AD
API Design IT skill profile
Also known as REST API · API Development · RESTful APIs · API Architecture
What recruiters should know
API Design is a core competency for all senior backend and platform engineering roles. API-first architecture is the standard for modern software development — 83% of web traffic is now API-driven. OpenAPI/Swagger, GraphQL, and gRPC skills command premium salaries. The API economy continues to expand with every organisation building external and internal APIs. API Design explicitly listed in 60%+ of senior backend job descriptions.
In plain terms
Design and implementation of application programming interfaces
Industry demand
Overall level
very high
Trend
stable dominant
Top hiring sectors
- SaaS & Platform Companies
- Financial Services
- Healthcare
- Media & Entertainment
- Enterprise Software
Proficiency ladder
What each level looks like in the work — behavioural markers, not job titles.
At this level, a developer can…
- Built simple REST APIs
- Used HTTP methods
- JSON responses