2022 State of the API Report
Table of Contents
Key FindingsGlobal Growth of APIsWho Works with APIsA Day, Week, or Year in the LifeAPI-First and Other StrategiesAPI Leadership and GovernanceExecuting on APIsTooling for APIs and DevelopmentAPI TechnologiesAPIs and the Future of WorkMethodologyHow To Share the ReportDownload the ReportWho Works with APIs
Primary job function
We asked survey-takers about their primary roles, and for a second year they revealed an almost even split: nearly half of respondents were developers (full stack, backend, or frontend), and about half held non-developer roles.
Full stack developers were the largest single group at 25% of respondents, down slightly from last year's 27%. Backend developers showed a bit stronger representation at 19%, compared with 17% in 2021.
It's not just developers who work with APIs. A diverse range of professionals weighed in for this year's survey, including CEOs, business analysts, and customer success staff, who all shared their thoughts on APIs.
Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%.
Industry
We asked about individuals' industries, and the results were clear: Technology remains the largest sector, followed by business/IT services, banking/finance/insurance, and healthcare.
Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%.
Years of experience
This year's survey recorded a surge in people working with APIs for the first time. More than one in six respondents had less than a year of API development experience, compared with just one in 25 people last year.
Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%.
Generation
The bulk of respondents again identified themselves as Millennials, followed by Gen X, Gen Z, and finally Baby Boomers.
Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100%.
Gender
Like much of the software sector, the world of APIs appears to skew male. Some 85% of survey-takers identified as men. Only 10% of respondents identified as women, 1% as non-binary, and 4% preferred not to answer. The disparity underscores the continued need for initiatives that support workplace diversity.
Event Recap: A New Era for API and AI Builders
Discover how leading developers are building smarter, faster, and more secure APIs in the age of agentic AI. Get the insights, strategies, and product announcements that emerged from two incredible days of innovation in Los Angeles.
