Skill report · GenAI & LLMs
Generative AI: demand in job postings
Generative AI is named in 11% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (3,270 postings), most often for AI Engineer at 40%, Applied Scientist at 36% and Machine Learning Engineer at 29%. When a posting names it, 74% 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
- 3,27011% of all postings
- Required when named
- 74%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 64%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 25 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has risen about 4.1 points since October 2023, comparing like with like.
The roles that ask for it most
The share of each role's postings that name Generative AI.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| AI Engineer | |
| Applied Scientist | |
| Machine Learning Engineer | |
| Data Scientist | |
| Applied AI Engineer | |
| Data Architect | |
| Solutions Architect | |
| Forward Deployed Engineer |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming Generative AI that also name each.
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services13%
- Healthcare9%
- Enterprise Software & SaaS8%
- AI Research & Foundation Models7%
Learn first
What Mettlespark's learning plans put before Generative AI:
Quick answers
Is Generative AI in demand?
Generative AI is named in 11% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 3,270 postings, and required in 74% of those. Its share of postings has risen about 4.1 points since October 2023, comparing like with like.
Which jobs ask for Generative AI?
AI Engineer, Applied Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer and Data Scientist postings name it most often: 40% of AI Engineer postings, 36% of Applied Scientist postings, 29% of Machine Learning Engineer postings.
What skills go with Generative AI?
Postings that name Generative AI most often also name Machine Learning, Python, LLMs and AI Agents.
What should I learn before Generative AI?
Mettlespark's learning plans put Python first.
How long does it take to learn Generative AI?
About 25 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.