIn’s findings suggest that continuous learning is essential. Whether developing technical expertise in AI or strengthening interpersonal abilities, the most successful workers will be those who treat their skills as evolving assets in an ever-changing workplace.

Looking for stories that inform and engage? From breaking headlines to fresh perspectives, WaveNewsToday has more to explore. Ride the wave of what’s next.