76% of Americans Plan on Learning New AI Skills in 2026, Workera Report Finds

Survey of 1,000 white-collar workers explores impact of AI on current jobs and plans for the future

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Workera, the AI-powered skills verification platform, published the 2026 AI Workforce Preview. The report examines how everyday Americans expect AI to impact their day-to-day workflows and career trajectories over the next 12 months, and reveals that white-collar workers are taking action rather than waiting for a wave of change. Three-quarters (76%) of respondents plan on learning new AI skills in 2026; 40% are doing so to use in their current role and 36% want to make themselves more attractive for new opportunities.

"Americans are hungry for AI skills, and they're already feeling the technology's impact on their jobs," said Kian Katanforoosh, CEO and founder of Workera. "Our research shows employees are willing to leave organizations that don't recognize and value their capabilities. Companies that move beyond resumes to real skills data are able to identify who can do the work today and who can grow into tomorrow's roles, creating a meritocratic backbone that retains top employees at a moment of unprecedented mobility."

The inaugural report surveyed 1,000 Americans working in industries like tech, finance, and the public sector. Findings from the 2026 AI Workforce Preview include:

The 2026 AI Workforce Preview is available today.

Methodology

Workera surveyed 1,000 Americans, each of whom works full-time and has earned a bachelor's degree. The survey was conducted in December 2025 via Pollfish.

About Workera

Workera is pioneering the future of skills technology, reimagining how organizations align business needs with verified skills data to future-fit their workforce and accelerate productivity and innovation. Trusted by the Fortune 500 and recognized by World Economic Forum's Tech Pioneers, TIME's Best EdTech Companies 2025, Inc. 5000, and Josh Bersin's HR Tech AI Trailblazers, Workera leverages proprietary AI agents to deliver unparalleled insights into workforce capabilities, utilizing a state-of-the-art skills ontology and large language models for the most precise skill measurements available. Workera was named in Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list for 2024 alongside Microsoft, Canva, and others leading the AI revolution. Learn more at workera.ai.

SOURCE Workera