Temporary Workers

Temporary workers are paid hourly or per project by the agency or personnel supply firm. In turn, the agency bills the client company for every hour of work, including any fees or commission. According to the American Staffing Association (ASA), temps receive a little more than 70 percent of the billable rate; the agency keeps the remainder. For example, if the temp is paid $21 an hour, the agency actually bills the client $30 per hour and keeps the remaining $9 as its commission. A 30 percent commission may seem high, but from this amount, the agency needs to pay the temp's Social Security, any training costs, job counseling, and office operating and administrative costs.