Average Time to Fill (2026 Update)

Whether you are a recruiter, employer, or simply interested in the job market, understanding the nuances of recruitment timelines can help you understand the deeper nuances in hiring. Data from thought leaders from various reports and articles sheds light on the average time to hire across various industries, offering valuable insights into how long it typically takes for organizations to fill open positions.

This comprehensive analysis not only highlights industry-specific trends and benchmarks but also provides strategic guidance for optimizing hiring processes. By examining these average hiring timelines, companies can better align their recruitment strategies with industry standards, while job seekers can gain a clearer perspective on what to expect during their job search.

The Average Time to Fill by Industry in 2026

Overall, industry reports point to an increased time to fill for most areas of business. As of January 2026, the national average time to fill for all industries is between 63-68 days. However, there are specific averages that differ by industry. Knowing this kind of information can assist you in your search for qualified candidates and help you be one step ahead of future staffing needs.

Time to Fill v.s. Time to Hire

While often used interchangeably, “time to fill” and “time to hire” are distinct metrics that offer different insights into the recruitment process. “Time to fill” refers to the total duration from when a job requisition is opened until the candidate accepts the offer. This metric captures the efficiency of the overall hiring process, including sourcing, interviewing, and offer stages.

On the other hand, “time to hire” measures the time taken from when a candidate applies or is sourced to when they accept the job offer. This focuses more specifically on the candidate’s journey through the recruitment pipeline.

Understanding both metrics is crucial for organizations: “time to fill” helps in assessing the effectiveness of recruitment strategies and resource allocation, while “time to hire” provides insights into the speed and efficiency of engaging with candidates and moving them through the hiring stages.

Average Time to Fill by Industry in 2026

After cross referencing the information below with today’s stats, the average time to fill for the following industries remain the same for 2026:

• Energy & Defense: 67+ Days
• Engineering: 62 Days
• Investment Banking: 60 Days
• Healthcare: 56 Days
• Professional Services: 47 Days
• Pharma and Life Sciences: 44 Days
• Transportation: 42 Days
• IT: 41 Days
• Tech & Media: 39 Days
• Retail: 38 Days
• Fitness: 22 Days
• Education & Child Care: 18 Days
• Food Services: 18 Days
• Personal Care: 17 Days
• Home & Commercial: 17 Days
• Automotive: 16 Days
• Hospitality: 14 Days

Every average time to fill can be less or more than the days stated based on the organization, location, position, seniority level and other variables. In fact, we will explore an important influencing factor on this metric, seniority, next.

Average Time to Fill by Seniority

The average time to fill still increases as you move up the ladder of seniority. With retiring baby boomers leaving leadership roles, and a persistent skills gap driven by rapid AI and tech adoption, highly skilled director and executive positions remain among the most sought‑after and hardest to fill in 2026.

• Executive Level (CRO, CFO, etc): Around 120 Days
• Director Level: Around 90 Days
• Senior Leadership: Around 75 Days
• Mid-Senior Level: Around 60 Days
  • Manager: 75 Days
  • Sales Specialist: 53 Days
• Associate Level: Mid-Senior Level: Around 60 Days
  • Professional Staff: 48 Days
  • Operations Staff: 48 Days
  • Service Staff: 35 Days
• Entry Level: Around 30 Days
  • Support Staff: 28 Days
  • Administration: 24 Days

Average Time to Fill by Industry and Seniority in 2026

In conclusion, the insights provided by the recruitment research firm into the average time to hire across different industries underscore the importance of strategic planning in the hiring process.

By recognizing the typical timelines associated with their specific fields, organizations can enhance their recruitment strategies, streamline workflows, and reduce time-to-fill, ultimately gaining a competitive edge in attracting top talent.

As industries continue to evolve and adapt, staying informed about these benchmarks will remain crucial for both employers and candidates striving for efficiency and success in the recruitment landscape.

Additional Recruiting Resources:

Recruiter’s Guide to the Galaxy: A user-friendly guide that contain’s today’s must-know terms in the recruitment space.

Unfair Advantage: A Candidate Pipeline Guide: An exclusive resource made by the Corporate Navigators Team about the mechanics and process of building a list of candidates whom you can call in your time of need.

Competitive Intelligence Case Study: A case study in which we show how we assisted a Fortune 100 Client in obtaining details outlining the Marketing and Communications budgets for some key competitors in the marketplace.