How big is
the industry?
The staffing industry generated more than $70 billion in revenue
in 2004: $63 billion from temporary help services and $7 billion
in permanent placement services.
What accounts for the growth of the industry?
America's work force is changing as more and more people are
looking for the flexibility that temporary work provides.
Companies are tapping into the flexible labor market to keep
fully staffed during busy times.
Do staffing firms charge employees a fee for temporary
assignments?
No.
How long do people hold temporary jobs?
While specific jobs may last from a few hours to several years,
the best estimates for the average tenure of temporary and
contract employees range from three to five months.
What types of assignments do staffing companies offer?
Jobs range from assembly line worker to CEO and are available in
virtually all occupations.
What are the trends in the kinds of jobs being assigned?
The fastest growth is occurring in professional and technical
occupations.
How many staffing companies are there in the U.S.?
There are about 6,000 firms that have been in business a year or
more. Those companies operate approximately 20,000 offices. ASA
member companies operate more than 15,000 offices across the
nation and account for 85% of U.S. industry sales.
What kind of pay and benefits do temporary and contract
employees receive?
To attract the most qualified employees, staffing services offer
highly competitive wages and benefits. The average temporary or
contract employee earns more than $12 per hour. Some earn more
than their permanent counterparts. Most staffing companies offer
health insurance as well as vacation and holiday pay, and many
offer retirement plans. Virtually any temporary or contract
employee who wants benefits can find a staffing firm that offers
them.
What kinds of services do staffing companies provide?
Staffing companies offer a wide range of services, including
temporary and contract staffing, recruiting and placement,
outsourcing, training, and human resources consulting.
Sources: American Staffing Association, U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Omnicomp Group, the Conference Board.