Autodesk 2026 AI Jobs Report: AI hiring in Design and Make more than doubles as students face a new skills gap

Autodesk’s second annual AI Jobs Report examines AI’s impact on workforce trends in architecture, engineering, construction, and related fields. The report combines job-listing data with a survey of students and professionals, finding that while general AI familiarity is widespread, readiness for industry-specific AI roles remains low. Dara Treseder, Autodesk’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the need for access to tools and training to help young professionals develop career-ready skills in an AI-driven job market.

Demand for AI talent in Design and Make industries surged 147% over two years and another 33% in the past year alone. Mentions of AI in job listings rose over 120% in 2024, 56% in 2025, and 46% in 2026, signaling AI fluency is becoming a baseline expectation. The report highlights a shift from hiring AI builders to professionals who deploy, govern, and scale AI responsibly within their fields.

The top 10 most in-demand AI skills for Design and Make roles were identified in this year’s report. Last year, Asia led AI hiring growth at 94% year-over-year, but this year, growth has stabilized across regions. North America now leads by a narrow margin, and AI skills demand is no longer concentrated in isolated areas, indicating AI fluency is becoming a global workforce standard.

For the first time, Autodesk’s report includes a dedicated survey of students and professionals in the U.S., revealing confidence in general AI tools but gaps in specialized skills. Despite AI’s growing role, interest in designing physical and digital products remains strong. Autodesk’s AI-powered tools aim to bridge this gap by providing access to professional-grade technology, helping prepare more individuals for high-demand careers in these evolving industries.