Temporary Workers

Employees who work on an assignment or contractual basis are called temporary workers. They usually work through agencies, staffing offices, or placement centers that place qualified workers in jobs that last from one day to months according to their educational background, work experience, or profession.

People work as temps for several reasons. The majority of people temp because they are between full-time positions. Some enjoy the flexibility that is offered by temporary assignments. Others use the opportunity to try out different occupations or companies in hopes of being hired in a permanent capacity. Companies from almost every industry hire temporary workers to fill in when regular staff members are ill or on vacation. Special projects and seasonal work are other reasons for employment. According to the American Staffing Association, the temporary help services industry accounted for about 2 percent of all private sector jobs in the United States, with about 2.5 million temporary and contract employees working for U.S. staffing companies each week.

Salary Range

Below $25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Associate's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

About as Fast as the Average

Personality Traits

Conventional

Enterprising

Organized

Career Ladder

Manager

Salaried Worker

Temporary Worker