Since 2011, we have asked our members each year to participate in two surveys, the Recruitment Team Compensation Survey and the Physician and Provider Search Survey, that directly power our annual Physician and Provider Recruitment Benchmarking Report. These surveys are not standalone exercises. The data collected becomes the foundation for the benchmarking insights members use to evaluate compensation, assess workload and performance, and support strategic conversations with organizational leadership.
Participation is what ensures the Benchmarking Report reflects the realities recruitment teams are navigating today. When participation is broad and consistent, the data is stronger, more representative and more useful for decision-making across the profession.
Participation for the 2026 Benchmarking Surveys is now underway. The Recruitment Team Compensation Survey opened on February 10, 2026 and the Physician and Provider Search Survey opens March 17, 2026.
Here are five reasons why member organizations should participate in the surveys:
Participation Directly Shapes the Benchmarking Data Members Rely On
The quality and usefulness of the Benchmarking Report depends entirely on the breadth and accuracy of member participation.
When organizations of varying sizes, regions and structures contribute data, the resulting benchmarks better reflect the realities of today’s recruitment environment. Participation ensures the data captures meaningful variation rather than a limited snapshot, making the benchmarks more reliable for real-world decision-making.
Participants Receive Complimentary Access to the Benchmarking Reports and Tools
Participation is not just about contributing data. Organizations that complete the surveys receive complimentary access to the corresponding Benchmarking Report and the Benchmarking Portal.
These resources allow members to explore detailed tables, compare results and use tools and calculators to analyze their own data against industry benchmarks. Participation ensures members can immediately apply the insights to compensation planning, workload assessment and operational strategy.
The Data Strengthens Budgeting, Planning and Performance Conversations
Benchmarking data provides external context that recruitment leaders need when engaging with finance, HR and executive stakeholders.
The data generated through these surveys supports:
• Compensation and role design discussions
• Budget and headcount planning
• Goal setting and performance evaluation
• Forecasting future recruitment needs
Participation strengthens the credibility of these conversations by ensuring the benchmarks reflect current market conditions.
The Two Surveys Together Provide a Complete View of Recruitment Operations
Each survey answers a different set of strategic questions.
The Recruitment Team Compensation Survey focuses on the people behind recruitment operations, including roles, responsibilities and compensation structures.
The Physician and Provider Search Survey focuses on recruitment activity and outcomes, including search volume, demand trends and performance metrics.
Participation in both surveys helps create a comprehensive picture of how recruitment teams are structured and how effectively they operate.
Participation Supports Continuous Improvement Across the Profession
Our Benchmarking Report is a shared resource built by members, for members. Broad participation ensures the data remains relevant over time and continues to evolve alongside the profession.
By contributing to the surveys, members help establish benchmarks that support best practices, inform workforce planning and advance physician and provider recruitment as a whole.
Participate in the 2026 Benchmarking Surveys
Industry-wide participation strengthens the accuracy and impact of AAPPR’s benchmarking data—making it a trusted resource for physician and provider recruitment teams everywhere. Both AAPPR members and nonmembers are welcome to participate in the Recruitment Team Compensation Survey (opened February 10) and the Physician and Provider Search Survey (opening March 17).
As a thank-you, all survey participants will receive a free copy of the report for the survey they completed.
To learn more about the Benchmarking Report, please visit aappr.org/research/benchmarking.