Our Q3 2026 Insurance Labor Market Study results are in and offer valuable insights into the current state of the job market. This semi-annual study, conducted in partnership with Aon, has provided a pulse on insurance carriers’ hiring and revenue plans for nearly two decades. As we move through the second half of 2026, the industry anticipates limited growth, remaining relatively stable.
During the next 12 months, 49% of companies plan to add staff (4 points lower than this time last year) and 40% expect to maintain their current headcounts. However, just 11% of companies plan to decrease staff, down from 14% one year ago. Growth continues to be driven by increased business volume and expansion into new markets, while automation is cited as the primary reason for reductions, followed by overstaffing and internal reorganization.
Technology roles remain the most in demand for insurers, with underwriting and claims close behind. Overall, carriers shared they are most likely to add experienced professionals (78%), while roughly one in five are most in need of entry-level hires. Based on the data, new entrants to the field will find the most opportunities within operations (48%), claims (28%), underwriting (23%) and product management (23%). Carriers are most in need of experienced talent in analytics (94%), compliance (92%) and accounting (86%).
Compared to last July, recruiting difficulty dropped in nine of the study’s 12 job categories. Actuarial, technology and executive positions remain the most challenging for carriers to fill, with operational roles seeing the least amount of recruiting difficulty. Employees are also choosing to stay their roles longer, with voluntary turnover falling 1.6 points on a 12-month basis and 0.7 points on a six-month basis compared to July 2025.
Hybrid work remains the norm (74%) and just 4% of carriers plan to increase in-office requirements in the near future. Eighty-six percent of carriers offer flexible hours, consistent with the past three years. Overall, the industry seems to be settled into its long-term working environments.
While measured growth is anticipated in the coming year, companies are likely to focus on backfilling current positions and bringing in new talent with specialized skills and competencies. If you’re looking to make a move in the next year, it’s essential to take a thoughtful and strategic approach. Read our blog post, “Standing Out in Today’s Job Market,” for tips to set yourself apart from the competition.
The Q3 2026 Insurance Labor Market Study took place from July 6 to July 26, with participation from insurance carriers across all industry sectors. For more insight on the industry's hiring plans and additional labor market trends, view the full report.