Temporary Staffing Cost Guide: What Employers Pay
Agencies typically bill temporary general labour at a markup of roughly 25% to 50% on the worker's wage, so a worker paid US$18 an hour might be billed at around US$22 to US$27. A labour-only moving crew of two commonly runs about US$70 to US$95 per hour. Actual rates depend on the role, shift, region and how much notice you give.
The markup covers more than a margin. It funds payroll taxes, workers' compensation, administration and the cost of finding and replacing people, which is why billing rates are higher than wages. A proposal should show the hourly rate by role, the shift minimum and when overtime applies.
Use the ranges below as a sense check, not a quote. Local labour markets, skill requirements, equipment and urgent timing can move a rate well beyond them, and published wage data for specific roles varies by city.
Typical price ranges
- Agency markup on general labour wages25% to 50%
Added to the worker's hourly wage to cover payroll costs, administration and margin, for general labour roles.
- Labour-only moving crew, two peopleUS$70 to US$95 per hour
Loading and unloading help without a truck, subject to a minimum of a few hours.
Typical 2025-2026 ranges compiled from published guides including GigSmart, Instawork and staffing pricing guides for markups, and HireAHelper and Moving Help for labour-only moving rates. Many sources are industry or company blogs, they differ, and no reliable Canadian markup figures were found, so treat these as broad starting points and compare written proposals.
What drives the cost
- Role and skill
- Forklift operators, experienced line workers and trades helpers cost more than general labourers.
- Wage level in your market
- The base wage differs by city and region, and the billing rate follows it.
- Shift pattern
- Nights, weekends, holidays and early starts usually carry a premium.
- Hours and minimums
- Short shifts still bill a minimum, and overtime rules change the cost of long days.
- Headcount and duration
- Larger or longer bookings may be priced differently from a single shift.
- Notice
- Planned orders are easier to fill than urgent requests, which can cost more.
- Equipment and PPE
- Who supplies boots, vests, gloves and tools affects the total.
- Conversion and replacement terms
- Fees for hiring a worker directly, and how absences are replaced, belong in the proposal.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Plan orders ahead and share your forecast so the agency can schedule for you
- Book full shifts instead of short ones to avoid paying minimums for idle time
- Describe the job precisely so workers arrive with the right gear and skills
- Provide a clear orientation and a named contact so workers are productive from the start
- Compare written proposals on hourly rate, minimum shift and replacement terms, not just on the headline rate
Cost questions
Why is the billing rate higher than what the worker earns?
The rate includes payroll taxes, workers' compensation, administration and the agency's costs and margin, not only the wage.
Is it cheaper to hire directly?
Sometimes for long-term needs, but you take on recruiting, payroll and the risk of having too many or too few people. For short or uneven needs, temporary staff are often more flexible.
Are quote requests free?
Yes, sending a request through the form is free. A staffing specialist who serves your area sends the terms in writing.
Do rates differ between Canada and the US?
Yes. Minimum wages, payroll costs and agency rules differ by province and state, so rates do too.
Get a written price for your job
Tell us the roles, the headcount, the site and the start date. We review every request, and a staffing specialist who serves your area follows up in writing with a proposal and a free quote.