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Staffing Agency Markup Calculator

Determines the markup percentage and bill rate when using staffing agencies

Hourly rate paid to the employee by the agency

Hourly rate the agency charges the client

Markup Amount

Difference between bill rate and pay rate

Markup Percentage

Markup as a percentage of employee pay rate

Annual Cost Difference

Total markup over 2,080 working hours per year

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical staffing agency markup?

Staffing agency markups typically range from 20-100% depending on the role type. Light industrial and administrative roles see 25-50% markups. Professional and IT staffing runs 40-75%. Executive and highly specialized roles can command 75-100% or more.

What does the staffing agency markup cover?

The markup covers the agency's payroll taxes (7.65% FICA), workers' compensation insurance, unemployment taxes, the agency's overhead (recruiters, office, technology), and profit margin. Benefits like health insurance, if provided, add another 5-15%.

Is it cheaper to hire directly or through a staffing agency?

Direct hiring is usually cheaper long-term for permanent positions. Agencies make sense for temporary needs, hard-to-fill roles, or when speed matters. Calculate the break-even point: agency markup vs. your internal recruiting costs, time-to-fill, and vacancy costs.