Aerotek vs Hays:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Aerotek and Hays were level in searches among staffing agencies worldwide, with an estimated 201K branded searches each, at 4.8% of the total each. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about staffing agencies, Aerotek appeared in two of the three answers and Hays in none.
Who do people search for more?
Aerotek and Hays are searched for about as often as each other.
Who does AI mention more?
Aerotek, mentioned in 2 of 3 answers, Hays in 0
Follow Aerotek vs Hays and get free monthly updates on what changed
By continuing you'll get index updates and occasional product news from Brandwave. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy
Top staffing agencies in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions, Aerotek was mentioned in two out of three: in two of the three ChatGPT answers. Hays did not appear in any of the three answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- Express Employment Professionals2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
- Aerotek2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Randstad1 of 3Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Kelly Services1 of 3Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Robert Half1 of 3Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Adecco0 of 3Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Hays0 of 3Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Manpower0 of 3Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answers
See every answer about staffing agencies
3 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which staffing agency should I hire?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best staffing agencies?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best staffing agency for temporary workers?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“staffing agencies”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Searched Google, AI Overview
“temp agency”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 21, 2026.
Is Aerotek or Hays more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Aerotek and Hays by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all eight staffing agencies we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for Aerotek, Hays. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Adecco | Randstad | Express Employment Professionals | Kelly Services | Robert Half | Aerotek | Hays | Manpower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 34.8% | 34.8% | 7% | 4.7% | 7% | 5.7% | 5.7% | 0.34% |
| Nov 2025 | 35.1% | 35.1% | 7.1% | 4.8% | 7.1% | 4.7% | 5.8% | 0.35% |
| Dec 2025 | 31.5% | 38.4% | 7.7% | 5.2% | 6.3% | 5.2% | 5.2% | 0.38% |
| Jan 2026 | 35.6% | 35.6% | 5.8% | 4.9% | 7.1% | 5.8% | 4.8% | 0.35% |
| Feb 2026 | 32.1% | 39.5% | 6.5% | 4.4% | 6.5% | 5.3% | 5.3% | 0.39% |
| Mar 2026 | 36.3% | 36.3% | 7.3% | 4.1% | 6% | 4.9% | 4.9% | 0.36% |
| Apr 2026 | 31.7% | 38.9% | 7.8% | 4.4% | 6.4% | 5.2% | 5.2% | 0.38% |
| May 2026 | 32.5% | 40% | 6.6% | 4.5% | 5.4% | 5.4% | 5.4% | 0.32% |
| Jun 2026 | 32.1% | 39.4% | 7.9% | 4.4% | 5.3% | 5.3% | 5.3% | 0.32% |
| Jul 2026 | 34.2% | 34.2% | 8.4% | 4.7% | 6.9% | 5.6% | 5.6% | 0.28% |
| Aug 2026 | 29.1% | 35.5% | 8.8% | 7.3% | 7.2% | 5.9% | 5.9% | 0.43% |
| Sep 2026 | 35.6% | 35.6% | 7.1% | 5.9% | 5.8% | 4.8% | 4.8% | 0.35% |
How has the Aerotek and Hays comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- The lead changed hands once in the 12 months ending September 2026: Aerotek took it in January 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Aerotek’s share of searches among staffing agencies worldwide moved from 5.7% to 4.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 246K to 201K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Hays’ share of searches among staffing agencies worldwide moved from 5.7% to 4.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 246K to 201K.
How did search popularity change for staffing agencies worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Aerotek lost share of searches among staffing agencies worldwide, from 5.9% to 4.8%.

In September 2026, Hays lost share of searches among staffing agencies worldwide, from 5.9% to 4.8%.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Aerotek’s and Hays’ names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among staffing agencies

Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.