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quantum computing

🔻 Declining ESCO reuse: sector-specific

The branch of computer science that follows the principles of quantum theory. It uses subatomic particles which are allowed to exist under more than one state thanks to quantum bits, or qubits.

quantum computing — the branch of computer science that follows the principles of quantum theory. It uses subatomic particles which are allowed to exist under more than one state thanks to quantum bits, or qubits. McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the declining band (SCI 50.68/100) — a skill likely to fall in demand as AI and automation cover more of its ground by 2030. ESCO classifies it as a sector-specific (rooted in one industry) skill within knowledge. It is currently listed by 1 occupations in our catalogue, including cosmologist.

Category: knowledge › software and applications development and analysis SCI: 50.68/100 Also known as: quantum computing methods

Occupations that require quantum computing

Showing top 1 of 1 occupations · ranked by India employment volume, then AI-durability.

cosmologist · 🤖 5.0/10

Frequently asked questions

What is quantum computing?

The branch of computer science that follows the principles of quantum theory. It uses subatomic particles which are allowed to exist under more than one state thanks to quantum bits, or qubits.

What category of skill is quantum computing?

ESCO classifies quantum computing under the knowledge category, specifically in the software and applications development and analysis subcategory.

Is quantum computing an AI-durable skill?

McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the declining band (SCI 50.68/100) — a skill likely to fall in demand as AI and automation cover more of its ground by 2030. Prioritise this skill only when it directly enables paid work today — plan for AI to absorb more of it every year.

Which jobs require quantum computing?

In our catalogue, 1 occupations list quantum computing as a required or important skill. The top occupations by employment volume include cosmologist.

How transferable is quantum computing between industries?

ESCO tags quantum computing as a sector-specific (rooted in one industry) skill — a signal of how portable it is when you change field.

Is quantum computing the same as quantum computing methods?

Yes — quantum computing is also known as quantum computing methods. They refer to the same underlying capability in the ESCO taxonomy.

How can I learn quantum computing?

The most reliable path is to pick a job or project that demands quantum computing and learn through delivery. Complement that with role-specific roadmaps and short courses. Explore the occupations below to see where this skill is used in practice.

Data: ESCO v1.2.1 (CC-BY-4.0). Durability framework informed by McKinsey Global Institute (Nov 2025). See our methodology.