CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The latest iteration of the Semi-Annual U.S. Insurance Labor Market Study, conducted by The Jacobson Group and Aon plc (NYSE: AON), reveals that 93% of respondents intend to either increase or maintain their workforce over the next 12 months. This finding showcases a resilient outlook for the insurance industry’s labor market, even as employment levels have remained relatively stable in recent years.
Jeffrey Blair, senior vice president of executive search and business development at The Jacobson Group, noted that “overall insurance carrier employment has remained fairly flat throughout the past few years.” However, the study indicates that 43% of carriers plan to maintain their staff size in 2026, marking a 15-year peak and a notable increase of 10 percentage points from January 2025. This shift highlights a growing emphasis on retention programs and proactive performance management within the industry.
Jeff Rieder, head of performance benchmarking for the Strategy and Technology Group at Aon, added that as employee turnover continues to decline, many firms are finding it increasingly challenging to replace staff swiftly. “Key roles within claims, underwriting, and analytical functions still remain in demand,” he said, underscoring the ongoing need for talent in crucial areas of the insurance sector.
The study presents several key findings. Half of the insurance carriers surveyed plan to expand their workforce in the coming year, a slight decrease of five percentage points compared to the previous study. Only 7% indicated intentions to reduce staff. The demand for roles in technology, claims, and underwriting continues to dominate, reflecting a critical focus on these areas for future growth. Additionally, 72% of companies anticipate revenue growth over the next year, although this figure is down 2 percentage points from January 2025.
Recruiting difficulties have eased across most categories, yet positions in actuarial, executive, and analytics remain particularly hard to fill. Furthermore, as the industry adapts to shifting work patterns, 71% of carriers expect most employees to work on a hybrid schedule over the next six months. In contrast, 7% have started requiring employees to be in the office every day, an increase from 3% in January 2025 but a decrease from 8% in July 2025. If carriers execute their hiring plans, the industry could see a 0.91% increase in employment over the next year.
The Semi-Annual U.S. Insurance Labor Market Study has been providing insights into the industry since 2009, collecting data on revenue and hiring projections from carriers across various sectors. This ongoing effort offers a valuable perspective on hiring trends and labor market outlooks within the insurance field.
The next iteration of the study is scheduled for July 2026. Interested parties can sign up for notifications to stay informed about the opening of the labor study.
The Jacobson Group is recognized as a leading provider of talent to the insurance sector, boasting over 50 years of experience in connecting organizations with professionals across all levels and verticals. The firm offers a broad range of staffing solutions, including executive search services and temporary staffing.
Meanwhile, Aon plc is committed to shaping decisions for the better, aiming to protect and enrich lives globally. Their integrated approach combines analytical insights, risk capital, and human capital expertise, providing clients across more than 120 countries with clarity in risk and people decisions.
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