9 Temp Jobs That Pay Well (With Salaries And Examples)

Temporary jobs, commonly referred to as temp jobs, are often misunderstood. While their short-term nature might deter some, these positions can serve as valuable stepping stones in your career. In today’s dynamic job market, temp roles offer unique opportunities for skill development and networking.

The variety of temp jobs available across different industries and roles means there’s something for everyone, regardless of your experience level. Whether you’re looking to gain entry into a new field or seeking flexibility in your work life, temp positions can be a great option.

In this article, we’ll explore high-paying temp jobs, provide examples, and share tips on how to secure the right position for you.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three temp jobs are retail sales associate, administrative assistant, and call center associate.

• Most of these roles demand strong communication and customer service skills for success.

• When searching for temp jobs, consider using temp agencies, job boards, and your professional network to find the best opportunities.

Temp Jobs That Pay Well

There are numerous temp jobs available suitable for various skill sets and backgrounds. Below are some of the most common entry-level temp positions that can help you kickstart your career.

These positions are ideal for early-career professionals or those new to the workforce. If you possess more experience or specialized skills, there are also many advanced temp roles to consider.

1. Order Fulfillment Specialist
   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Order fulfillment specialists, often referred to as pickers or packers, are in high demand as online shopping continues to thrive. In this role, you’ll work in a warehouse environment to process and pack online orders.

   With various job openings available within a single warehouse, you can find a role that suits your skills and experience level. These positions often accommodate both entry-level and experienced workers.

   Additionally, companies may hire seasonally based on demand, offering both short-term and long-term temp opportunities.

   Skills needed:

   • Attention to detail
   • Communication skills
   • Time management
   • Hand-eye coordination
   • Decision-making
   • Active listening skills

   Find Order Fulfillment positions near me

2. Retail Sales Associate
   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Retail stores frequently seek temporary associates, especially during peak seasons. Retail associates assist customers, handle transactions, and maintain stock levels. This position is typically entry-level, but there may also be opportunities for advancement into management roles.

   Skills needed:

   • Customer service skills
   • Excellent communication
   • Basic math skills and cash register proficiency
   • Problem-solving skills
   • Patience

   Find Retail Associate jobs near me

3. Computer Systems Analyst
   Average Annual Salary: $76,000

   If you’re skilled in technology and systems, consider temporary roles that assist companies in enhancing their networks or systems. These roles often arise during peak project times or when companies seek specialized support.

   With a median pay of around $43/hour, these positions can be quite lucrative.

   Skills needed:

   • Problem-solving skills
   • Critical thinking skills
   • Analytical abilities
   • Strong communication
   • Technical expertise in hardware, software, and programming

   Find Computer Systems Analyst jobs near me

4. Administrative Assistant
   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   Temporary administrative assistants are essential for organizations needing extra support during busy periods or to cover for employees on leave. This role involves a variety of tasks that keep operations running smoothly.

   Administrative assistants often have the opportunity to develop a diverse skill set and gain valuable experience within the company.

   Skills needed:

   • Written and verbal communication
   • Attention to detail
   • Time management
   • Strong organizational skills
   • Customer service skills

   Find Administrative Assistant jobs near me

5. Management Consultant
   Average Annual Salary: $95,000

   For those with consulting experience, temp roles as management consultants can be fulfilling. Companies often seek consultants to identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements.

   This role can involve analyzing operations and overseeing implementation of suggested changes.

   Skills needed:

   • Ability to work well under pressure
   • Flexibility
   • Analytical thinking
   • Strong teamwork and communication skills

   Find Management Consultant jobs near me

6. Call Center Associate
   Average Annual Salary: $29,000

   For those seeking a flexible role that can often be performed remotely, becoming a call center associate, or customer support agent, can be a great fit. These positions typically require strong people skills and a willingness to assist customers.

   As a temp worker, there may be opportunities for extension into long-term or permanent roles.

   Skills needed:

   • Excellent communication skills
   • Problem-solving abilities
   • Organizational skills
   • Ability to work well under pressure
   • Customer service skills

   Find Call Center Associate jobs near me

7. Tax Professional
   Average Annual Salary: $37,000

   If you’re skilled in finance, temporary positions supporting tax professionals are often available during peak tax seasons. These roles typically require a background in accounting or finance.

   These positions can be lucrative, with median pay around $35/hour.

   Skills needed:

   • Strong communication skills
   • Understanding of tax law and preparation
   • Attention to detail
   • Accurate math and accounting skills
   • Organizational skills

   Find Tax Professional jobs near me

8. Data Entry Clerk
   Average Annual Salary: $28,000

   Data entry clerks are needed across various industries, making this an accessible entry-level role. These positions typically require strong typing skills and attention to detail.

   Skills needed:

   • Attention to detail
   • Written and verbal communication skills
   • Ability to work independently
   • Multitasking abilities

   Find Data Entry Clerk jobs near me

9. Nurse
   Average Annual Salary: $59,000

   Healthcare facilities often require temporary nurses or aides to manage patient care during busy periods. This role offers valuable experience in various healthcare settings.

   While these positions require specific credentials, they offer competitive pay, often around $35/hour.

   Skills needed:

   • Conflict resolution
   • Problem-solving skills
   • Excellent communication
   • Ability to work under pressure
   • Teamwork skills

   Find Nurse jobs near me

Where to Look for Temp Jobs

With the abundance of temp jobs available, knowing where to begin your search can be daunting. Fortunately, the rise of online platforms has expanded your options significantly.

Here are three effective strategies for finding temporary work:

• Job Boards: Start your search on job boards. Most job search platforms have filters that allow you to specifically look for temporary positions. Specialized job boards for temp work can yield focused results, but major job boards often list a broader array of opportunities.

• Professional Networking: Utilize professional networking sites to connect with recruiters and companies. Networking can provide insights into job openings that may not be advertised on traditional job boards.

• Temp Agencies: Consider working with a temp agency. These agencies facilitate connections between job seekers and companies in need of temporary staff, often at no cost to the job seeker. They can help you consistently find temp jobs and may offer additional resources for your job search.

Temp Jobs FAQ

1. Is it easy to get a temp job?

   Yes, it can be easy to secure a temp job. Many entry-level temp positions require little to no prior experience. However, the ease of securing a role can depend on the specific job. Common entry-level roles include:

   Order Fulfillment Specialist: No prior experience is generally required to start in this role, as training is typically quick.

   Retail Sales Associate: This position often requires no relevant experience, making it accessible to those with strong interpersonal skills.

   Call Center Associate: Many of these roles can be performed remotely, adding to their appeal.

2. Is a temp job worth it?

   Yes, temp jobs are often worth considering. They provide valuable experience and can lead to future job opportunities. Even if the job isn’t ideal, the temporary nature means it’s a manageable commitment.

3. Can you make a living as a temp?

   Yes, many individuals support themselves through temp work in the United States. With over 16 million temp workers in the country, it’s crucial to stay proactive in seeking new opportunities as contracts end.

4. Can a temp job become permanent?

   Yes, some temp jobs can transition to permanent roles. This often depends on the employer’s needs and your performance during your temporary assignment.

5. Do temps get paid?

   Yes, temporary workers are compensated for their work. Payment structures can vary, but all workers have protections under state and federal laws.

Author

Amanda Covaleski

Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.