Skill report · Programming Languages
SQL: demand in job postings
SQL is named in 21% of the 28,652 tech job postings Mettlespark read in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days (6,060 postings), most often for Analytics Engineer at 92%, Data Engineer at 79% and Business Intelligence Analyst at 76%. 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
- 6,06021% of all postings
- Required when named
- 85%rather than nice to have
- Senior level or above
- 58%of the postings naming it
- Time to learn
- about 50 hoursfrom zero to job-ready, Mettlespark's estimate
Over time
Its share of postings has risen about 7.9 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 SQL.
| Role | Share of the role's postings |
|---|---|
| Analytics Engineer | |
| Data Engineer | |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | |
| Data Analyst | |
| Data Scientist | |
| Data Architect | |
| Product Analyst | |
| Full-Stack Engineer |
Often asked for alongside
The share of postings naming SQL that also name each.
Industries
Where the postings naming it come from.
- Banking & Financial Services17%
- Healthcare9%
- Aerospace & Defense6%
- Enterprise Software & SaaS5%
Quick answers
Is SQL in demand?
SQL is named in 21% of tech job postings in the United States and Canada over the last 180 days, 6,060 postings, and required in 85% of those. Its share of postings has risen about 7.9 points since October 2023, comparing like with like, and the rise has sped up lately.
Which jobs ask for SQL?
Analytics Engineer, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst and Data Analyst postings name it most often: 92% of Analytics Engineer postings, 79% of Data Engineer postings, 76% of Business Intelligence Analyst postings.
What skills go with SQL?
Postings that name SQL most often also name Python, Machine Learning, AWS and ETL/ELT.
How long does it take to learn SQL?
About 50 hours from zero to job-ready, by Mettlespark's estimate; less with the prerequisites already in hand.