Skill report · Programming Languages
R: demand in job postings
R is named in 3% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (862 postings), most often for Data Scientist at 30%, Data Analyst at 23% and Applied Scientist at 17%. When a posting names it, 67% 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
- 8623% of all postings
- Required when named
- 67%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 59%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 70 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has held steady since October 2023, comparing like with like.
The roles that ask for it most
The share of each role's postings that name R.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Data Scientist | |
| Data Analyst | |
| Applied Scientist | |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | |
| Product Analyst | |
| Analytics Engineer | |
| Research Scientist (ML) | |
| Data Architect |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming R that also name each.
- Python98%
- SQL76%
- Statistics72%
- Machine Learning67%
- Data Visualization41%
- AWS31%
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services20%
- Healthcare9%
- Aerospace & Defense7%
- Pharma & Biotech6%
Quick answers
Is R in demand?
R is named in 3% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 862 postings, and required in 67% of those. Its share of postings has held steady since October 2023, comparing like with like.
Which jobs ask for R?
Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Applied Scientist and Business Intelligence Analyst postings name it most often: 30% of Data Scientist postings, 23% of Data Analyst postings, 17% of Applied Scientist postings.
What skills go with R?
Postings that name R most often also name Python, SQL, Statistics and Machine Learning.
How long does it take to learn R?
About 70 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.