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The Global Insight

How do temp agencies work?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 21, 2026

The temp agency is responsible for paying the workers they send to a company. They charge the company a set amount per hour from which they take a percentage. The temp agency is also responsible for collecting taxes from the temporary worker’s pay.

Do temp agencies take a cut of your pay?

Staffing agencies typically charge 25% to 100% of the hired employee’s wages. So, for example, if you and the staffing agency have agreed on a markup of 50%, and the new employee earns an hourly wage of $10, you will pay the agency $15 per hour for their work.

How much does a temp agent make?

Temp Recruiter Salary

Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top Earners$55,500$27
75th Percentile$47,500$23
Average$42,614$20
25th Percentile$34,500$17

Is it bad to get a job through a staffing agency?

It is not bad to get a job through a staffing agency. Even though most jobs through a staffing agency may be boring like working at a mailroom or very short term like a week; however, they do have some jobs that last more than a week. They do have jobs that are month or more.

Do temp agencies give raises?

Raises have returned in 2012, according to Staffing Industry News, with an average increase of 2.7 percent and more than 70 percent of employers saying they plan on giving raises. Temporary agencies charge the employer an hourly rate for your work, which is some percentage over what they pay you.

Why do employers use temp agencies?

Employers use staffing agencies to recruit candidates on behalf of their company to fill job openings on their teams and help candidates find career opportunities in their chosen field. The positions can be full-time or part-time, temporary, contract-to-hire, or on a direct-hire full-time basis.

Is it good to get a job through a staffing agency?

As a prospective employee, a staffing agency can be a more efficient way to search for a job. Searching for a job can feel like a highly individualistic and isolating endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. With a staffing agency, you’re working with people who get to know you and want you to succeed in your next role.

What can a temp agency do for You?

Temp agencies are staffing agencies that assist with finding talent for temporary jobs. Job seekers use temp agencies to find employment quickly, work a flexible schedule, and test out a company or career path. Similarly, companies call on temp agencies to source, find, and interview quality candidates in a timely fashion.

Are there any temp agencies in Houston TX?

As one of the leading temp agencies in Houston, we know who is hiring and the types of workers they need. If you’re looking for Houston jobs—temp jobs, contract jobs, temp-to-hire, or permanent jobs—this is the best place to start. If you’ve never worked with a recruiter or staffing agency before, let us tell you a little bit about how it works.

Is there a temp agency in Washington DC?

Sparks Group is a temp agency headquartered in the Maryland-DC metro area that specializes in contract-to-hire services and temporary staffing. Looking for a job?

Who are the best temp agencies in London?

So here’s a quick breakdown of the top 30 temp agencies in London, to help you choose! 1600+ of our own freelancers are available around London from £10/hr. Post your role and get a quote now. One of the giants of the recruitment industry worldwide, Adecco are a recruiting firm with a presence in over 60 countries.