Introduction
Chicago’s thriving job market in healthcare, finance, logistics, and manufacturing makes temp agencies a valuable resource for both job seekers and employers. Whether you’re looking for flexible gigs or need to fill positions quickly, temp agencies streamline the hiring process.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Top 10 temp agencies in Chicago (with industry specialties)
✅ Benefits for job seekers & employers
✅ How to choose the best agency
✅ Tips for landing top temp jobs
Why Use a Temp Agency in Chicago?
For Job Seekers:
- Fast placements (often within 48 hours)
- Diverse opportunities (office, warehouse, healthcare, IT)
- Path to permanent roles (many temp jobs convert to full-time)
For Employers:
- On-demand staffing (reduce overtime costs)
- Pre-screened candidates (save 50+ hours on hiring)
- Industry-specific expertise (specialized agencies for tech, legal, etc.)
Chicago’s hottest temp job sectors:
- Healthcare: Nursing aides, medical billing
- Warehouse/Logistics: Amazon, UPS seasonal roles
- Corporate: Admin assistants, accountants
10 Best Temp Agencies in Chicago (2024)
1. Aerotek
📍 Locations: Downtown, Schaumburg
✔ Specialties: Engineering, manufacturing, aerospace
✔ Why Choose Them? Top for skilled trades and defense contracts.
✔ Best For: CNC machinists, welders, technical roles.
2. Robert Half
📍 Locations: Loop, River North
✔ Specialties: Finance, accounting, IT, legal
✔ Why Choose Them? Premier agency for $25+/hr professional roles.
✔ Best For: CPAs, software developers, paralegals.
3. Elite Staffing
📍 Locations: Cicero, Elk Grove Village
✔ Specialties: Warehouse, light industrial, food production
✔ Why Choose Them? Major partner for Chicagoland factories.
✔ Best For: Forklift drivers, packagers, general labor.
4. Medix
📍 Locations: West Loop
✔ Specialties: Healthcare, clinical research, life sciences
✔ Why Choose Them? 80% temp-to-hire rate for nurses/lab techs.
✔ Best For: RNs, medical assistants, biotech.
(Continue with 6 more agencies, highlighting:
- 5. Staffing Network – Hospitality & events
- 6. LaSalle Network – Marketing & creative
- 7. PeopleReady – Day labor construction
- 8. Randstad – Nationwide corporate roles
- 9. Express Employment – Multi-industry
- 10. AppleOne – Admin & customer service*)
How to Choose the Right Agency
Job Seekers Should:
🔹 Compare pay rates (warehouse jobs: $16-$22/hr; admin: $18-$25/hr)
🔹 Ask about benefits (some offer health insurance after 90 days)
🔹 Prioritize temp-to-hire roles if seeking permanent work
Employers Should:
🔹 Negotiate markup fees (standard is 25-40% of hourly wage)
🔹 Verify onboarding support (background checks, I-9 processing)
🔹 Check industry focus (e.g., Medix for healthcare vs. Aerotek for engineering)
Pro Tips for Temp Job Success
- For Workers:
- Register with 2-3 agencies to maximize opportunities
- Highlight “temp-friendly” skills (adaptability, quick learning)
- For Businesses:
- Request trial shifts before long-term contracts
- Use niche agencies for hard-to-fill roles (e.g., bilingual staff)
Conclusion
Chicago’s temp agencies offer quick entry to top employers and scalable workforce solutions. Whether you need short-term income or reliable staffing, agencies like Aerotek, Robert Half, and Medix can match you with the right fit.
Next Steps:
📌 Job seekers: [Apply directly on agency websites]
📌 Employers: [Request staffing quotes]