In an increasingly competitive market for skilled workers, hiring temporary and contract employees can help businesses sidestep talent gaps and remain nimble.
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Temporary work gaining in popularityNew research from CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists International (Emsi) shows more companies will be tapping into this labor segment with temporary employment expected to add 173,478 jobs from 2016 to 2018—an increase of almost 6%. The analysis was based on data pulled from more 100 national and state employment resources.
"Today, nearly 3 million people are employed in temporary jobs, and that number will continue to grow at a healthy pace over the next few years as companies strive to keep agile in the midst of changing market needs," Kyle Braun, president of CareerBuilder's Staffing and Recruiting Group, said in a press release. "Opportunities are opening up in a variety of occupations and pay levels, and this is a trend we're seeing in a wide range of industries and company sizes."
CareerBuilder compiled a list of fast-growing occupations for temporary employment from 2016 to 2018. The following occupations have at least 10,000 jobs available, are expected to grow 6% or more, and pay $15 or more per hour*:
| Occupation | Temp Jobs (2016) | Temp Jobs (2018) | % Change (2016 - 2018) | Median Hourly Pay |
| Computer Service Representatives | 98,574 | 104,311 | 6% | $15.27 |
| Administrative Assistants** | 69,627 | 73,931 | 6% | $16.22 |
| Human Resources Specialists | 67,956 | 73,094 | 8% | $28.02 |
| Construction Laborers | 46,488 | 49,226 | 6% | $16.23 |
| Registered Nurses | 42,260 | 44,885 | 6% | $33.28 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerks | 28,124 | 29,878 | 6% | $17.73 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | 24,218 | 25,664 | 6% | $23.27 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 21,683 | 23,038 | 6% | $19.15 |
| Machinists | 21,187 | 22,512 | 6% | $19.38 |
| Software Developers, Applications | 14,731 | 15,624 | 6% | $46.72 |
The following occupations have at least 10,000 jobs available, are expected to grow at least 6% and pay less than $15 per hour (but well above the federal minimum wage*):
| Occupation | Temp Jobs (2016) | Temp Jobs (2018) | % Change (2016 - 2018) | Median Hourly Pay |
| Team Assemblers | 166,057 | 176,639 | 6% | $13.95 |
| Nursing Assistants | 32,143 | 34,133 | 6% | $12.32 |
| Personal Care Aides | 27,217 | 28,813 | 6% | $10.10 |
| Substitute Teachers | 27,155 | 28,973 | 7% | $13.48 |
| Maids & Housekeeping | 18,067 | 19,198 | 6% | $10.50 |
| Retail Salespersons | 17,490 | 18,569 | 6% | $10.34 |
| Landscaping & Groundskeeping | 15,300 | 16,248 | 6% | $12.01 |
| Security Guards | 13,322 | 14,106 | 6% | $12.27 |
| Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers | 12,863 | 13,644 | 6% | $14.38 |
| Telemarketers | 7,636 | 8,082 | 6% | $11.24 |
In a separate Harris Poll study commissioned by CareerBuilder and completed in December 2015, 47% of employers reported that they plan to hire temporary or contract workers in 2016, up slightly from 46% last year. Of these employers, more than half (58%) plan to transition some temporary or contract workers into full-time, permanent roles.
"Temporary employment benefits both sides of the labor market. Hiring temporary and contract workers helps companies stay flexible and adapt quickly to changing market demands," Braun said. "For workers, it opens doors for those who want to utilize various skills, build relationships with different organizations, and explore career options."
*Median hourly pay covers anyone working in that occupation whether they are temporary or full-time, permanent staff.
**Full category name is Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive.