Most US Workers Fear AI Obsolescence as Skills Gap Widens, Survey Finds

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 6, 2026

An ETS survey finds 58% of U.S. workers fear becoming obsolete due to AI and automation, with that figure rising to 74% among tech workers and 73% in financial services. Despite $102.8 billion spent on employee training in 2025, barriers including time constraints, cost, and limited employer support are limiting upskilling efforts. Staffing and workforce professionals note that interpersonal and adaptable 'durable skills' are increasingly valued alongside technical competencies. For recruiters, the data signals both rising candidate anxiety and growing client demand for workers who can demonstrate adaptability.