Last Updated: April 25, 2026
Quick Answer: Robert Half, Kelly Services, and Adecco are the largest staffing agencies in the United States. Staffing recruiters typically earn $40,000–$65,000/year base plus commission; administrative temps earn $15–$22/hr; healthcare travel nurses placed through agencies earn $35–$65/hr. Registration is free for job seekers – the client company pays the staffing fee.
Browse Staffing & Temp Job Applications
The U.S. staffing industry generates over $200 billion in annual revenue and employs roughly 16 million temporary and contract workers each year, according to the American Staffing Association. Staffing agencies serve as intermediaries between job seekers and employers, filling temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-placement positions across virtually every industry.
For job seekers, staffing agencies offer a fast path to employment – many agencies can place candidates within days of registration. Agencies handle payroll, benefits enrollment, and sometimes provide skills training. For workers exploring a new field or re-entering the workforce, temp assignments provide real experience without a long-term commitment.
Staffing spans multiple specializations: administrative and clerical, healthcare (travel nursing, allied health), IT and engineering, light industrial and warehouse, accounting and finance, and creative and marketing. Specialized agencies tend to offer higher pay rates and better-matched placements than generalist firms.
Staffing & Temp Companies
Compare Staffing & Temp Employers
| Employer | Specialty | Pay Range | Benefits | Placement Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMN Healthcare | Healthcare/Travel Nursing | $35–$65/hr (RN) | Day-one health insurance, housing | 1–2 weeks |
| Aya Healthcare | Travel Nursing/Allied | $35–$60/hr (RN) | Housing stipend, 401(k) | 1–3 weeks |
| Cross Country | Healthcare | $30–$55/hr (RN) | Travel reimbursement, insurance | 1–2 weeks |
| Creative Circle | Creative/Marketing | $25–$55/hr | Skills training, portfolio review | 3–7 days |
| Hays Plc USA | IT/Engineering/Finance | $25–$70/hr | Varies by assignment | 1–3 weeks |
| Judge Group | IT/Technology | $30–$75/hr | Health insurance, training | 1–2 weeks |
| Office Team | Admin/Office Support | $15–$22/hr | Paid holidays | 1–3 days |
| Solomon Page | Fashion/Finance/Tech | $20–$60/hr | Varies by placement | 1–2 weeks |
What to Expect from Staffing & Temp Applications
Registration process: Most staffing agencies require an in-person or virtual registration that includes completing an application, submitting a resume, providing references, and sometimes taking skills assessments. Registration is always free for job seekers – the employer pays the staffing fee. Plan for 30–60 minutes for the initial registration.
Skills testing: Administrative staffing agencies commonly test typing speed (target: 50+ WPM), Microsoft Office proficiency, and data entry accuracy. Healthcare agencies verify licenses, certifications, and clinical competency documentation. IT staffing firms may administer technical assessments. Strong test scores get you placed faster and at higher rates.
Background checks and drug screening: Most staffing agencies conduct background checks before placing you at a client site. Healthcare staffing always includes multi-state criminal background checks, drug screening, and license verification. Results typically take 2–5 business days and must clear before your first assignment.
Pay structure and benefits: Staffing agencies pay weekly or biweekly. Temp workers are W-2 employees of the agency, not the client company. Benefits vary by agency and hours worked: many offer health insurance after a qualifying period, paid holidays, and retirement plans. Travel healthcare assignments typically include housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and day-one benefits.
Career pathways: Temp assignments frequently lead to permanent positions – the American Staffing Association reports that roughly one-third of temp workers receive a permanent job offer from a client company. Staffing also provides a pathway into industries where direct-hire competition is fierce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to register with a staffing agency?
Yes, registration with a staffing agency is always free for job seekers. The client company pays the staffing fee. You should never pay an upfront fee to a legitimate staffing agency. If an agency asks you to pay for placement, that is a red flag.
How quickly can a staffing agency find me a job?
Administrative and light industrial temps can often be placed within one to three days. IT and professional placements typically take one to three weeks. Healthcare travel nursing assignments usually fill within one to two weeks. Having a current resume and being flexible on location speeds up placement.
Do staffing agency jobs offer benefits?
Many staffing agencies offer benefits to temp workers including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid holidays, and retirement plans. Benefits eligibility often requires meeting a minimum hours threshold. Travel healthcare assignments typically include comprehensive benefits from day one.
What is the difference between temp, temp-to-hire, and direct placement?
Temp assignments have a defined end date and you remain an employee of the staffing agency. Temp-to-hire starts as temporary but includes an option for the client to hire you permanently after a trial period, typically 90 days. Direct placement means you become the client company employee immediately upon hire.
Can I work for multiple staffing agencies at the same time?
Yes, you can register with multiple staffing agencies simultaneously. This is common and often recommended because it increases your exposure to available positions. Working with two to three agencies in your specialty area is a practical approach.
Do temp workers get paid less than permanent employees?
Not always. Specialized temp workers in IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance often earn higher hourly rates than permanent counterparts because they lack job security and employer-paid benefits. The staffing agency markup is paid by the client company, not deducted from your rate.