SRI Reference
Current U.S. labor-market data and role-specific outlooks for clients, candidates, writers, and researchers.
Last updated October 12, 2026
The Current Picture
The numbers below put the marketing, communications, and talent market in perspective. They are drawn from current federal labor data and a national HR survey, with each figure linked to its original source.
National data cannot choose a candidate or define a role. It can, however, clarify the conditions around a search: the level of hiring activity, the movement of experienced professionals, and the demand expected across specialist functions.
7.1 million
Employers reported 7.1 million open jobs at the end of August 2026. The market for capable talent remains active even as hiring becomes more selective.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, August 20265.2 million
Employers made 5.2 million hires during August 2026. Every hire is a decision about capability, timing, and long-term fit, not simply filling an open seat.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, August 20263.1 million
The U.S. quits rate held at 1.9% in August 2026, with 3.1 million workers leaving roles voluntarily. That movement continues to shape the available talent pool.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, August 20264.2%
The unemployment rate was 4.2% in September 2026. National figures are useful context, but specialist searches still depend on the availability of people with the right functional experience.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Employment Situation, September 20266%
Employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025 to 2035 projection82,000
Market research analysts and marketing specialists are projected to have about 82,000 openings each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025 to 2035 projection23,000
Public relations specialists are projected to have about 23,000 openings each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025 to 2035 projection68%
In a 2026 survey of more than 2,000 HR professionals, 68% said their organization had difficulty recruiting full-time employees.
Source: SHRM, 2026 Talent Trends ReportSources and Method
This reference page brings together the latest available national figures relevant to recruiting and the marketing and communications functions SRI serves. Each statistic is presented with its source and reporting period. Figures are updated when a source releases material new data.
Strategic Recruiting, Inc. (2026). Marketing and Communications Hiring Statistics: 2026. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://srisearch.com/recruiting-statistics.
Strategic Recruiting, Inc.