Upwork(US:UPWK) Globenewswire·2026-02-04 14:00Core Insights - The Upwork annual In-Demand Skills report indicates that while demand for AI-enabled skills has more than doubled year-over-year, hiring for human expertise remains robust across various work categories [1][2]. Demand for Skills - Demand for top skills on the Upwork Marketplace has consistently remained strong, even in areas considered vulnerable to automation, such as coding, creative, marketing, and customer support [2][5]. - Skills explicitly tied to AI applications have seen a significant growth of 109% year-over-year, with notable increases in AI video generation and editing (+329%), AI integration (+178%), AI data annotation and labeling (+154%), and AI chatbot development (+71%) [2][5]. Human-AI Collaboration - The Human+Agent Productivity Index shows that collaboration between humans and AI can boost project completion by up to 70%, emphasizing that AI enhances rather than replaces human expertise [3]. - Business leaders are willing to pay a premium for independent talent who demonstrate creativity and innovation, highlighting the ongoing importance of human skills alongside AI capabilities [5]. Talent Needs - 77% of business leaders report that AI is increasing their need for specialized, fractional talent rather than traditional full-time roles, indicating a shift in the type of talent companies require [5]. - The report suggests a redefinition of professional advantage, where professionals who can merge technical skills with foundational skills will stand out [3]. Fastest-Growing Skills - The top three fastest-growing skills by category for 2026 include: - Coding & Web Development - Customer Service & Admin Support - Data Science & Analytics [4]. Most In-Demand Skills - The most sought-after skills on the Upwork Marketplace include full stack development, general virtual assistance, data analytics, and graphic design, which have remained consistently strong year over year [5][7].