> At a Glance
> – LinkedIn’s 2026 Jobs on the Rise list crowns AI engineer as the fastest-growing role
> – AI consultant/strategist ranks second
> – 56% of Americans plan to job hunt this year, matching 2025 levels
> – Why it matters: Growth is concentrated; workers must target skills to break in
The 2026 hiring map is out and artificial intelligence roles are claiming the top spots, according to LinkedIn’s newly released rankings.
The Hottest Roles
LinkedIn editor-in-chief Dan Roth unveiled the findings on TODAY, noting the list reflects roles with the steepest year-over-year hiring spikes.
Fastest-growing jobs:
- AI engineer (#1)
- AI consultant or strategist (#2)
A Tighter Market
Despite steady worker interest-56% of U.S. professionals expect to search for a new position-openings are harder to land. Roth warns opportunities are “concentrated in particular industries” and unevenly distributed.
Key advice from Roth:
- Focus on skills, not past titles
- Map your abilities to in-demand roles
- Craft a clear story linking skills to target job
> “It’s all about the skills. You’ve got to help employers understand why you can do this job, even if you’ve never done it before.”
Strategy for Switchers
Roth recommends a three-step pivot:
- Identify your transferable skills
- Match them to roles on the rise list
- Rewrite résumés and cover letters to highlight fit
In-demand examples he cited:
- Construction planning coordinator
- Independent analyst
Key Takeaways
- AI roles lead LinkedIn’s 2026 growth rankings
- 56% of professionals plan to job hunt amid a tighter market
- Skills-based storytelling is critical for career changers
- Growth is industry-specific; research is essential
Roth emphasizes that while competition is stiffer, informed pivots can still land workers on a fast-growing career path.
