PHILADELPHIA, PA — A new analysis from the Burning Glass Institute and the Alliance for Decision Education finds that decision-making skills have become one of the most sought-after and financially rewarding competencies in the U.S. labor market, cutting across industries and job levels as technology reshapes the workforce.
The report, Decision Skills in the Workforce, examined more than 6.8 million job postings and found that 41% explicitly reference decision-making capabilities. But researchers caution that this figure understates true demand, since many employers view these skills as foundational and primarily assess them during interviews rather than list them in descriptions.
Across the economy, skills such as strategic thinking, risk analysis, and problem solving are emerging as reliable predictors of economic mobility. Jobs requiring risk-analysis capabilities carry wage premiums of up to 23%, while roles emphasizing strategic decision-making command premiums of about 17%. Demand is especially strong in computer and mathematical occupations (68%), management roles (55%), and skilled trades (44%).
“This research makes it clear: decision-making is a universal skill set with the power to shape lives, careers, and communities,” said Adriana Massara, Chief Operating Officer of the Alliance for Decision Education. She called on educators and policymakers to ensure all students gain access to decision-education tools that prepare them for long-term success.
The findings highlight decision-making as one of the most durable human competencies in an era where automation and AI are disrupting traditional skill requirements. “As emerging technology threatens to automate a broad range of skills, decision-making remains one of the most enduring human advantages,” said Matt Sigelman, President of the Burning Glass Institute. He noted that employers consistently reward workers who demonstrate sound judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to navigate uncertainty.
The report argues that strengthening decision-making instruction in schools could help close the gap between what students learn and what employers value most. Researchers emphasize that mastering these skills equips young people not only to compete in today’s job market but to thrive in an economy increasingly defined by rapid change and complex choices.
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