What Kelly Services Does
Kelly Services is a staffing agency that matches workers with temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent jobs across industries. The company does not hire you as an employee; instead, Kelly acts as the middleman between you and the employer. When you work through Kelly, Kelly is technically your employer — you receive your paycheck from Kelly, not directly from the company where you work. This arrangement means Kelly handles your payroll, tax withholding, and some benefits, depending on the type of assignment you take.
Kelly Services operates in the United States and internationally, placing workers in roles ranging from administrative and clerical work to light industrial, healthcare, accounting, and IT positions. The company has local branch offices in most major cities, though you can also register and search for jobs online through their website.
Key Takeaways
- Kelly Services places you with a client company, but Kelly remains your employer and issues your paycheck.
- Temporary assignments can last from a few days to several months, and temp-to-hire roles may convert to permanent positions with the client company.
- You must register with Kelly, complete a background check, and verify your work may be able to access before receiving job offers.
- Pay rates and benefits vary by assignment type and location; temporary workers typically receive hourly wages without benefits, while some longer assignments may include health insurance.
- Kelly charges the client company a fee for your placement, but you do not pay Kelly directly for job placement services.
How to Register and get your free guide
To work with Kelly Services, you start by creating an account on their website or visiting a local branch office in person. You will need to provide basic information: your name, contact details, work history, and education. Kelly will ask about the types of roles you are interested in and your availability — whether you want temporary work, temp-to-hire, or permanent placement.
After you submit your initial information, Kelly typically schedules an assessment. This may include a skills test (for typing speed, Microsoft Office proficiency, or industry-specific knowledge), a phone or video interview, or an in-person meeting at a branch. The assessment helps Kelly match you with roles that fit your abilities and experience.
You will also need to pass a background check and provide proof of work may be able to access — usually a Social Security number and a government-issued ID. The background check process varies by role; some positions require only a criminal background check, while others in healthcare or finance may require additional screening. Once Kelly completes these steps, your profile goes into their system and you become available for job referrals.
Types of Assignments and How Pay Works
Kelly Services offers three main types of work arrangements. Temporary assignments are short-term jobs that typically last from a few days to a few months. You work for the client company but remain on Kelly's payroll. Temporary roles are often used to cover vacations, seasonal demand, or one-time projects. Temp-to-hire assignments start as temporary work but may lead to a permanent job offer from the client company. If the client decides to hire you permanently, you transition from Kelly's payroll to the client's payroll. Permanent placement means Kelly finds you a job and you are hired directly by the client company from day one.
Pay is almost always hourly for temporary and temp-to-hire roles. The rate depends on the job type, your experience, your location, and current demand. Kelly does not publish a standard wage; rates vary widely. You receive your paycheck from Kelly, usually on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, with taxes already withheld. If you work overtime, you are typically paid time-and-a-half, though this depends on the assignment and your state's labor laws.
Benefits for temporary workers are limited. Most temporary assignments do not include health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. However, if you work a long-term temporary assignment (usually 90 days or more), Kelly may offer access to health insurance through their benefits program, though you typically pay a portion of the premium. Permanent employees hired directly by the client company receive whatever benefits that company offers.
What Happens When You Receive a Job Referral
Once your profile is active, Kelly contacts you when a job opening matches your skills and availability. This contact usually comes by phone, email, or through the Kelly Services online portal. The message will include basic details: the job title, the client company name, the location, the pay rate, the expected duration, and the start date. You have the option to accept or decline the referral — there is no penalty for turning down work that does not suit you.
If you accept, Kelly provides you with more details about the role, the client company's dress code and policies, and any special requirements (such as steel-toed boots or a specific software skill). Kelly also tells you where to report on your first day and who your supervisor will be. On your first day, you work for the client company at their location, but you remain Kelly's employee for payroll and HR purposes.
During the assignment, you report to the client company's supervisor, not to Kelly. If you have questions about the work itself, you ask your supervisor. If you have questions about pay, benefits, or your employment status, you contact Kelly. When the assignment ends, Kelly will contact you about your next opportunity, or you can reach out to your Kelly recruiter to request new referrals.
Understanding Temp-to-Hire and Permanent Placement
Temp-to-hire assignments give both you and the client company a chance to see if the fit is right before making a permanent commitment. You typically work as a temporary employee for 90 days to 6 months, and during that time the client company evaluates your performance, reliability, and cultural fit. If both sides agree, the client company makes a permanent job offer and you move to their payroll. At that point, you are no longer working through Kelly — you are a direct employee of the client company.
Permanent placement works differently. Kelly finds a candidate and the client company hires that person directly from the start. You do not go through a temporary phase; you are hired as a permanent employee when ready. Kelly still earns a fee from the client company for the placement, but you do not pay Kelly anything. Your paycheck comes from the client company, and you receive whatever benefits they offer.
The advantage of temp-to-hire is that you can test the job before committing long-term. The disadvantage is that your employment is not may provide — if the client company decides not to hire you permanently, your assignment ends. Permanent placement offers more security, but you have less time to evaluate the company before accepting the role.
Common Questions About Working Through Kelly Services
Many people wonder whether working through a staffing agency affects their job search or career. The answer is that it depends on your goals. Temporary work through Kelly can provide income while you search for permanent employment elsewhere, or it can be a stepping stone to a permanent role with the client company through a temp-to-hire assignment. Some people use Kelly Services as their primary source of income, cycling through multiple temporary assignments throughout the year.
Another common concern is whether you have the same protections and rights as a direct employee. As a Kelly employee, you are covered by most labor laws — minimum wage, overtime rules, workplace safety standards, and anti-discrimination laws all explore. However, you do not have the same job security as a permanent employee; temporary assignments can end without notice if the client company no longer needs the work done. You also do not accrue paid time off or seniority benefits the way permanent employees do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Kelly Services a fee to find me a job?
No. Kelly Services does not charge workers for job placement. The client company pays Kelly a fee for providing temporary or permanent staff. You never pay Kelly directly for their services.
Can I work for multiple staffing agencies at the same time?
Yes, you can register with Kelly and other staffing agencies simultaneously. However, you cannot work two assignments at the same time. If Kelly offers you a job and you accept it, you are committed to that assignment for its duration. Once it ends, you are free to take work from another agency or another Kelly referral.
What if I want to leave a temporary assignment early?
You can leave, but there may be consequences. Leaving early without notice or a valid reason can damage your relationship with Kelly and the client company, making it harder to get future referrals. If you have a legitimate reason (illness, emergency, unsafe working conditions), contact Kelly when ready and explain the situation. It is better to communicate than to straightforward stop showing up.
Will a temp-to-hire job definitely become permanent?
No. Temp-to-hire means the client company has the option to hire you permanently, but they are not obligated to. Your performance, the company's budget, and business needs all factor into whether an offer comes. Some temp-to-hire assignments do convert to permanent roles; others end when the temporary period concludes.
How do taxes work when I am paid by Kelly Services?
Kelly withholds federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax from your paycheck, just as any employer would. You receive a W-2 form from Kelly at the end of the year showing your total earnings and taxes paid. You file your tax return as you normally would. If you work multiple assignments or have other income, you may owe additional taxes or be may have access to to a refund.