Survey: Recruiters Need Better Job Orders

Recruiting is a profession built on resilience.

Matthew Deutsch

Every recruiter experiences highs and lows throughout the year. One month may bring multiple placements, while the next is filled with stalled searches, difficult negotiations, and unpredictable market conditions.

That reality makes motivation an important factor in long-term success, which is why Top Echelon recently surveyed recruiters about how they’re feeling halfway through 2026.

The responses paint an encouraging picture. Despite a challenging hiring environment, most recruiters remain motivated and optimistic.

At the same time, the survey reveals several clear themes about what drives recruiter performance and what agencies can do to help their teams finish the year strong.

Motivation Remains Surprisingly High

The first takeaway from the survey is that recruiters continue to bring energy to their work.

More than one-third of respondents (35.4%) said they feel extremely motivated in their recruiting role, while another 34.4% reported being very motivated. Combined, nearly 70% of recruiters describe themselves as highly motivated.

An additional 20.83% said they feel moderately motivated, leaving fewer than 10% who described themselves as slightly unmotivated or completely burned out.

Those results are encouraging given the economic uncertainty and fluctuating hiring activity many recruiters have experienced during the past year. While recruiting has never been an easy profession, the data suggests most recruiters remain committed to their clients, candidates, and personal success.

Compensation: Still Important

When asked about satisfaction with their compensation structure, recruiters were generally positive.

More than 40% reported being very satisfied, while another 31.3% said they were somewhat satisfied. Only about 11% expressed dissatisfaction with their compensation.

However, one question made it abundantly clear what motivates recruiters financially.

More than three-quarters of respondents (76.04%) selected commission percentage as the component of compensation that has the greatest impact on their motivation. No other answer came close. Draw structures, bonuses, profit sharing, and recognition all received relatively few votes by comparison.

The message is straightforward. Recruiters remain highly performance driven, and commission opportunities continue to be the strongest financial motivator.

Income Has Been Mixed in 2026

Not every recruiter has experienced the same financial results this year.

About one-third of respondents reported earning more than they did at the same point last year, including 9.38% who said their income is significantly higher and 22.9% who said it is slightly higher.

At the same time, approximately 35% indicated their income has declined, while nearly one-third reported their earnings have remained about the same.

These responses reinforce what many recruiting firms are seeing across the industry. Opportunity still exists, but results vary considerably depending upon specialization, client activity, market conditions, and execution.

Earnings Potential Leads the List of Motivators

When recruiters were asked what factor is having the greatest impact on their motivation today, earnings potential finished first at 30.21%.

That was followed by market conditions (22.92%), client or candidate behavior (17.71%), and personal or family priorities (15.63%).

Interestingly, leadership or firm support ranked last at just over 4%.

This suggests that while internal management certainly matters, recruiters remain primarily focused on factors that directly influence their ability to make placements and generate income.

Burnout Isn’t as Widespread as Many Might Assume

Burnout has received significant attention throughout the recruiting profession during the past several years, but this survey suggests the situation may be more balanced than many expect.

More than 70% of respondents reported feeling either not at all burned out or only slightly burned out. About 21% described themselves as moderately burned out, while fewer than 10% said they were very or completely burned out.

That doesn’t mean burnout isn’t real. Recruiting remains a demanding profession filled with emotional highs and lows.

However, the data suggests that most recruiters continue to approach their work with energy rather than exhaustion.

Better Job Orders Top Recruiters’ Wish Lists

Perhaps the most revealing question in the survey asked recruiters what single change would improve their motivation during the remainder of 2026.

The overwhelming winner wasn’t higher commissions, reduced administrative work, or additional flexibility.

More than half of respondents (52.1%) selected better-quality job orders.

Only 28.1% chose higher commissions or fees, while the remaining responses were split among reducing administrative work, more flexibility, and stronger leadership support.

This finding speaks volumes.

Recruiters are confident they can earn more money if they’re given stronger opportunities to work. High-quality, fillable job orders provide momentum, increase confidence, and naturally lead to more placements and higher commissions.

In many ways, better opportunities are viewed as even more valuable than increasing commission percentages.

Looking Ahead

The survey results offer plenty of reasons for optimism.

Recruiters remain motivated, most are satisfied with their compensation, and burnout appears less widespread than many might expect. At the same time, the responses also highlight what recruiters value most: meaningful earning opportunities, quality job orders, and the ability to capitalize on strong recruiting opportunities.

For recruiting firm owners and managers, these findings provide valuable insight into what drives performance. While compensation structures remain important, helping recruiters secure stronger, more fillable job orders may be the single most effective way to improve both motivation and production during the second half of the year.

And for recruiters themselves, the survey serves as a reminder that even in a challenging market, the profession remains filled with opportunity for those who stay engaged, continue building relationships, and focus on the activities that ultimately lead to more placements.