Understanding how and when you’ll get paid is one of the most practical things a temp worker can know. Pay structures through staffing agencies differ from direct employment in a few important ways, and knowing the details upfront prevents frustration later.
Who Pays You?
When you work through a staffing agency, the agency is your employer of record — meaning they process your paycheck, withhold taxes, and issue your W-2 at the end of the year. The client company pays the agency, and the agency pays you. This is true even if you work on-site at the client company every day.
How Often Do Agencies Pay?
Most staffing agencies process payroll weekly, though some pay bi-weekly. The specific day you receive payment depends on the agency’s pay cycle. Ask your recruiter on your first day: “What is the pay period, when are timesheets due, and when does money actually hit my account?”
Weekly pay is one of the practical advantages of agency work for workers who need consistent cash flow.
How Hours Are Tracked
Agencies use different systems for tracking and approving hours:
- Online portals where you enter hours and a supervisor approves them
- Paper timesheets submitted weekly
- Mobile apps with GPS verification
- Physical time clocks at the client site (though these are more common for direct hires)
Find out the specific system your agency uses and when submissions are due. A timesheet submitted one day late can push your pay back by a full week.
Will There Be a Delay on Your First Check?
Many agencies have a one-week lag on first paychecks — you complete your first week of work, but the check doesn’t arrive until the following week’s pay date. This is standard practice and not a red flag, but it’s worth knowing before you accept an assignment so you can budget accordingly.
Direct Deposit vs. Pay Card
Most agencies offer direct deposit, which is typically the fastest and most reliable option. Some agencies also issue pay cards (prepaid debit cards) for workers who don’t have a bank account. If you’re offered a pay card, ask about any fees associated with ATM withdrawals or balance inquiries before accepting it.
Overtime and Holiday Pay
Temp workers are generally entitled to overtime pay (time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek) under the Fair Labor Standards Act, just like direct employees. Holiday pay policies, however, vary by agency — some offer it, many don’t. Confirm with your recruiter whether holidays are paid days or unpaid days off before accepting a long-term assignment.
Getting clear on the pay mechanics before your first shift means you can focus on doing the job instead of wondering when you’ll get paid or how much.