Skill report · Backend & APIs
REST APIs: demand in job postings
REST APIs is named in 18% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (5,065 postings), most often for Full-Stack Engineer at 48%, Backend Engineer at 43% and Mobile Engineer at 36%. When a posting names it, 85% 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
- 5,06518% of all postings
- Required when named
- 85%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 62%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 20 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has risen about 6.4 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 REST APIs.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Full-Stack Engineer | |
| Backend Engineer | |
| Mobile Engineer | |
| AI Engineer | |
| Applied AI Engineer | |
| Software Engineer | |
| Data Architect | |
| Forward Deployed Engineer |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming REST APIs that also name each.
- Python48%
- CI/CD47%
- AWS43%
- Observability38%
- Distributed Systems37%
- Testing35%
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services15%
- Enterprise Software & SaaS10%
- Healthcare8%
- Fintech & Payments6%
Quick answers
Is REST APIs in demand?
REST APIs is named in 18% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 5,065 postings, and required in 85% of those. Its share of postings has risen about 6.4 points since October 2023, comparing like with like, and the rise has sped up lately.
Which jobs ask for REST APIs?
Full-Stack Engineer, Backend Engineer, Mobile Engineer and AI Engineer postings name it most often: 48% of Full-Stack Engineer postings, 43% of Backend Engineer postings, 36% of Mobile Engineer postings.
What skills go with REST APIs?
Postings that name REST APIs most often also name Python, CI/CD, AWS and Observability.
How long does it take to learn REST APIs?
About 20 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.