Skill Demand Index
Based on 13 scored job postings out of 2,412 total. Depth levels reflect actual proficiency tiers, not just keyword presence.
0.5%
Demand Rate
L1
Median Depth
76.9%
Gap Rate
13
Jobs Analyzed
Minimal
Most employers want Machine Learning at introductory awareness.
Overview
Market context for Machine Learning in the current job market
Machine Learning is required in 0.5% of scored job postings on ShouldApply, making it a growing skill in the current job market. Employers looking for Machine Learning typically want candidates who can demonstrate real proficiency, not just surface awareness.
What the data shows for Machine Learning:
What L1 means in practice:
L1 (Minimal) means you can discuss the concept but haven’t used it in production. Many entry-level positions accept this.
This means employers aren't looking for someone who has used Machine Learning once or twice. They want evidence of professional application — shipped work, measurable outcomes, and the ability to operate independently.
Common skill gaps:
The gap rate of 76.9% means most applicants lack Machine Learning at the depth employers need. This is a real opportunity for candidates who invest in building genuine proficiency.
Which roles need Machine Learning most:
Data Science / ML positions drive 46% of demand. Software Engineering and Other also frequently list Machine Learning as a requirement. Skills commonly paired with Machine Learning include SQL.
Depth Level Distribution
How candidates match Machine Learning requirements across 13 scored evaluations
Average depth: L1.2·Median depth: L1.0
Salary Correlation
How Machine Learning affects compensation based on postings with disclosed salary data
Without Machine Learning
$137K
Median $130K
449 jobs
Skill Demand Insight
“Machine Learning appears in 0.5% of all scored jobs.”
From 13 scored job postings
Skill Pairings
Other skills that frequently appear alongside Machine Learning
Role Breakdown
Job categories most likely to require Machine Learning
Gap Analysis
How often Machine Learning is identified as a skill gap (L0–L1) in scored applications
High gap rate — most candidates are underqualified
When Machine Learning appears in a job's requirements, 76.9% of scored applicants received an L0 or L1 (missing or minimal).
Yes. Machine Learning appears in 0.5% of scored job postings on ShouldApply, making it a growing skill in the current market. Based on 13 analyzed jobs, demand is steady across multiple role types.
The median required depth is L1. Many positions accept basic to intermediate proficiency.
Salary data for Machine Learning is still accumulating.
The most common pairings are SQL, Data Analysis, Python, Data Science, ETL. Strengthening these alongside Machine Learning improves your fit across more positions.
Top roles: Data Science / ML, Software Engineering, Other, Data Analysis. Data Science / ML positions have the highest demand at 46% of all Machine Learning jobs.
L1→L2: online courses and personal projects. L2→L3: daily professional use and shipped work. L3→L4: mentoring others and optimizing processes. L4→L5: architecture decisions, open source contributions, or published work.
See how you stack up against Machine Learning job requirements
ShouldApply scores your profile against each skill at the depth level jobs actually need.
Analyze my Machine Learning gaps →See how your depth compares to what employers actually require
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