How much do temporary employees get paid per hour?

What can temporary workers can realistically expect to earn per hour in today’s job market? Pay varies widely by industry, location, skills, and role type; understanding these drivers helps workers choose the right jobs at the right time, and pay transparency helps both job seekers to evaluate offers and employers to set competitive rates. We’ll break down typical hourly ranges, regional differences, and the key factors that influence temp wages — so you can benchmark offers with confidence.

What is the typical hourly pay range for temporary workers?

Across the U.S, the average base hourly rate for workers placed through temporary employment agencies is $18.82 (PayScale, October 2025). 

In practice, hourly rates span a wide range — from local minimum wage, for entry-level roles, to $25+ per hour for skilled or hard-to-fill shifts. Entry-level roles in retail, hospitality, and warehousing commonly start in the low-to-mid teens, while specialized roles (for example, certified forklift operators or skilled trades) tend to sit higher.

• These figures reflect what workers receive. Employers typically pay an agency rate that includes a markup for payroll, insurance, and overhead.
• Rates move with local labor conditions, seasonal demand, and your experience. Expect spikes during peak seasons or when shifts are posted last minute.

How temporary staffing pay rates differ by industry

Your hourly pay depends heavily on the type of work. Here’s a quick look at common temp sectors and how pay generally compares.

Platforms like Indeed Flex connect workers to shifts across these sectors with upfront hourly rates and shift details so you can quickly compare options.

Regional variations in temporary employment wages

Local minimum wage laws, cost of living, and the balance of job openings to available workers all influence pay.

• Big metros (for example, Austin, Las Vegas, Chicago) often post $16–$25+ per hour for many temp roles, especially in busy seasons or for nonstandard shifts.
• Lower-cost or rural regions commonly range $13–$17 per hour for similar roles.
• Minimum wage laws set the floor. For instance, California’s state minimum wage is $16.5/hour, while the federal minimum is $7.25/hour, which still applies in many states.
• Short-term surges — holiday retail, tourism peaks, or harvest seasons — can lift hourly rates temporarily.

When comparing offers, look beyond the posted rate: add commute time and travel costs to see your real take-home per hour.

Understanding temp agency pay structure

Here’s how pay usually flows in staffing: the agency negotiates a bill rate with the employer, then pays you an hourly wage from that amount and retains a markup to cover payroll, tax administration, insurance, recruitment, and service costs. The exact split varies by contract.

• Agencies typically act as the official employer of record for pay and taxes. 
• Digital-first staffing models can reduce operating costs and may pass some of that value through to workers in the form of higher hourly rates or lower fees.
• Weekly pay is common in temp work; here’s a simple method for budgeting a weekly paycheck. Indeed Flex allows you to access up to 50% of your earnings immediately after you finish your shift.

Key factors affecting temp pay rates

Experience and skills

Relevant experience and proof of skill lift your rate. Certifications like a forklift license or food safety card signal you can hit the ground running and reduce training time.

Shift timing

Overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts often pay premiums. 

Assignment duration

Longer assignments may offer steadier hours, slightly higher pay, or the chance to move into a permanent role if both sides are a good fit.

Urgency and demand

Shifts posted last minute or roles with high turnover often come with higher rates to attract workers quickly.

Equal pay rules

In some regions, after a qualifying period (often 12 weeks in the same role), temp workers may be entitled to equal pay and conditions, comparable with permanent employees.

Employer reputation and ratings

Companies known for fair treatment tend to post stronger rates and repeat shifts. Use these tips to spot employers with realistic expectations and fair pay.

Temporary vs. permanent pay: what’s the difference?

Comparing temp roles to full-time jobs is more than a rate-per-hour exercise. Permanent roles usually include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions; temp roles may not. To offset this, some temp roles offer comparable — or sometimes higher — hourly rates.

• From the employer side, reduced benefit costs and long-term commitments can support competitive hourly pay for temps. 
• Temp work can be a pathway to permanent roles. If you want a way into a new field, here are practical benefits of temp jobs for career growth.

Additional compensation and benefits for temp workers

Benefits in temp work vary by agency, assignment length, and location, but there are some common threads.

• Overtime pay: In many U.S. situations, hours over 40 in a week are paid at 1.5x the regular rate. Your payslip should show hours, rate, overtime, and all deductions.
• Insurance and PTO: Some agencies offer limited benefits after a qualifying period, but many temp roles do not include health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. For practical guidance, see what to know about insurance for temporary and part-time workers.
• Holiday pay: Depending on your jurisdiction and agency policy, you may accrue holiday pay.
• Flexible pay options: Some agencies or platforms offer pay advances, same day pay, or performance bonuses to help smooth cash flow.
• Taxes: Expect normal tax withholding when you’re paid as a W-2 temp. For filing tips and common questions, read this guide to tax for temporary workers.

How to evaluate and negotiate temp pay offers

• Check the market: Compare offers against current temporary agency pay data and adjust for your city and skills.
• Ask the right questions: Confirm the hourly rate, overtime eligibility, shift differentials, bonus opportunities, and how often you’ll be paid.
• Review employer feedback: Look for patterns in reviews and use these signs to avoid unclear pay ranges or underpayment.
• Do the math on commuting: Account for transport, parking, and time. A slightly lower rate closer to home can net more in your pocket.
• Use your edge: Certifications, strong ratings, and a track record of reliability give you more power to request higher pay or preferred shifts.

Maximizing earnings as a temporary worker

• Pursue certifications and training: Credentials like forklift operation, first aid, or food handling often open doors to higher-paying roles.
• Accept premium shifts: Nights, weekends, and holidays usually pay more — target these to boost average weekly earnings.
• Work consistently and build ratings: Reliable performance helps you become a go-to worker, leading to repeat shifts and better rates.
• Diversify across industries: Being comfortable in warehousing, retail, and hospitality increases your options when one sector slows.
• Use digital platforms for transparency: Indeed Flex shows pay rates, shift details, and ratings up front so you can choose the most worthwhile shifts at a glance.
• Plan around peak demand: Seasonal surges — holidays, back-to-school, summer events — bring more shifts and better pay.
• Smooth out income: Use a simple system for budgeting weekly pay so variable hours don’t derail your month.

Find your next temp shift with Indeed Flex

Indeed Flex makes it easy to compare hourly rates, shift details, and employer ratings — helping you choose the right temporary assignments for your goals and experience. Start finding flexible, higher-paying opportunities by downloading the Indeed Flex app.