Average Time to Find a Job by Industry (2026 Statistics)
In this report, we estimate the average time it takes to find a job.
To do this, we analyzed data submitted by job seekers via our platform, including the time between the first mock interview and receiving a job offer.
Let's take a closer look at the results.
Key Findings and Statistics
- It takes 15 weeks (3.5 months) to find a job
- It takes 36 weeks (6.5 months) to find a new job after being laid off
- There is a great disparity depending on industry and job titles
Also Read: Job Search Statistics.
Average time to find a job (by industry)
Although our data indicates that it takes an average of 15 weeks to find a job, this timeframe varies between 8 and 22 weeks depending on the sector of activity.
For example, due to high specialization, it takes 22 weeks (5 months) to find a job in the legal sector and 21 weeks to find a job in teaching.
We also estimate that it takes 19 weeks to land a management position.
It takes approximately 18 weeks (4 months) to find a job in engineering, while 17 weeks for a position in information technology.
Due to high staff turnover, it only takes 12 weeks to land a job in the hospitality industry, 11 weeks in nursing, 10 weeks in retail, and 8 weeks in customer service.
Average time to find a job (by job title)
Even within the same industry, the specific job title you're seeking can impact how long it takes.
More senior job titles, such as directors experience the longest job search period, averaging 24 weeks.
Software engineers take 20 weeks to find a job, while product managers typically take 19 weeks.
Data Analysts need about 18 weeks to land a job, and financial analysts generally need 17 weeks.
DevOps engineers take 14 weeks to switch jobs, closely followed by UX/UI designers at 13 weeks.
Sales representatives usually spend about 10 weeks searching for a job, which is noticeably shorter than most other roles.
AI/ML Engineers have the shortest job search, averaging only 8 weeks. This short timeframe reflects the high demand for talents in the AI sector.
It takes 27 weeks (6.5 months) to find a new job after being laid off (BLS)
Although our platform data shows an average of 15 weeks for all users, unemployed job seekers tend to search for jobs longer than actively employed candidates who change positions.
According to a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it takes 26 weeks (6.5 months) to find a new job after being laid off.
A closer look at the data shows that 23% of unemployed job seekers find a job in just 5 weeks, but the overall average is skewed by a group of unemployed job seekers who take between 16 and 25 weeks to find a job.