Skill report · Academic Foundations
Data Structures & Algorithms: demand in job postings
Data Structures & Algorithms is named in 5% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (1,537 postings), most often for Applied Scientist at 28%, Data Engineer at 13% and Data Architect at 12%. When a posting names it, 87% 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
- 1,5375% of all postings
- Required when named
- 87%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 55%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 80 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has fallen about 3.3 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 Data Structures & Algorithms.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Applied Scientist | |
| Data Engineer | |
| Data Architect | |
| Software Engineer | |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | |
| Full-Stack Engineer | |
| Backend Engineer | |
| AI Engineer |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming Data Structures & Algorithms that also name each.
- Python55%
- Distributed Systems43%
- Algorithms39%
- Java38%
- Machine Learning38%
- AWS34%
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services11%
- Aerospace & Defense8%
- Enterprise Software & SaaS6%
- Healthcare5%
Quick answers
Is Data Structures & Algorithms in demand?
Data Structures & Algorithms is named in 5% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 1,537 postings, and required in 87% of those. Its share of postings has fallen about 3.3 points since October 2023, comparing like with like, but it has turned down lately.
Which jobs ask for Data Structures & Algorithms?
Applied Scientist, Data Engineer, Data Architect and Software Engineer postings name it most often: 28% of Applied Scientist postings, 13% of Data Engineer postings, 12% of Data Architect postings.
What skills go with Data Structures & Algorithms?
Postings that name Data Structures & Algorithms most often also name Python, Distributed Systems, Algorithms and Java.
How long does it take to learn Data Structures & Algorithms?
About 80 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.