Skill report · Data Engineering
Apache Spark: demand in job postings
Apache Spark is named in 6% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (1,651 postings), most often for Data Engineer at 41%, Applied Scientist at 21% and MLOps Engineer at 21%. When a posting names it, 67% 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
- 1,6516% of all postings
- Required when named
- 67%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 68%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 60 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has fallen about 2.4 points since October 2023, comparing like with like.
The roles that ask for it most
The share of each role's postings that name Apache Spark.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Data Engineer | |
| Applied Scientist | |
| MLOps Engineer | |
| Machine Learning Engineer | |
| Data Scientist | |
| Data Architect | |
| Analytics Engineer | |
| Data Analyst |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming Apache Spark that also name each.
- Python83%
- Machine Learning67%
- SQL62%
- AWS61%
- ETL/ELT53%
- Databricks39%
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services15%
- Healthcare7%
- Retail & E-commerce5%
- Aerospace & Defense5%
Learn first
What Mettlespark's learning plans put before Apache Spark:
Quick answers
Is Apache Spark in demand?
Apache Spark is named in 6% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 1,651 postings, and required in 67% of those. Its share of postings has fallen about 2.4 points since October 2023, comparing like with like.
Which jobs ask for Apache Spark?
Data Engineer, Applied Scientist, MLOps Engineer and Machine Learning Engineer postings name it most often: 41% of Data Engineer postings, 21% of Applied Scientist postings, 21% of MLOps Engineer postings.
What skills go with Apache Spark?
Postings that name Apache Spark most often also name Python, Machine Learning, SQL and AWS.
What should I learn before Apache Spark?
Mettlespark's learning plans put SQL first.
How long does it take to learn Apache Spark?
About 60 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.