Skill report · Programming Languages
C: demand in job postings
C is named in 6% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (1,682 postings), most often for Embedded Software Engineer at 79%, Software Engineer at 13% and Robotics Engineer at 10%. When a posting names it, 83% 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
- 1,6826% of all postings
- Required when named
- 83%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 58%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 100 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has fallen about 2.3 points since October 2023, comparing like with like.
The roles that ask for it most
The share of each role's postings that name C.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Embedded Software Engineer | |
| Software Engineer | |
| Robotics Engineer | |
| Security Engineer | |
| Research Scientist (ML) | |
| DevOps Engineer | |
| Engineering Manager | |
| Applied Scientist |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming C that also name each.
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Aerospace & Defense26%
- Manufacturing & Industrial8%
- Automotive & Mobility6%
- Enterprise Software & SaaS4%
Quick answers
Is C in demand?
C is named in 6% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 1,682 postings, and required in 83% of those. Its share of postings has fallen about 2.3 points since October 2023, comparing like with like.
Which jobs ask for C?
Embedded Software Engineer, Software Engineer, Robotics Engineer and Security Engineer postings name it most often: 79% of Embedded Software Engineer postings, 13% of Software Engineer postings, 10% of Robotics Engineer postings.
What skills go with C?
Postings that name C most often also name C++, Python, Linux and Embedded Systems.
How long does it take to learn C?
About 100 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.