Free Recruitment Commission Benchmark Tool

Free Recruitment Commission Benchmarking Tool - UK 2026 Data

Wondering whether your commission scheme is competitive? This free tool lets you see instantly how your payout rate compares to UK recruitment agencies in the Konquest Commission Census; no sign-up required.

Enter your 2026 GP and total commission paid out, and we'll calculate your commission as a percentage of GP and benchmark it against the live census dataset.

What is a healthy commission payout rate for a recruitment agency?

The UK market average for commission as a percentage of GP sits at around 18%, though this varies significantly by desk type. Perm desks typically sit higher, around 20%, while contract and temp desks tend to run lower due to margin structure. Executive search firms often pay out the most, given the deal values and consultant seniority involved.

Most agencies fall somewhere between 10% and 30% of GP. If you're below 10%, you're likely below the market floor, a risk factor for retention of experienced billers. Above 25%, you're in the upper quartile, which may reflect a deliberate high-commission, low-base strategy or a scheme structure that needs reviewing.

Why does commission as a percentage of GP matter?

It's the single most comparable metric across recruitment agencies of different sizes. Revenue and billing figures vary too much by model and headcount to benchmark meaningfully. GP-based commission normalises for margin and gives a true picture of what you're paying out relative to what the business generates.

About the Konquest Commission Census

The Konquest Commission Census is a continuous benchmarking study of commission scheme design across UK recruitment and staffing agencies. Unlike traditional annual surveys, the census updates in real time as new responses come in, meaning the benchmarks you see here reflect the market as it stands today, not data that's 12 months old.

Participants share anonymised data on their commission structure, threshold design, desk-type split, and overall payout rate. In return, they receive a personalised benchmarking report showing exactly where they sit relative to the market.

Take the full census → to see how every aspect of your commission scheme compares, not just the headline rate.