U.S. Employers Raise Second Half Hiring Plans
U.S. employer hiring plans rose to 66% for the second half of 2026, according to Robert Half’s survey of hiring managers.
Robert Half found that 66% of U.S. hiring managers plan to increase permanent hiring in the second half of 2026. The figure rises from 60% in the first half of the year and 57% a year earlier. Its survey of more than 2,000 hiring managers also found that 56% expect to hire contract professionals. Technology, healthcare, and finance and accounting reported the highest planned hiring rates.
Markets With Stronger Hiring Plans
Denver led the surveyed cities, with 83% of hiring managers planning to increase permanent hiring. Minneapolis followed at 76%, while San Francisco reached 73%. Houston and Seattle each recorded 69%, followed by Boston at 66% and Dallas at 65%.
Technology had the highest planned hiring rate by specialization at 78%, followed by healthcare at 75% and finance and accounting at 74%. Marketing and creative reached 65%, while legal, human resources, and administrative and customer support recorded lower rates.
Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half, said:
“Organizations are increasingly moving forward with strategic initiatives, but many recognize they need specialized talent to make those plans a reality. We’re seeing employers invest in both permanent and contract professionals to access the expertise they need, maintain momentum and remain competitive.”
Skills Gaps Affect Project Delivery
Nearly six in 10 hiring managers, or 58%, said finding qualified talent is more difficult than it was a year ago. The shortages have contributed to significant project delays for 63% of respondents, while 48% said they had canceled projects because they lacked staff with the necessary skills.
Industry-specific knowledge was the hardest skill to find, cited by 47% of respondents. Software proficiency followed at 42%, and leadership abilities at 40%.
Contract Talent Fills Gaps
Organizations are turning to staffing firms for candidates with specialized project skills, cited by 60% of respondents, urgent project support at 56%, and internal staff backfills at 48%. Employers can also review Robert Half’s Demand for Skilled Talent report for further 2026 employment data.
Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half, said:
“When specialized talent is difficult to find, employers are expanding how they approach hiring. Partnering with a staffing firm gives organizations access to a broader network of skilled professionals, including contract talent who can make an immediate impact while companies continue recruiting for long-term needs.”
