Staffing and temp agencies near me
Looking for work can feel like shouting into the void. You send out applications, wait, and hear nothing back. A good staffing agency can change that: it gives you a real person whose job is to match you with open roles, often faster than applying on your own.
The hard part is knowing which agency to trust, especially when you search "staffing agencies near me" and get a wall of names. So we did the digging for you. Below you'll find 11 of the best staffing agencies for 2026, plus a step-by-step guide to finding and vetting a good agency in your own area, what to bring to your first meeting, and how temp-to-hire jobs actually work.
If you've never used a staffing agency before, this is a great place to start.
Updated October 2026: every agency profile was checked against the company's own website, and the stats now link to their sources.
Questions Answered
- What is a staffing agency (and what is it for)?
- How do I find a good staffing agency near me?
- What should I bring to my first meeting with an agency?
- How does temp-to-hire work?
- What are the 11 best staffing agencies for job seekers?
- Do staffing agencies charge a fee?
- What kinds of jobs do they offer?
- What is the difference between a staffing agency and a temp agency?
- Which staffing agency is the biggest?
What is a Staffing Agency? (Definition)
Staffing agencies (also called staffing firms, temp agencies, employment agencies, or recruiting firms) recruit job seekers and pair them with employers that need to fill open positions.
The jobs range from a few days of temp work to month-by-month contracts, contract-to-hire roles, and full-time permanent jobs. Employers fill openings faster, and you get help finding work. Win-win!
It's a bigger part of the job market than most people realize. According to the American Staffing Association (ASA):
- Nearly 2.2 million temporary and contract employees worked for U.S. staffing companies in an average week in 2024.
- Staffing companies hired 12.7 million temporary and contract employees over the course of 2023.
- 64% of staffing employees say they work through an agency to fill a gap between jobs or to help them land a job.
- In a 2025 i360-ASA survey, 40% of temporary workers were under 29.
In other words, if you're early in your career or between jobs, you're exactly who these agencies work with every day.
How to Find a Good Staffing Agency Near You
There's no single "best" agency for everyone. The right one depends on your field, the kind of work you want, and where you live. Here's how to narrow it down.
Step 1 | Know what kind of work you want
Agencies tend to specialize. Some focus on warehouse, manufacturing, and light industrial jobs; others place office and administrative staff; others handle accountants, IT pros, designers, or nurses. Before you search, jot down:
- Your field (or the two or three you'd be happy in)
- Whether you want temp, contract, temp-to-hire, or permanent work
- Your must-haves: pay range, schedule, commute distance, and whether remote or hybrid matters
That short list makes it much easier to spot the agencies that actually fit.
Step 2 | Build a short list of local agencies
- Search with your field in the query. "Accounting staffing agency near me" or "warehouse temp agency + your city" gets better results than a generic search.
- Use the big agencies' branch finders. Most national firms let you search by ZIP code, including Robert Half, Adecco, Manpower, and Express Employment Professionals.
- Check the ASA member directory. The American Staffing Association's directory lets you look up member agencies.
- Visit an American Job Center. These free, government-funded centers can point you to local employers and agencies. Find one with the U.S. Department of Labor's American Job Center Finder.
- Read our city guides. If you live in one of these areas, we've already rounded up local options: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbia, Dallas, Greenville, Houston, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio.
Aim for three to five agencies. Signing up with a few is normal and widens the net, as long as you keep track of where each one submits you.
Step 3 | Vet each agency before you hand over your details
A few minutes of checking can save you weeks of frustration (or a scam). Look for:
- ASA membership. ASA members pledge to follow the association's code of ethics, and the ASA recommends choosing a member agency. Membership isn't a guarantee, but it's a good sign.
- Recent reviews from workers, not just clients. Check Google, Indeed, and Glassdoor reviews for the specific branch near you, since quality can vary a lot from office to office. Some agencies also publish their ratings on ClearlyRated.
- A real, current job board. Open roles should have specific details (pay, location, schedule) and recent posting dates. A site full of vague or stale listings is a warning sign.
- A physical office or a verifiable recruiter. Look the recruiter up on LinkedIn and confirm they work for the agency. Several agencies, including Aerotek and Vaco, now warn job seekers on their own sites about scammers pretending to be their recruiters.
Step 4 | Never pay to get a job
This one matters enough to get its own step. Legitimate staffing agencies are paid by the employer, not by you. The Federal Trade Commission puts it plainly: "Honest placement firms do not typically charge a fee to job candidates. Instead, the hiring company pays them a fee to find qualified candidates. If a placement firm asks you for a fee — especially one you have to pay in advance — walk away."
Other red flags the FTC calls out: being asked to pay for "training" or "certifications" before you start, and any "employer" that sends you a check to deposit and asks you to send part of the money back. If you see a job scam, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Questions to ask a recruiter before you sign up
- What kinds of roles and companies do you place people with most often?
- Are these jobs temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct hire?
- What's the pay rate, and how and when do I get paid?
- Do you offer any benefits to people on assignment?
- How long do assignments usually last, and what happens when one ends?
- Will you tell me before you submit my resume to a company?
A real-world red flag: In 2019, the FTC asked a federal court to shut down a so-called executive placement operation that messaged job seekers on LinkedIn, told them they were candidates for unadvertised, high-paying private equity and venture capital jobs, and then charged $1,200 to $2,500 upfront just to get an interview. According to the FTC, many of those jobs didn't exist. The FTC's takeaway: "Paying upfront for job placement services is often a sign of a scam." If a "recruiter" wants your money before you've met an employer, that's your cue to walk away.
What to Bring to Your First Agency Meeting
Many agencies start with an online application, then a phone, video, or in-person interview. Treat it like a real job interview, because it is: the recruiter is deciding whether to put their name behind you. Bring (or have ready to upload):
- An updated resume, plus a couple of printed copies if you're meeting in person. Need a hand? Here are the top 5 resume writing services and some quick resume-writing wins.
- ID and work-authorization documents. When you're hired, the agency is usually your employer of record, so it has to complete a Form I-9 with you. That means one document from List A (such as a U.S. passport) or one from List B plus one from List C. See the official USCIS list of acceptable documents.
- Two or three references with current phone numbers and emails.
- Your availability: days, hours, start date, and any dates you can't work.
- Your target pay and the lowest rate you'd accept.
- Certifications or licenses that apply to the work, such as a forklift certification, food handler card, or CPR card.
- A portfolio link if you're in design, writing, marketing, or another creative field.
- Transportation details: how far you can commute and whether you have reliable transport.
For a fuller checklist, see our guide on what to bring to a job interview.
How Temp-to-Hire Works
Temp-to-hire (also called contract-to-hire) is one of the most useful ways an agency can help you. Here's how it usually works:
- The agency hires you. During the temporary period, you're on the agency's payroll. It pays you, handles taxes, and sets any benefits.
- You work at the client company. You do the job day to day, just like a regular employee, while the company sees how you fit.
- The company decides. At the end of the trial period, the company can offer you a permanent job, extend the assignment, or end it.
- You switch payrolls. If you're hired, you become the company's employee. The company typically pays the agency a conversion or placement fee; it doesn't come out of your paycheck. (Curious how those fees work? Here's how much staffing agencies charge for direct hire.)
A few tips to turn a temp role into a job offer:
- Ask at the start whether the role is truly temp-to-hire and roughly how long the trial period is.
- Treat day one like your first day at a permanent job: show up early, learn names, and ask good questions.
- Check in with your recruiter regularly. They often hear the client's feedback before you do.
- Near the end of the assignment, tell your recruiter (and your manager, if appropriate) that you'd like to stay on.
A real-world temp-to-hire win: In December 2023, Polygon reported that Microsoft was moving 77 contract quality-assurance testers off the payroll of the staffing agency TCWGlobal and onto its own, after negotiations with the workers' union. Several of those testers had been due to be laid off that fall. Instead, according to Bloomberg's reporting cited by Polygon, 23 of them "will get permanent full-time Microsoft jobs, with a 22% pay increase," and the rest signed on as full-time temporary Microsoft employees with raises and paid sick days and holidays. What made the difference here was organizing, not just showing up, but the lesson carries over: an agency placement can turn into a direct job, and it pays to ask early what a path to conversion looks like.
Top 11 Staffing Agencies for Job Seekers
Whether you're struggling to find a new job or looking to change your career path, the following staffing firms can help you find your next opportunity.
Robert Half | Staffing Agency #1
Best Overall
Robert Half Overview
Robert Half has been in specialized staffing since 1948 and describes itself as the world's largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm. For job seekers, it recruits in five main areas: Finance and Accounting, Technology, Marketing and Creative, Legal, and Administrative and Customer Support.
With more than 300 staffing locations, there's a good chance you'll find an office nearby. You can meet a recruiter in person or sign up online, and you can browse contract and full-time roles, including hybrid and remote listings, on its job board.
Robert Half was also named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for the 29th consecutive year in 2026.
Overall Review: 9/10
Likes
- More than 300 staffing locations
- Named a Fortune World's Most Admired Company for 29 years running
- Covers several professional fields
- Contract, full-time, hybrid, and remote roles
- Easy to sign up online or in person
Dislikes
- Results and service can vary by location
- Focuses on professional and office roles, so it's less helpful for warehouse or skilled-trades work
- Not the local mom-and-pop shop that will give you all of its attention
Randstad | Staffing Agency #2
Best for Range of Industries
Randstad Overview
Randstad is a multinational staffing, HR, and recruitment agency for temporary and permanent staffing. According to Randstad USA, it has a presence in 39 countries and manages a workforce of 71,900 people each week in the U.S. and Canada.
It recruits across a wide range of fields, including engineering, accounting and finance, healthcare, human resources, IT, legal, life sciences, manufacturing and logistics, office and administration, and sales and marketing.
Send your resume or apply to a specific role, and a recruiter will reach out if your skills match an opening. Randstad's job search also lets you filter for temporary, permanent, and remote jobs.
Overall Review: 8.5/10
Likes
- Global company with a large U.S. and Canadian workforce
- Very wide range of industries, from manufacturing to IT
- Temporary, permanent, and remote jobs in one search
- High volume of available jobs
Dislikes
- Similar to Robert Half, results and service can vary by location
- A big firm, so you may need to follow up to stay on your recruiter's radar
Adecco | Staffing Agency #3
Runner Up
Adecco Overview
Adecco is part of the Swiss-based Adecco Group, one of the world's largest HR and staffing companies. Globally, Adecco says it has 25,000 employees, 3,800 branches, and operations in 62 countries.
In the U.S., Adecco reports more than 300 locations, with coverage in virtually every state through its branch network. It staffs everything from warehouse, logistics, and industrial roles to office, call center, accounting, HR, and professional positions.
You can apply online, use Adecco's resume tools to get matched with jobs, or search open roles and apply directly.
Overall Review: 8/10
Likes
- One of the largest staffing companies in the world
- 300+ U.S. locations
- Online job matching and job search
- Serves a wide range of industries, both industrial and professional
Dislikes
- Similar to the others, results and service can vary by location
- The sheer number of people it serves can make hands-on help harder to get
Artisan Talent | Staffing Agency #4
Best for Marketing, Design, and Creative
Artisan Talent Overview
Artisan Talent is a boutique agency that places AI, digital, creative, and marketing talent, from graphic designers and copywriters to project managers. It has been around since 1988, and its team includes former designers, marketers, and creators, so recruiters tend to understand creative work.
Artisan lists 13 U.S. cities it serves: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. If you're not near one, you can apply online and a recruiter will follow up. Depending on the role, that could mean a job close to home or a remote position.
Overall Review: 7/10
Likes
- Niche focus means recruiters who know creative and marketing work
- Remote roles available
- More than 35 years in creative staffing
- Career advice resources on its site
Dislikes
- Only serves 13 U.S. metro areas
- Narrow range of industries
- Lower volume of jobs than the big generalist firms
Kelly Services | Staffing Agency #5
Best for Science, Education, and Engineering
Kelly Services Overview
Kelly has been placing workers since 1946, when it opened in Detroit, and it is now headquartered in Troy, Michigan. Kelly says it provides workforce solutions in 80 countries.
Kelly runs specialty divisions for science and clinical, education, engineering, government, professional and industrial, digital infrastructure, and pediatric therapy roles. That makes it a strong pick if you're in one of those fields, including teacher, paraeducator, and school support jobs through Kelly Education.
To get started, search open jobs on Kelly's website, or stop by a Kelly office in the U.S.
Overall Review: 7.5/10
Likes
- 80 years in staffing
- Specialty divisions with recruiters who know their fields
- Unusual options like education and pediatric therapy jobs
- Wide range of industries
Dislikes
- Similar to the other large firms, results and service can vary by location
- Many divisions and brands can make it confusing to know where to apply
Integrity Staffing Solutions | Staffing Agency #6
Best for Warehouse and Light Industrial
Integrity Staffing Overview
According to its website, Integrity Staffing Solutions is "passionate about connecting great talent with great companies across North America."
Integrity is best known for high-volume and temp staffing in light industrial and logistics, ecommerce, call center, and food and beverage, with some business and professional roles too. Its job search covers warehouse and light industrial, clerical and administrative, professional, and skilled trades jobs.
If you prefer to meet in person, Integrity has local "Opportunity Centers" in cities across the U.S. (see locations), but it's just as easy to start with the online job search.
Overall Review: 7/10
Likes
- Strong focus on warehouse, logistics, and ecommerce jobs
- Good option if you need work quickly
- Career resources for job seekers on its blog
- Client ratings published on ClearlyRated
Dislikes
- Fewer locations than the national giants
- Less helpful if you're looking for professional or office roles
Kforce | Staffing Agency #7
Best for Tech and Finance Pros
Kforce Overview
Kforce is a solutions firm specializing in technology, finance and accounting, and professional staffing. According to its website, it has more than 60 years in the industry, partners with about 1,800 clients, and deploys about 17,000 consultants nationwide.
In the company's words, "Our recruiting experts work with you to understand your skill sets and career goals to place you in a great opportunity." Kforce also made the Top 20 of Forbes' 2026 America's Best Recruiting Firms list, its 10th year in a row on the list.
You can submit your resume online, connect with a recruiter, or search and apply for specific jobs. Use the office finder if you'd like to meet in person.
Overall Review: 7/10
Likes
- Focus on tech, finance, and accounting
- Contract and direct-hire roles
- Recognized by Forbes 10 years running
Dislikes
- Results and service can vary by location
- Narrow range of industries
Related:
- Best Job Search Apps
- How to Write a Resignation Letter
- 5 Best Resume Writing Services
- Best IT Staffing Agencies
- Laid Off? What to Do in Your First 7 Days
Addison Group | Staffing Agency #8
Addison Group Overview
Addison Group places people in finance and accounting, IT, human resources, non-clinical healthcare (like health information management and revenue cycle), administrative, and digital marketing roles.
Addison says it focuses on "seeing beyond resumes" to understand candidates' goals, so expect a recruiter who wants to get to know you, not just your keywords.
With 28 offices across the U.S., Addison has a local presence in many metro areas, and you can also search and apply for open positions online.
Overall Review: 6.5/10
Likes
- 28 U.S. offices
- Serves several professional fields
- Online job search
- Personal, relationship-based approach
Dislikes
- Lower volume of available jobs than the largest firms
- Results and service can vary by location
ManpowerGroup | Staffing Agency #9
ManpowerGroup Overview
ManpowerGroup is a global workforce company whose brands, Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions, operate in 75 countries and territories. Its job-seeker brand, Manpower, says it has been a global leader in employment for over 70 years.
Manpower places people across a wide range of industries. Its site also offers job-seeker advice and a branch finder, so it's simple to apply online or walk into a local office.
ManpowerGroup was named one of Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies for the 17th time in 2026, more than any other company in the staffing and outsourcing industry.
Overall Review: 7.5/10
Likes
- Locations worldwide, with a U.S. branch finder
- Wide range of industries
- Named a World's Most Ethical Company 17 times
- Career advice for job seekers
Dislikes
- Similar to Robert Half, results and service can vary by location
- The high volume of people it serves can get in the way of hands-on help
Aerotek | Staffing Agency #10
Best for Skilled Trades and Industrial
Aerotek Overview
Aerotek is still here, but it isn't the same company it was a few years ago. In 2021, Aerotek split its specialized business units into separate companies under its parent, Allegis Group. Aerotek kept the industrial business, professional roles moved to Aston Carter, and the engineering and sciences business moved to a new brand, Actalent.
Today, Aerotek focuses on workers in construction, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, and facilities and maintenance. It has been in business for over 40 years, says it's trusted by more than 18,000 clients and 170,000 contractors a year, and operates hundreds of offices across North America. Its mission is still "connecting great people and great organizations."
Submit your resume or apply for specific jobs online, and a recruiter will reach out if you're a good fit.
Overall Review: 7.5/10
Likes
- Hundreds of offices across North America
- Strong specialization in skilled trades and industrial work
- Recognized with ClearlyRated Best of Staffing client and talent awards
- Online job search
Dislikes
- Results and service can vary by location
- If you're in engineering, science, or an office role, you'll want Actalent or Aston Carter instead
- Mostly on-site, location-specific jobs
Advanced Resources | Staffing Agency #11
Best for Chicago HR and Finance Pros
Advanced Resources Overview
Advanced Resources is a Chicago-based, minority-owned, women-led human capital firm. According to its website, it has more than three decades of experience and has executed more than 40,000 projects.
Today it focuses on human resources and accounting and finance, offering interim staffing, project consulting, and executive search. If you're an HR or finance professional in the Chicago area, it's worth a call. You can also browse its latest jobs online or leave your email to hear about new openings.
Overall Review: 6/10
Likes
- Deep focus on HR, finance, and accounting
- Says it takes a high-touch, personalized approach
- Interim, project, and permanent roles
Dislikes
- Chicago-focused, so limited if you live elsewhere
- Narrow range of industries
- Low volume of jobs online
More Staffing Agencies Worth a Look
Didn't see the right fit above? These agencies are also worth checking, depending on your field:
- TEKsystems | IT and technology roles
- Aston Carter | Accounting and finance, HR, office and clerical, and supply chain roles
- Actalent | Engineering and sciences roles
- Express Employment Professionals | Office services, light industrial, and skilled trades, through a franchise network of local offices
- AppleOne | Connecting people with job opportunities since 1964
- Beacon Hill Staffing Group | Specialized divisions for finance, government services, HR, legal, life sciences, and technology roles, with contract-to-hire and direct-hire jobs
- Vaco | Recruiting and staffing services, now part of Highspring
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do temp agencies work?
Staffing firms match companies with job candidates and do much of the legwork of finding you a job.
They usually have you apply and interview so they can learn your skills and goals. Then they put you forward for openings with the companies they work with. That might lead to a temporary, contract-to-hire, or permanent job, sometimes within days if you're a strong match.
What kinds of jobs do staffing agencies offer?
Just about every kind. According to the ASA, staffing employees work in industrial jobs (36%), office, clerical, and administrative jobs (24%), professional and managerial jobs (21%), engineering, IT, and scientific jobs (11%), and health care (8%). The ASA also reports that most staffing employees (73%) work full time.
Many agencies specialize in one area, like tech, finance, creative, or light industrial, which helps them match people with employers quickly.
What is the difference between a staffing agency and a temp agency?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, temp agencies focus on short-term work lasting anywhere from a few days to a few months, while staffing firms also fill longer contracts and permanent roles.
Temp agencies, staffing firms, employment agencies, executive search firms, and placement agencies usually offer some mix of:
- Short-term gigs (a few days to a couple of months)
- Contract roles (covering for absent employees, a busy season, or a project)
- Contract-to-hire (longer contracts that could turn into a full-time job)
- Direct hire (permanent roles the employer wants to fill)
Do employment agencies charge a fee? (Who pays?)
Legitimate staffing agencies don't charge job seekers. The employer pays the agency, either through the hourly rate it pays for temp workers or a fee when it hires someone permanently. The FTC says that if a placement firm asks you for a fee, "especially one you have to pay in advance," you should walk away.
Note: Executive career coaches and resume writers are different: they're paid services you choose to hire. A staffing agency that asks you to pay to be placed is a red flag.
What are the benefits of working with a staffing firm?
- You get a recruiter who matches you with jobs that fit your skills
- You can access jobs that aren't always posted on job boards or LinkedIn
- Temp and contract work can bridge a gap in your resume and help you earn income quickly
- Temp-to-hire roles let you try a company before you commit
- Recruiters can give you honest feedback on your resume and interviews
What are some tips for working with an agency?
Every agency is a little different, so before you get started, find out what services they provide and what they expect from you. The U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop has a helpful overview too.
- Ask about the pay rate, how long the assignment will last, and any benefits
- Tell them exactly when you're available to work, and update them if it changes
- Always be professional, with the agency and on assignment
- Don't rely only on them. Keep networking, using job search engines, and connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn
How do I contact a recruiter from an agency?
You can walk in, call, apply online, or email to reach someone at the agency. Here's a sample message from our guide on how to contact a recruiter on LinkedIn:
"LinkedIn Message Sample #1: Hi (Recruiter). My name is (Name), and I'm a (Title). If you have a second, I would love the chance to discuss how my (Specific Skill) and experiences might match the (Job Title) I've applied for (If You Already Applied). Thanks for connecting, and I hope you have a great day!"
What is the biggest staffing agency?
It depends on how you measure size (revenue, employees, offices, or workers placed). Based on what the companies report on their own websites, a few of the largest global footprints are:
- ManpowerGroup: operates in 75 countries and territories
- Adecco: 3,800 branches in 62 countries
- Kelly: workforce solutions in 80 countries
- Randstad: a presence in 39 countries
- Robert Half: describes itself as the world's largest specialized talent solutions firm
For you as a job seeker, though, the biggest agency isn't automatically the best. A smaller agency that specializes in your field and has a strong local office can be the better choice.
Wrapping Up | Best Staffing Agencies Near Me
Staffing agencies act as a middleman between employers and job seekers, matching qualified people with companies that need help now. A match made in heaven for both sides!
To find the right one near you:
- Know the kind of work you want
- Build a short list of three to five local agencies
- Check ASA membership, worker reviews, and real job listings
- Never pay a fee to get a job
- Bring your resume, I-9 documents, and references to your first meeting
- Ask whether a role is temp-to-hire, and treat it like a permanent job from day one
To recap, here are the top 11 staffing agencies:
- Robert Half
- Randstad
- Adecco
- Artisan Talent
- Kelly Services
- Integrity Staffing Solutions
- Kforce
- Addison Group
- ManpowerGroup
- Aerotek
- Advanced Resources
Whatever your field, the agencies above can help you find temporary, permanent, or remote work that moves your career forward.
Take the next step by reaching out to the ones that best fit your goals. Let us know if you have any questions about staffing firms or the job search in general. Best of luck!
Title: 11 Best Staffing Agencies Near Me for 2026 (and How to Pick One)
Category: Job Search
Tags: staffing agencies near me, temp agencies near me, staffing agency usa, working for a staffing agency, what is a staffing agency, employment agencies, recruiting firms, staffing services, best temp agencies, temp-to-hire
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Author: Jordan Ellis writes about job searching and interviews for theJub, focusing on practical steps for early-career job seekers.
