What Express Employment Professionals does
Express Employment Professionals is a staffing agency that matches job seekers with temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent positions across industries. The company operates through a network of franchise locations in the United States, Canada, and South Africa. When you register with Express, you provide your work history, skills, and availability, and the local branch connects you with employers who have open positions that match your profile.
Express does not charge you a fee to register or to be placed in a job. The employer pays the staffing agency a placement fee or markup on your hourly wage. You are paid by Express (not the employer directly) on a weekly basis, though the specific pay schedule may vary by location. Express handles payroll, tax withholding, and workers' compensation insurance for temporary positions.
The company works across many sectors: light industrial, warehouse, administrative, healthcare, skilled trades, and professional roles. The types of jobs available depend on your local Express branch and the current demand from employers in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Express Employment Professionals is a franchise network, so each local branch operates independently and may have different job openings, pay rates, and services.
- You do not pay Express to register or be placed; the employer pays the staffing agency, and you are paid weekly by Express for temporary work.
- Express handles payroll, taxes, and workers' compensation for temporary positions, but you remain responsible for understanding your own tax situation.
- Temp-to-hire positions allow you to work for an employer on a temporary basis before they decide whether to hire you permanently.
- The jobs available vary widely by location and industry demand, so contacting your local branch is the only way to know what positions are currently open.
How to register with Express
Visit the Express Employment Professionals website and use the location finder to identify the branch nearest you. Each branch has its own contact information and may accept registrations online, by phone, or in person. Some branches allow you to complete an initial process on their website before coming in.
When you register, bring a valid photo ID, proof of work authorization (such as a Social Security card or passport), and references from previous employers if you have them. You will fill out an process with your work history, skills, certifications, and availability. Express may conduct a background check and verify your references. The time from registration to your first job placement varies; some people are placed within days, while others wait weeks depending on job availability in your area.
Be clear about the type of work you want and the hours you can work. If you are open to multiple types of positions, say so. Express branches work with many employers, but they can only place you in roles that match both your qualifications and your stated availability.
Temporary versus temp-to-hire positions
A temporary position is work for a set period—usually a few days to a few months—with no may provide of continued employment after that period ends. You are paid by Express for the hours you work. When the assignment ends, you return to the pool of available workers and can be placed in another position if one matches your skills and schedule.
A temp-to-hire position is a temporary assignment with the possibility of permanent employment. You work as a temporary employee for a trial period (often 90 days, but this varies). If the employer and you are both satisfied, the employer may offer you a permanent job. At that point, you would typically be hired directly by the employer, and your pay and benefits would be determined by them rather than by Express. Not all temp-to-hire assignments result in permanent offers, and employers are not obligated to hire you at the end of the trial period.
Ask your Express branch representative which positions are temp-to-hire when you are discussing job options. This helps you understand what to expect and whether the role could lead to permanent work.
Pay, taxes, and workers' compensation
Express pays you weekly for the hours you work on temporary assignments. The pay rate depends on the job, your experience, and your location. Express does not set the rate unilaterally; it is based on what the employer pays the staffing agency and what the local labor market supports. Rates for the same type of work can differ between branches and between employers.
Express withholds federal and state income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax from your paycheck, just as a regular employer would. You will receive a W-2 form at the end of the year showing your total earnings and taxes withheld. If you work for multiple staffing agencies or have other income, you may owe additional taxes at tax time, or you may be owed a refund. You are responsible for understanding your own tax situation; Express's withholding is an estimate based on the W-4 form you complete during registration.
Express provides workers' compensation insurance for temporary positions. If you are injured on the job, you can file a workers' compensation claim through Express. The specifics of coverage vary by state. If you are hired permanently by an employer, that employer's workers' compensation insurance takes over.
What to expect on your first day
When you are placed in a job, Express will provide you with the employer's location, start time, and any specific instructions (such as what to wear or what to bring). Arrive early and be prepared to work the full shift. Many temporary positions are in fast-paced environments like warehouses or manufacturing, so physical stamina and the ability to follow instructions quickly are important.
You may be asked to complete paperwork on your first day, including tax forms if you have not already done so. Some employers require a safety orientation or training before you begin work. Ask your supervisor or the on-site coordinator if you are unsure about anything.
If you have a problem at work—such as unsafe conditions, unclear instructions, or a dispute with a supervisor—contact your Express branch as soon as possible. Express is your employer for temporary positions, and they can advocate for you or move you to a different assignment if needed.
When Express may not be the right fit
Express works best if you need work quickly, are flexible about the type of job, and can handle assignments that may be short-term. If you need a permanent job with benefits, temp-to-hire positions are an option, but there is no may provide you will be hired permanently. If you have very specific job requirements or need a particular schedule that rarely matches available positions, you may spend a lot of time waiting between assignments.
If you are looking for benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, or paid time off, temporary positions through Express do not include these. Some employers offer benefits to temp-to-hire employees after they are hired permanently, but this is not may provide and depends on the employer's policy.
If you have been convicted of a felony or have a background that may disqualify you from certain types of work, discuss this with your Express branch representative before registering. Some employers have strict background check requirements, and knowing this upfront saves time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get a job through Express?
This depends on your skills, availability, and what jobs are open at your local branch. Some people are placed within a few days; others wait weeks. The more flexible you are about job type and schedule, the faster you are likely to be placed. Contact your local branch to ask what positions are currently available.
Do I have to accept every job Express offers me?
No. You can turn down assignments that do not fit your schedule or that you do not want to do. However, if you turn down many offers, Express may be less likely to call you for future positions. Being selective is fine; being unavailable most of the time may result in fewer placements.
What happens if I am injured at work?
Report the injury to your supervisor and your Express branch when ready. Express provides workers' compensation insurance for temporary positions, and you can file a claim. The process and benefits vary by state. Your Express branch can explain your options and help you file the claim.
Can I work for multiple staffing agencies at the same time?
Yes, you can register with more than one staffing agency and accept assignments from each. However, you cannot work two jobs at the same time unless you have arranged different schedules with each employer. Be clear with each staffing agency about your availability so they do not place you in conflicting assignments.
Will Express help me find a permanent job?
Express specializes in temporary and temp-to-hire placements. Temp-to-hire positions can lead to permanent employment, but this is not may provide. If you are looking for permanent work, ask your branch about temp-to-hire options and discuss your long-term goals with your representative.