This brief highlights key findings from SHRM’s 2026 benchmarking data. These results provide key metrics pertinent to executives who manage recruiting functions for organizations. Given that over 2 in 3 organizations reported struggles with hiring for open positions in 2026, there remains a critical need to leverage data-driven strategies to enhance recruitment processes, as well as invest in innovative solutions to attract top talent.
Inside the 2026 Recruiting Executives Benchmarking Report
- Data from over 4,600 organizations
- Trends in cost-per-hire, requisitions per recruiter, and time-to-fill dating back to 2017
What the Data Reveals
| 1: The executive cost-per-hire increased, while nonexecutive costs remained relatively stable. | 2: The median percentage of nonexecutive positions filled externally increased slightly from 93% in 2025 to 97% in 2026. | |
| 3: Time-to-fill has decreased to a median of 39 calendar days for nonexecutive positions, but the time-to-fill for executive positions has remained the same as last year. | 4: Extra-large organizations experienced a 67% increase in median requisitions per recruiter in 2026. | |
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The insights presented in this data brief offer a look into shifting dynamics within the recruiting landscape in 2026.
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