Q3 2026 Insurance Labor Market Study Results Reflect Slowing Turnover and Modest Growth

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The latest iteration of the Semi-Annual U.S. Insurance Labor Market Study, conducted by The Jacobson Group, the leading provider of talent to the insurance industry, and Aon (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, found 89% of respondents intend to increase or maintain staff size in the next 12 months.

“While about half of carriers plan to increase their staff sizes in the next 12 months, it seems many companies are hiring to backfill key positions and bring in new talent, rather than hiring for growth, given revenue expectations,” said Jeffrey Blair, Senior Vice President of Executive Search and Business Development at The Jacobson Group.

“Lower employee turnover, both voluntary and involuntary is a positive trend that may indicate more stability for carriers, but also make recruiting for certain positions more challenging if incumbents are not actively looking to leave their current employer,” added Jeff Rieder, Head of Performance Benchmarking, Strategy and Technology Group, Aon.

Some of the study’s key findings include the following:

• In the next 12 months, 49% of insurance carriers plan to increase staff. Eleven percent plan to decrease staff, up from 7% in January and down from 14% one year ago.
• Technology, underwriting and claims roles remain the industry’s greatest need.
• Seventy-eight percent of companies expect revenue growth during the next 12 months, up six points from January’s study.
• Compared to July 2025, recruiting difficulty has decreased in nine of 12 categories. Actuarial, technology and executive roles are the most challenging to fill.
• During the next six months, 74% of carriers expect most employees to work a hybrid schedule, up three points from January. Seven percent require employees in the office every day, unchanged from January’s study.
• If carriers follow through on their plans, the industry will see a 0.78% 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 January 2027. 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, Instagram and Facebook.

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 UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of regulated products and services in the UK. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 00210725. Registered Office: The Aon Centre, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AN. Tel: [phone]. Aon is not responsible for the content of the third party website.