Skill report · Data Engineering
Apache Kafka: demand in job postings
Apache Kafka is named in 6% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (1,791 postings), most often for Data Engineer at 25%, Backend Engineer at 22% and Data Architect at 17%. When a posting names it, 55% list it as required.
From 28,652 postings in the United States and Canada, April 23, 2026 to October 20, 2026. Updated October 20, 2026. How we count
- Postings naming it
- 1,7916% of all postings
- Required when named
- 55%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 73%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 45 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has fallen about 1.6 points since October 2023, comparing like with like, but it has turned down lately.
The roles that ask for it most
The share of each role's postings that name Apache Kafka.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Data Engineer | |
| Backend Engineer | |
| Data Architect | |
| Site Reliability Engineer | |
| MLOps Engineer | |
| Full-Stack Engineer | |
| Software Engineer | |
| DevOps Engineer |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming Apache Kafka that also name each.
- AWS66%
- Python60%
- Kubernetes57%
- CI/CD55%
- Java51%
- Observability51%
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services17%
- Healthcare7%
- Fintech & Payments7%
- Aerospace & Defense6%
Quick answers
Is Apache Kafka in demand?
Apache Kafka is named in 6% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 1,791 postings, and required in 55% of those. Its share of postings has fallen about 1.6 points since October 2023, comparing like with like, but it has turned down lately.
Which jobs ask for Apache Kafka?
Data Engineer, Backend Engineer, Data Architect and Site Reliability Engineer postings name it most often: 25% of Data Engineer postings, 22% of Backend Engineer postings, 17% of Data Architect postings.
What skills go with Apache Kafka?
Postings that name Apache Kafka most often also name AWS, Python, Kubernetes and CI/CD.
How long does it take to learn Apache Kafka?
About 45 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.