Q1 2026 Insurance Labor Market Study Results Indicate Ongoing Stability
“Overall insurance carrier employment has remained fairly flat throughout the past few years,” said Jeffrey Blair, senior vice president of executive search and business development at The Jacobson Group. “Looking forward, our study found
“As employee turnover continues to decline, many companies are not in situations to replace staff as quickly,” added Jeff Rieder, head of performance benchmarking for the Strategy and Technology Group for Aon. “Key roles within claims, underwriting and analytical functions still remain in demand.”
Some of the study’s key findings include the following:
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In the next 12 months,
50% of insurance carriers plan to increase staff, which is 5 points lower than reported in the January 2025 study. Just7% plan to decrease staff. - Technology, claims and underwriting roles remain the industry’s greatest need.
- Seventy-two percent of companies expect revenue growth during the next year, down 2 points from January 2025.
- Compared to January 2025, recruiting difficulty has slightly eased in every category. Actuarial, executive and analytics roles remain the most challenging to fill.
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During the next six months,
71% of carriers expect most employees to work a hybrid schedule. Seven percent require employees in the office every day, up from3% in January 2025 and down from8% in July 2025. -
If carriers follow through on their plans, the industry will see a
0.91% increase in employment during the next 12 months.
For more highlights and commentary, view the full results summary and recorded webcast.
The insurance labor market study has been conducted semi-annually since 2009. Collecting revenue and hiring projections from carriers across all sectors of the industry, it provides a valuable look at the insurance labor market outlook and hiring trends.
The study’s next iteration will occur in July 2026. To be alerted when it opens, sign up for labor study notifications.
About The Jacobson Group:
The Jacobson Group is the leading provider of talent to the insurance industry. For more than 50 years, Jacobson has been connecting insurance organizations with professionals at all levels across all industry verticals. Jacobson provides insurance talent solutions to support virtually any human capital need. We offer executive search services and comprehensive staffing solutions, including professional recruiting, temporary staffing and interim experts.
Follow The Jacobson Group on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
About Aon:
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
Aon
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303866010/en/
The Jacobson Group
Whitney Stephens
wstephens@jacobsongroup.com
Aon plc
Andrew Wragg
+44 (0) 7595 217168
andrew.wragg@aon.com
Source: The Jacobson Group