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ZDNET's key takeaways
Demand for AI skills skyrocketed in 2025, according to Upwork.
AI is reshaping jobs more than it is replacing them.
Employers could soon place a higher premium on freelancers.
The proliferation of advanced AI tools in the workplace isn't resulting in the mass job displacement that many have feared -- not yet, anyway.
According to a new report from freelance marketplace platform Upwork, employer demand for skills that, on the surface, seem most susceptible to AI-driven automation, like software development and customer support, remained stable in 2025. At the same time, demand for skills that focus on incorporating AI into companies' existing workflows has skyrocketed over the past year, Upwork's report found.
Also: More workers are using AI than ever - they're also trusting it less: Inside the frustration gap
As a whole, the findings suggest that while businesses are investing more time and resources in adopting AI tools, they are simultaneously seeking skilled human workers to oversee and manage AI processes effectively.
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