Skill report · Programming Languages
Java: demand in job postings
Java is named in 19% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (5,329 postings), most often for Applied Scientist at 65%, Full-Stack Engineer at 42% and Software Engineer at 33%. 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
- 5,32919% of all postings
- Required when named
- 83%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 60%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 110 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has risen about 4.6 points since October 2023, comparing like with like, and the rise has sped up lately.
The roles that ask for it most
The share of each role's postings that name Java.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Applied Scientist | |
| Full-Stack Engineer | |
| Software Engineer | |
| Backend Engineer | |
| Data Engineer | |
| DevOps Engineer | |
| MLOps Engineer | |
| Site Reliability Engineer |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming Java that also name each.
- Python63%
- AWS51%
- Distributed Systems46%
- CI/CD44%
- Code Review37%
- Testing35%
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services13%
- Aerospace & Defense8%
- Fintech & Payments6%
- Enterprise Software & SaaS6%
Quick answers
Is Java in demand?
Java is named in 19% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 5,329 postings, and required in 83% of those. Its share of postings has risen about 4.6 points since October 2023, comparing like with like, and the rise has sped up lately.
Which jobs ask for Java?
Applied Scientist, Full-Stack Engineer, Software Engineer and Backend Engineer postings name it most often: 65% of Applied Scientist postings, 42% of Full-Stack Engineer postings, 33% of Software Engineer postings.
What skills go with Java?
Postings that name Java most often also name Python, AWS, Distributed Systems and CI/CD.
How long does it take to learn Java?
About 110 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.