I am curious about demand for this skill in the market.

But I just don't see it - machine/statistical/deep learning gigs just seem really rare.

I know this isn't a great metric, but searches on Indeed.com:

  "deep learning" - 873
  "machine learning" - 9,762
  "statistical learning" - 65
  java - 72,802
  javascript - 43,785

Same searches on LinkedIn:

  "deep learning" - 646
  "machine learning" - 6,952
  "statistical learning" - 34
  java - 43,845
  javascript - 30,818

Even the "machine learning" search on Indeed, with 9K+ results has 1300+ from Amazon, followed by a much smaller number (in low hundreds each) from Microsoft, Google, others (including some that look like staffing companies).

Even on HN's who's hiring Sept 2016 thread phrase counts: 14 "deep learning" 79 "machine learning"

I completely agree with the idea that being able to use some deep/machine/statistical learning is going to be a toolset that data hackers need to have. I even think that there is a bit of the "build it and they will come" magic waiting out there.

But I think the best way forward is to be working in data and figure out how to generate value with deep learning - this will be much more productive than trying to seek out a deep learning gig in terms of promoting deep learning in the workplace. Heck, that's a suggestion I would be wise to take myself . . .