Show me the money...

What are typical contract recruiter salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

Here's the deal with contract recruiting salaries, in almost all cases, the hourly rate that they pay a contract recruiter is flexible. In other words, there is a range that that they can pay a recruiter. Contract recruting salaries are different than permanet recruting salaries. A permanent recruiting salary is usually less flexible due to factors such as internal equity. you dont; have as much factors in a contract situation. So please negotiate a higher salary whenever you are considering a contract recruiting job. Sometimes, all it take is asking for a coupel dollars more, and you'll find in many time you'll get it.

A Sr. Contract Recruiter working in the Midwest can expect to earn an average of $50.00 an hour. That same recruiter working on the west coast in California will earn $70.00 to $90.00 per hour in N.California (for the technical field) and $50.00 to $70.00 an hour in S. California. The East Coast will pay around $60.00 an hour. The Southern states pay around $50.00 an hour. Many companies are behind the times and offer $25.00 to $30.00 an hour, this is a below market rate unless you are a Jr. Recruiter. Most Jr. Recruiters really shouldn't be contract recruiters because a contract recruiter should be able to hit the ground running and contribute fully on all fronts of the recruiting process. The rates need to be at least $40.00 an hour (at minimum!) to make up for the fact that there are zero benefits and not stability.

I've been a Sr. Contract Recruiter for the past 10 years in Northern/Southern California.

Mable from Detroit, MI information seems to match my experience across industries. She's right on!

Irene in Huntington Beach, California said: I've been a Sr. Contract Recruiter for the past 10 years in Northern/Southern California.

Mable from Detroit, MI information seems to match my experience across industries. She's right on!

Hello Irene... I am in agreement with both you and Mable (Detroit). I have been doing contract recruiting for the last 8 years now and charge my clients between $50 - 75/ hr. The working arrangement is flexible and involves a combination of time in the client's office with the majority of work done remotely from my home office.

I am considering taking an assignment "in-house" on a contract basis with a company located in downtown LA. They would classify my position as full-time temp employee. I am wondering if you were in my shoes, would you consider raising the fee (to say $90 - 100/hr)? The level of positions to be filled vary greatly and include Sr. level sales & technical roles. I'd be responsible for full-cycle recruitment duties.

Thanks for your input...
Dawn

Are these W2 rates or 1099?

Mable in Detroit, Michigan said: A Sr. Contract Recruiter working in the Midwest can expect to earn an average of $50.00 an hour. That same recruiter working on the west coast in California will earn $70.00 to $90.00 per hour in N.California (for the technical field) and $50.00 to $70.00 an hour in S. California. The East Coast will pay around $60.00 an hour. The Southern states pay around $50.00 an hour. Many companies are behind the times and offer $25.00 to $30.00 an hour, this is a below market rate unless you are a Jr. Recruiter. Most Jr. Recruiters really shouldn't be contract recruiters because a contract recruiter should be able to hit the ground running and contribute fully on all fronts of the recruiting process. The rates need to be at least $40.00 an hour (at minimum!) to make up for the fact that there are zero benefits and not stability.

I agree if a contract recruiter is doing full cycle recruiting the Company should pay atleast 50.00 per hour no question.Also without
benefits even more like 70.00- 90.00 per hour.

Mary in Austin, Texas said: Are these W2 rates or 1099?

W2. The lower the rate it should be W2. I am incorporated so I usually prefer a corp-to-corp status where I can write off more deductions. Right now I'm being paid W2. If I stay on the contract for at least 6 months then I am eligible for unemployment when the contract ends. If I am 1099 or corp-to-corp then I am not eligible for unemployment. I have usually found a new contract within 2 to 4 weeks but it is nice to receive unemployment if only for one week. Anywhere in the USA the bare min. for contract recruiting should be 40W2.

I am an experienced full cycle recruter with over 20 years of both agency and corporate experience. I have recruited for all levels from admin support to CTO.
I relocated to Michigan for a job with a national IT staffing firm which unfortuntely was aquired month 2 into the job. I am seeking a new opportunity; whether contract or perm.
If anyone klnows of any contract and or virtual assignments I would greatly appreciate any leads.
I would be more than happy to forward you a copy of my CV.

I know technical recruiters primarily command the higher rates. I am seeking a screener on an intermittent basis of non exempt $12 jobs....any comments on rates for that person.

Mable in Detroit, Michigan said: A Sr. Contract Recruiter working in the Midwest can expect to earn an average of $50.00 an hour. That same recruiter working on the west coast in California will earn $70.00 to $90.00 per hour in N.California (for the technical field) and $50.00 to $70.00 an hour in S. California. The East Coast will pay around $60.00 an hour. The Southern states pay around $50.00 an hour. Many companies are behind the times and offer $25.00 to $30.00 an hour, this is a below market rate unless you are a Jr. Recruiter. Most Jr. Recruiters really shouldn't be contract recruiters because a contract recruiter should be able to hit the ground running and contribute fully on all fronts of the recruiting process. The rates need to be at least $40.00 an hour (at minimum!) to make up for the fact that there are zero benefits and not stability.

I might be taking a job that is a contract jr. recruiter so what should I be making at an hourly rate? $25-30/hr? Thanks for the help!

Congratulations on your upcoming job offer. I love contract recruiting. I have noticed that rates have really dropped for seasoned contract recruiters so I would imagine a Jr. Contract Recruiter can expect to receive as low as $15.00 an hour to a high average of $25.00 an hour. I really hope, as many others do, that the economy improves and rates can go up a little bit more.

I hope you get the job, do well and earn more than $25.00 an hour.

Mable, I'd like to get your opinion. I'm putting a bid together for a virtual project for a technology company. I'm in Southern California, and the client is in Northern California. The initial number of positions is 10; they are a start up but are well funded. What hourly rate do you think I should charge? My "team" will consist of 2 pt technical recruiters (senior level) plus myself acting as PM and back-up.

I'm afraid my response will not be so encouraging as I've witnessed rates for contract recruiting drop drastically, especially in S. Cal. Since your client is in N. Cal you may get better results. Right now I'm contract recruiting with IBM and earning quit a bit less than I did 2 years ago. Here's my educated guess on the hourly rates you should charge:

Sr. Recruiters for non-technical or non-sales: $35.00 - $55.00
Sr. Recruiters for Technical and Sales: $45.00 - $70.00
Project Manager across the board: $50.00 $70.00

The above high figures would be for N.Cal and regions/clients that are doing well. The lower end of the scale are for S. California (big difference right!), Michigan, KY, IA, NV, etc... other regions that are hurting or clients that are brand new with no venture backing. Always shoot for the higher end and above. Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

10 year Senior Contract Recruiter in the Portland/Vancouver Metro area can support any company in the USA Virtually as I have a full home office setup. I am not looking for a Commission based position. I can work on technical, healthcare, sales/marketing, administrative, executive as well as non- technical requisitions. I have placed Intermediate to "C" Level Candidates in my career. I also have agency experience running a full-desk. Please let me know of any leads you may have...I can send my cv letter. Thank you! :)

Contract Recruiter in Vancouver, Washington said: 10 year Senior Contract Recruiter in the Portland/Vancouver Metro area can support any company in the USA Virtually as I have a full home office setup. I am not looking for a Commission based position. I can work on technical, healthcare, sales/marketing, administrative, executive as well as non- technical requisitions. I have placed Intermediate to "C" Level Candidates in my career. I also have agency experience running a full-desk. Please let me know of any leads you may have...I can send my cv letter. Thank you! :)

email me @ rebecca@looptwo.com - I have some pretty exciting information to share about a portal that will change your outlook on the world of contract recruitment :)

Rebecca in Nashville, Tennessee said: email me @ rebecca@looptwo.com - I have some pretty exciting information to share about a portal that will change your outlook on the world of contract recruitment :)

Hi Rebecca - how are the rates for contract technical recruiters in nashville.

i have a question for the group . What is more rewarding - working as a in-house corporate recruiter or working as recruiter for an employment agency or working as independent recruiter ?

I left a company working after two years. Company promised partership which did not offer in the end. I worked as an Account Manager cum recruiter and not in to Sales at all. I am now filing for my wages for my 2 years of hard work with the labor comission. After sending a letter from my attorney, my employer denied the claim saying I was an independent contractor and worked only on comission based. I have all the W2 which he has given. He has paid 15K for 2 years of work and now claims I'm a comission based consultant.

My question is: Even though I have all W2s, is there something called "comission based W2" which he might have put me in his payroll ? I have worked 40 hrs per week plus min 2 hrs extra per day. How strong is my case if I go to the labor comission. I have all email proofs for 2 years.

Thanks in advance

Listen...One you always get everything in writing, stamped,dated and signed.
If you have W2's from the company, then they should show the tax deductions on your
check. If you were a independent contractor you would be a 1099. Which means that they take no taxes out, no benefits and the money they pay you is direct in full/net gross and your responsible for paying your tax on a quartly basis. Go for it!

Listen...One you always get everything in writing, stamped,dated and signed.
If you have W2's from the company, then they should show the tax deductions on your
check. If you were a independent contractor you would be a 1099. Which means that they take no taxes out, no benefits and the money they pay you is direct in full/net gross and your responsible for paying your tax on a quartly basis. Go for it!

Listen...One you always get everything in writing, stamped,dated and signed.
If you have W2's from the company, then they should show the tax deductions on your
check. If you were a independent contractor you would be a 1099. Which means that they take no taxes out, no benefits and the money they pay you is direct in full/net gross and your responsible for paying your tax on a quartly basis. Go for it!

Listen...One you always get everything in writing, stamped,dated and signed.
If you have W2's from the company, then they should show the tax deductions on your
check. If you were a independent contractor you would be a 1099. Which means that they take no taxes out, no benefits and the money they pay you is direct in full/net gross and your responsible for paying your tax on a quartly basis. Go for it!

What is up with these human resource people? Sorry trying not to be bias, but these women in HR are difficult to deal with. they have this attitude of all mighty control, and with the economy the way it is you would think that there attitude would be welcoming. They have this proccess that doesn't make sense and when you try to make a difference and stand out, they don't give any insight,let alone meet with them in person. God, what is this HR101. Who hires these people! Frustrated in Cleveland Ohio. lee21157@gmail.com

amrita in Hermitage, Tennessee said: i have a question for the group . What is more rewarding - working as a in-house corporate recruiter or working as recruiter for an employment agency or working as independent recruiter ?

I'm not sure what group your talking about, but I'm going to jump in anyhow. One it depends on the environment, your working conditions...the amount of compensation. I've done both and I found that I make much more being a freelance contractor assighned to a specific project or search. The key is to keep being involved in
always creating new opportunities. In the contract, there are also no guarantees. I use to do 60-90 and 6 month contracts...if they decided to let me go before the contract was up...they pay in full before I walk out the door. Sometimes, companies can be rather fickel and they change thier minds.

Anyhow, I looking to network with some other recruiters around the country and maybe some international recruiting. I work verticle and funtional markets.

amrita in Hermitage, Tennessee said: i have a question for the group . What is more rewarding - working as a in-house corporate recruiter or working as recruiter for an employment agency or working as independent recruiter ?

I'm not sure what group your talking about, but I'm going to jump in anyhow. One it depends on the environment, your working conditions...the amount of compensation. I've done both and I found that I make much more being a freelance contractor assighned to a specific project or search. The key is to keep being involved in
always creating new opportunities. In the contract, there are also no guarantees. I use to do 60-90 and 6 month contracts...if they decided to let me go before the contract was up...they pay in full before I walk out the door. Sometimes, companies can be rather fickel and they change thier minds.

Anyhow, I looking to network with some other recruiters around the country and maybe some international recruiting. I work verticle and funtional markets.

What is up with these human resource people? Sorry trying not to be bias, but these women in HR are difficult to deal with. they have this attitude of all mighty control, and with the economy the way it is you would think that there attitude would be welcoming. They have this proccess that doesn't make sense and when you try to make a difference and stand out, they don't give any insight,let alone meet with them in person. God, what is this HR101. Who hires these people! Frustrated in Cleveland Ohio. lee21157@gmail.com

What do agency owners think a fair commission package is for recruiters who put W2 employees on billing? I am a seasoned recruiter who spent most of his career doing perm placements but I spent a year and a half recruiting consultants before leaving for much greener pastures. I'm unhappy with only one thing, what I get paid on consulting deals with W2 employees as their costs go up as the pay rate goes up and I'm left with nearly nothing. The way they're structured, I'm almost paying them for the honor of filling a job. I've just brought in a few new consulting deals that promise to be very lucrative and I am strongly considering making another move so that I can maximize the potential of these new clients.

There are a lot of factors involved here - are you placing hourly w2 consultants that are being billed out at an hourly rate or are you placing salaried perm. employees that are billed out at an hourly rate?

I can understand the company structuring a pay system that motivates you to bring in candidates that generate a higher spread. If the hourly spread (post benefits and other costs) comes between $8.00 - $14.00 the average commission is between 25 and 30% If the hourly spread is between $15.00 - $20.00 the average commission should be 35-40% spread $21.00 - $30.00 50% $30.00 above...hey, it's time to hang a shingle and start your own business :)

Hope this information helped and good luck with your searches.

Mable in Detroit, Michigan said: A Sr. Contract Recruiter working in the Midwest can expect to earn an average of $50.00 an hour. That same recruiter working on the west coast in California will earn $70.00 to $90.00 per hour in N.California (for the technical field) and $50.00 to $70.00 an hour in S. California. The East Coast will pay around $60.00 an hour. The Southern states pay around $50.00 an hour. Many companies are behind the times and offer $25.00 to $30.00 an hour, this is a below market rate unless you are a Jr. Recruiter. Most Jr. Recruiters really shouldn't be contract recruiters because a contract recruiter should be able to hit the ground running and contribute fully on all fronts of the recruiting process. The rates need to be at least $40.00 an hour (at minimum!) to make up for the fact that there are zero benefits and not stability.

I don't think those are the rates in southern state. I live in Nashville , TN. The last 3 interviews I had given with top companies where offering $40/hr-$45/hr on W2. Most companies that hire virtual recruiter or recruiters willing to work remotely pay around $25-$30/hr.

recruitingU in Cleveland, Ohio said: I'm not sure what group your talking about, but I'm going to jump in anyhow. One it depends on the environment, your working conditions...the amount of compensation. I've done both and I found that I make much more being a freelance contractor assighned to a specific project or search. The key is to keep being involved in
always creating new opportunities. In the contract, there are also no guarantees. I use to do 60-90 and 6 month contracts...if they decided to let me go before the contract was up...they pay in full before I walk out the door. Sometimes, companies can be rather fickel and they change thier minds.

Ok. Your inputs was great. What i am talking about is that you can do the following as a recruiter
1. In-house recruiter/corporate recruiter (perm position)- most companies call it talent acquisition.
2. Contract recruiter - you could either work for an organisation or staffing firm
3. Recruiter in staffing/recruiting firm.
4. Independent recruiter - not attached to any firm but search for leads & fill positions yourself

I am looking for market intelligence in terms of billing/annual salary in all the above recruiting areas. This is for tech industries.

I am currently participating in a few interviews with leading staffing firm. The base offered is $38K/annum. However he says i will make most of my money in bonus and also mentioned that as a recruiter he used to earn in 6 figures. Is that true ? Do technical recruiters make that kind of money in the current economical climate ?

I work as an independent contractor for a few companies and recruit mainly sales and tech positions. I charge $45-$70 per hour depending on the gig.

My question is I'd like to raise my rates for the next year and am struggling to find the right wording as to the reason for the increase. Basically I'm wanting to give myself a raise but can't really just say that now can I? :) Suggestions?

Hello all,

I am currently looking for a new contract. I am a Senior Contract Recruiter with 20 years exp. I am based in Phoenix, Arizona Market but can work virtually for any state and fill positions nationwide.I have a full home office setup. I am not looking for a Commission based position. I can work on technical, healthcare, sales/marketing, administrative, executive as well as non- technical requisitions. I have placed Intermediate to "C" Level Candidates in my career. I also have agency experience running a full-desk. Please let me know of any leads you may have...I can send my cv letter. Thank you! :) I would truly appreciate it!!

Hello all,
I am currently looking for a new contract. I am a Senior Contract Recruiter with 20 years exp. I am based in Phoenix, Arizona Market but can work virtually for any state and fill positions nationwide.I have a full home office setup. I am not looking for a Commission based position. I can work on technical, healthcare, sales/marketing, administrative, executive as well as non- technical requisitions. I have placed Intermediate to "C" Level Candidates in my career. I also have agency experience running a full-desk. Please let me know of any leads you may have...I can send my cv letter. Thank you! :) I would truly appreciate it!!

All of this information is very helpful. I recently set up an LLC and am speaking with a number of RPOs to start on contract/1099/corp-to-corp assignments and they are offering ~$25/30 per hour. I have over 10 years of experience and this seems low for the Philadelphia area. Any advice on how to locate contract positions w/o going through a firm? Thoughts on the rates?

I totally agree. However in the last 1 year with an experience of 7years in recruiting , I have been offered $30/hr to $35/hr at the best by most companies. i guess there is more money as recruiter for staffing firms , where there is scope for money to be made in the form of bonus.

I have a technical recruiting company in Denver, CO and am exploring the option of adding an on-site contract recruiter or possibly someone who would work remotely. Candidates must have a min. of 5 years recent technical recruiting experience across a wide range of technologies. If interested, please send your resume, hourly requirements and information about your available resources for sourcing to me at john.snellings@mypeersource.com.

Hi John,

I would be interested in speaking with you regarding this.. I will send you my resume for consideration.

recruitingU in Cleveland, Ohio said: Listen...One you always get everything in writing, stamped,dated and signed.
If you have W2's from the company, then they should show the tax deductions on your
check. If you were a independent contractor you would be a 1099. Which means that they take no taxes out, no benefits and the money they pay you is direct in full/net gross and your responsible for paying your tax on a quartly basis. Go for it!