Skill report · Machine Learning & AI
Machine Learning: demand in job postings
Machine Learning is named in 30% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (8,543 postings), most often for Machine Learning Engineer at 100%, MLOps Engineer at 97% and Applied Scientist at 93%. When a posting names it, 81% 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
- 8,54330% of all postings
- Required when named
- 81%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 64%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 120 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has fallen about 7.9 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 Machine Learning.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Machine Learning Engineer | |
| MLOps Engineer | |
| Applied Scientist | |
| Data Scientist | |
| AI Engineer | |
| Research Scientist (ML) | |
| Robotics Engineer | |
| Data Architect |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming Machine Learning that also name each.
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services10%
- AI Research & Foundation Models8%
- Healthcare7%
- Enterprise Software & SaaS6%
Learn first
What Mettlespark's learning plans put before Machine Learning:
Quick answers
Is Machine Learning in demand?
Machine Learning is named in 30% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 8,543 postings, and required in 81% of those. Its share of postings has fallen about 7.9 points since October 2023, comparing like with like, but it has turned down lately.
Which jobs ask for Machine Learning?
Machine Learning Engineer, MLOps Engineer, Applied Scientist and Data Scientist postings name it most often: 100% of Machine Learning Engineer postings, 97% of MLOps Engineer postings, 93% of Applied Scientist postings.
What skills go with Machine Learning?
Postings that name Machine Learning most often also name Python, LLMs, AWS and AI Agents.
What should I learn before Machine Learning?
Mettlespark's learning plans put Python and Statistics first.
How long does it take to learn Machine Learning?
About 120 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.