More than three-quarters of white-collar workers in the USA plan to learn new AI skills in 2026, a new study has found.
As AI continues to shape how we live and work, it’s no surprise that so many people are upskilling in it.
The stats, which were published as part of Workera’s 2026 AI Workforce Preview, surveyed 1,000 full-time American workers across sectors including technology, finance and the public sector. The report looked at how these workers expect AI to affect their roles, job security and future careers over the next 12 months.
And rather than waiting to see, the research shows that many workers are being proactive in upskilling themselves.
In fact, 76% of those surveyed said they plan to learn new AI skills in 2026, with 40% planning to use those skills in their current roles and 36% thinking it will make them more attractive to future employers.
Workers Expect AI To Change Their Everyday Work
When asked how they think AI will change how they work, some of the most common ways were automation, a growth in productivity and a way to reduce repetitive tasks. Many workers agreed that AI will likely help them free up more time by taking on smaller tasks, whilst others are worried about how increasing AI use could compromise their jobs.
In fact, the survey also found that 9% of Americans expect AI to affect their employment status in 2026, either by causing them to change roles within their company (29%) or by costing them their job altogether (10%).
But they aren’t just sitting back and let it happen. More than half (53%) of those surveyed said they are planning to look for a new job in 2026, with 28% looking for jobs outside of their current company and 25% looking to move internally.
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The Importance Of Skill Appreciation
One of the biggest findings of the report was that feeling appreciated plays a huge role in retention.
Workers who felt like their employer did not understand their skills were more likely to plan a job move. In fact, 73% of people who said they don’t think their employer understands their skills and abilities were looking for a new role in 2026.
Commenting on the findings, Kian Katanforoosh, founder and CEO of Workera, said: “Americans are hungry for AI skills, and they’re already feeling the technology’s impact on their jobs.
“Our research shows employees are willing to leave organisations that don’t recognise and value their capabilities.”
CVs Are Still Central To Hiring
But despite the push for AI and skills-based workers, the report also showed that CVs are still very central to business hiring processes.
72% of those surveyed said that experience and CVs are the most important factors in hiring. This was followed by verified skills data (57%) and relationships in the workplace (48%).
AI Skills In The Future Of Work
It’s no surprise that AI is going to shape the future of work. However, the report sheds a light on just how much employees are doing to upskill themselves proactively, instead of letting the AI revolution pass them by.
The truth is, being AI literate is going to be important in the future of work. And whilst workers upskilling themselves is important, it’s also important for workplaces to recognise and reward these skills.
So, as the AI revolution rolls on, employees across the US are doing everything they can to stay ahead of the times. Will they succeed? Time will tell.
