DAHL Blog

The insurance industry is entering 2026 with big shifts in workforce demand. Given a tight labor market, rapid automation, and changing customer behaviors, insurers are rethinking how they hire and who they need next. Whether you’re new to insurance or looking to make a career change within the industry, this guide will help you understand which roles are growing, which are fading, and how you can stand out in an evolving talent market.

What’s Driving the Change

Several key trends are reshaping the insurance hiring landscape, one of which is a significant retirement wave that is underway. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, half of the current workforce will retire over the next 15 years, leaving over 400,000 positions open. Despite this, insurance industry employment is projected to grow approximately 5% through 2034, right in line with national averages. However, not all roles are seeing growth. Claims adjuster roles, including adjusters, examiners, and investigators, are expected to decline 5% by 2034, even as replacement hiring continues. Similarly, traditional underwriting positions are seeing a downward trend, with a 3% projected decline between 2024 and 2034. These declines are driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technology, which are being used to speed up and streamline claims processing. Across the insurance job market, digital customer expectations are pushing insurers to hire more people-focused roles with tech fluency. This is also creating a greater need for specialized analysts and risk managers to mitigate cyber threats and climate risks.

Growing Roles to Watch in 2026

Claims Adjusters and Digital Claims Specialists While traditional desk-based adjusting is declining, demand for hybrid claims roles, those combining empathy, tech tools, and field work, is on the rise. These positions are vital during high-volume periods and weather-related events. Customer Service Representatives Insurance is a people business. As more insurers emphasize the customer journey, empathetic service roles remain critical, especially when paired with experience using CRM platforms and digital tools. Product Analysts and Actuarial Tech Specialists With more insurers launching niche products (like climate-based coverage or usage-based auto insurance), there’s a need for data-savvy professionals who can evaluate performance, pricing, and market fit. Risk Analysts (Cyber, Climate, Operational) The risks insurers face are more complex than ever. That’s fueling demand for professionals who understand emerging threats, regulatory environments, and data modeling. Insurance Tech Support & QA As carriers implement new policy administration systems and AI platforms, they’re hiring contract-based support analysts and QA testers to ensure smooth transitions and minimal downtime.

Roles in Decline

Not all positions are seeing growth. Some traditional roles are shrinking or being transformed by technology, including the following roles. Underwriting Assistants Automation and pre-fill technologies are replacing many manual data entry tasks. As the adoption of automation continues to grow into 2026 and beyond, there will be less demand for entry-level roles in underwriting. General Office Admin and Clerical Roles Similarly, with remote work and digitized systems, many support roles have been consolidated or outsourced. With AI enabling the automation of repetitive tasks, many companies, even outside the insurance industry, are halting their hiring for these positions. Manual Claims Processors Straight-through processing and chatbot-assisted claims are reducing the need for purely transactional roles. As automation continues to improve speed and accuracy in claims resolution, insurers are shifting their hiring focus toward roles that emphasize complex decision-making, customer empathy, and exception handling. These trends don’t mean the end of opportunity; rather, they signal the need for upskilling and adaptability.

Skills That Will Matter Most in 2026

Insurance employers are looking for more than experience. They’re focused on these in-demand skills:

• Digital communication & CRM fluency
• Basic data analysis
• Empathy and client relationship building
• Adaptability and tech learning agility
• Insurance-specific certifications (AINS, LOMA, etc.)

A 2025 survey from Digital Insurance found that while only 36% of new hires possessed deep industry knowledge, a remarkable 78% highlighted problem-solving and critical thinking as their strongest skills. These transferable abilities now matter more than ever, especially in roles where digital systems need to be combined with client-focused interactions. On the certification front, credentials like AIDA (Associate in Insurance Data Analytics) are capturing attention for helping professionals build valuable data literacy in an insurance context. Meanwhile, broader credentials like AINS, CPCU, and CRM remain highly respected and show employers that you’re serious about mastering industry fundamentals and risk management. Altogether, these insights make one thing clear: today’s insurance professionals succeed by balancing empathy, adaptability, and digital fluency.

How DAHL Helps You Navigate the Current Market

At Dahl Consulting (DAHL), we work with leading insurance organizations to match talent with the industry’s most in-demand roles. Whether you’re seeking a contract position to get your foot in the door or are ready for your next long-term opportunity, our team is here to help. We partner with candidates to help them identify their transferable skills, prepare for interviews, connect with employers, and find exciting employment opportunities. Ready for the next step in 2026? Explore our open positions or talk with one of our insurance career specialists to see where your skills can take you.