What Is Aerotek and How Does It Work as a Staffing Service?
Aerotek is one of the largest staffing and workforce solutions companies in North America. If you're exploring temporary work, contract positions, or direct-hire employment, understanding what Aerotek does—and how it differs from other staffing approaches—helps you evaluate whether it might fit your situation.
How Aerotek Operates as a Staffing Agency
Aerotek functions as an intermediary between job seekers and employers. Rather than hiring employees directly, employers contract with Aerotek to fill open positions—whether temporary, temp-to-hire, or permanent roles. This model serves employers who need flexible staffing solutions without managing the full hiring and payroll process themselves.
For workers, Aerotek acts as your employer of record when you're placed in a position. That means Aerotek handles your payroll, taxes, benefits eligibility, and HR administration. The client company (where you'll work) manages the day-to-day role and supervises your work, but Aerotek is technically your employer.
This structure is standard across the staffing industry—what varies is the breadth of roles, industries served, and the support each agency provides.
Types of Positions Aerotek Offers 📋
Aerotek places workers across multiple categories:
Temporary positions are short-term assignments, often lasting days to weeks, though some extend longer. You're typically hired by Aerotek for the duration of the assignment.
Temp-to-hire (or contract-to-hire) roles begin as temporary or contract positions with the possibility of the employer converting you to a permanent employee after a probation period. This arrangement lets employers evaluate fit before committing to a full-time hire.
Direct-hire placements are permanent positions where Aerotek identifies a candidate, makes the match, and then steps back. You become a direct employee of the hiring company.
Contract positions typically last longer than temp roles—sometimes months or years—and are common in specialized fields like IT, engineering, and finance.
The specific breakdown of what's available in your area depends on local employer demand and your skill set.
Key Variables That Shape Your Experience
Several factors determine what your experience with Aerotek might look like:
Your trade or profession. Aerotek operates across many industries—manufacturing, skilled trades, administrative, IT, engineering, healthcare, and others. How easily you're placed and what opportunities exist depend on what skills you're offering and local demand in your field.
Your flexibility. Workers willing to take short-notice assignments, varying schedules, or travel tend to find more work. Those seeking consistent, predictable hours may find temporary staffing less suitable.
Your location. Aerotek has offices across North America, but the availability and types of roles vary significantly by region. Urban and industrial areas typically have more opportunities.
Your experience and credentials. Positions requiring certifications, licenses, or specialized experience affect placement speed and the roles you're eligible for. A certified welder will access different opportunities than someone without trade credentials.
Job market conditions. When labor demand is high, staffing agencies can place workers faster and may offer better terms. During slower periods, competition increases and roles may be scarcer.
How the Placement and Hiring Process Works
When you apply with Aerotek, you typically start by completing an initial application and possibly a phone or in-person interview. The agency assesses your skills, work history, availability, and preferences to match you with suitable openings.
Once a match appears, Aerotek presents the opportunity (or you can browse posted positions on their system). If you accept, Aerotek handles the logistics: confirming your eligibility to work, conducting any required background checks or skills tests, and setting your start date.
You're paid by Aerotek, not the client company, and your paycheck comes from Aerotek's payroll. This is a critical distinction—you have an employment relationship with Aerotek, even though you work at the client's location.
The onboarding speed varies. Some assignments can start within days if the need is urgent; others may take longer if background checks or credentials verification is required.
Pay, Benefits, and Employment Terms 💼
Pay structure. Aerotek doesn't publicly post standard rates—compensation is based on the role, your experience, market conditions, and the client company's budget. Temporary and contract roles typically pay hourly; direct-hire positions may be salaried. Rates for similar positions can vary between assignments.
Benefits eligibility. This is a major variable. Temporary workers may not be eligible for benefits immediately, or eligibility might depend on hours worked or tenure. Longer-term contract and direct-hire positions are more likely to include health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. The specific benefits and eligibility rules depend on the assignment and Aerotek's policies at the time you're hired.
Job security. Temporary and contract roles carry inherent uncertainty—assignments can end suddenly if the client's needs change. Temp-to-hire roles offer a pathway to permanence but no guarantee of conversion. Direct-hire positions are more stable but subject to standard at-will employment rules.
Taxes and deductions. As a Aerotek employee, you're responsible for standard income tax withholding and FICA contributions. If you're classified as an independent contractor (rare, but possible in some cases), you'd owe self-employment tax. Clarify your classification before accepting a role.
Aerotek Versus Other Staffing Models
Staffing agencies vary in size, specialization, and how they operate. Large national agencies like Aerotek have broad industry coverage and geographic reach, making it easier to find roles if you're willing to relocate or switch industries. Specialized staffing firms focus on one field (IT, healthcare, construction) and may offer deeper expertise in that area. Smaller local agencies often have stronger relationships with regional employers and may offer more personalized service.
The choice between using Aerotek versus applying directly to employers, working with a different staffing agency, or pursuing other employment paths depends on your situation. Some people find staffing agencies invaluable for flexibility and quick placement; others prefer the stability and direct relationship of permanent employment.
What to Evaluate Before Engaging With Aerotek
If you're considering using Aerotek, think through these questions:
Does your schedule need to be flexible, or do you need consistent, predictable work? Temporary staffing is built around flexibility, which isn't ideal for everyone.
Are you in an industry or geographic area where Aerotek has active openings? Check their available positions in your field and location before investing time in the application process.
Do you understand the employment terms of the specific role? Before accepting, clarify whether you're temporary, temp-to-hire, contract, or direct-hire, and what that means for benefits, job security, and pay.
How urgent is your need for employment? Staffing agencies can often place workers faster than traditional job searching, but this varies by role and timing.
Are you comfortable with the lack of a direct employment relationship? You're employed by Aerotek, not the client company, which affects your benefits, HR support, and long-term job security.
The Bottom Line
Aerotek is a large, established staffing provider with presence across multiple industries and regions. It works well for people seeking flexible, short-term work or those in specialized fields where the agency has strong placements. Whether it's the right fit for your situation depends on your industry, location, flexibility needs, and career goals—factors only you can assess.