Temporary Employment Agencies in Atlanta, GA: How to Find Short-Term Work That Fits Your Life

Temporary employment agencies in Atlanta, GA connect job seekers with short-term, contract, and temp-to-hire opportunities across the metro area. Whether you live in Downtown, commute from the suburbs, or just moved to the city, these agencies can be a practical way to get income quickly, test out different workplaces, or get your foot in the door with major Atlanta employers.

This guide walks through how temp agencies work specifically in Atlanta, what kinds of jobs they commonly fill here, how to choose a reputable agency, and where to go locally if you need help getting started.

How Temporary Employment Agencies Work in Atlanta

A temporary employment agency (often called a “temp agency” or “staffing agency”) acts as a middleman between you and employers across the Atlanta area.

In most cases:

1. You apply with the agency, not directly to just one employer.
2. The agency reviews your skills, work history, and availability.
3. They match you with short-term or contract assignments with businesses in Atlanta and surrounding areas like Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, and Marietta.
4. The agency is usually your official employer for the assignment, and they pay your wages.
5. Some positions are temp-to-hire, where a company may offer you a permanent job if things go well.

In Atlanta, agencies commonly place workers in:

• Downtown Atlanta corporate offices
• Midtown tech, design, and professional services firms
• Perimeter Center, Cumberland/Galleria, and Buckhead business districts
• Airport and logistics corridors near Hartsfield-Jackson (College Park, East Point, Forest Park)
• Warehouses and distribution centers around I-75, I-85, and I-285

Types of Temporary Jobs Common in Atlanta

Atlanta’s economy is broad, with strong sectors in logistics, corporate services, healthcare, hospitality, and film production. Temp agencies here often focus on one or more of these areas.

1. Office & Administrative Roles

Common around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter:

• Receptionists and front desk coordinators
• Administrative assistants
• Data entry specialists
• Customer service reps (on-site and call centers)
• Office clerks and mailroom staff

These may be a good fit if you:

• Have basic computer skills (Word, Excel, email)
• Are comfortable with phones and customer-facing tasks
• Want weekday, office-hours schedules

2. Light Industrial, Warehouse & Logistics

Huge in Atlanta because of:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Major interstates and distribution hubs
• Large warehouses in South Atlanta, Norcross, Lithia Springs, Morrow, and Fairburn

Typical temp roles:

• Warehouse associates
• Pickers/packers
• Forklift operators
• Inventory and shipping/receiving clerks
• Assembly and production line workers

These often offer:

• Overtime opportunities
• Evening or night shifts
• Work in areas like Southside (airport area), I-20 West, and I-85 North corridors

3. Hospitality, Events & Catering

Atlanta hosts conventions, sports, concerts, and film shoots year-round. Temp assignments may include:

• Banquet servers and bartenders
• Event setup and teardown crews
• Hotel front desk and housekeeping
• Stadium and event staff (for venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Georgia World Congress Center)

These can be ideal if you:

• Want evening or weekend work
• Are comfortable with fast-paced, customer-facing environments
• Prefer varied locations and tasks

4. Professional & Skilled Roles

Some Atlanta temp and staffing agencies specialize in:

• Accounting and finance
• IT and software development
• Marketing and creative roles
• Engineering and technical support
• Healthcare support roles (non-licensing advice only: think admin, scheduling, or support staff)

These might appear as:

• Contract assignments (3–12 months)
• Consulting roles through agencies
• Temp-to-hire positions at large employers in Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, or North Fulton

Why Atlanta Residents Use Temp Agencies

People in Atlanta turn to temp agencies for different reasons, including:

• Quick income: You may get placed faster than through a traditional job search.
• Bridge between jobs: Helpful if you were laid off, left a job, or recently moved to Atlanta.
• Try out workplaces: See if you like a company or industry before committing long-term.
• Flexible schedules: Some assignments are part-time, nights, or weekends.
• Access to “hidden” jobs: Many Atlanta companies only hire certain roles through agencies and do not post them publicly.

What to Expect When You Work With an Atlanta Temp Agency

Most agencies in Atlanta follow a similar process:

1. Application & Registration

You usually:

• Complete an online application or visit a local office (often in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Norcross, or South Atlanta).
• Provide work history, references, and sometimes permission for a background check.
• Take skills assessments (typing speed, data entry, basic computer tests, or safety quizzes for warehouse roles).

2. Interview or Intake Meeting

Many agencies schedule a short interview:

• This may be in person at their Atlanta office or via video call.
• They ask about your availability, transportation, skills, and job preferences.
• Be clear if you rely on MARTA or specific bus/train routes so they can match you to realistic locations.

3. Placement in Assignments

For each job, the agency will tell you:

• Location (e.g., near Buckhead MARTA, in Lithia Springs off I-20, or near the airport)
• Pay rate and pay schedule (weekly/biweekly)
• Shift hours and expected duration
• Required attire (e.g., business casual, steel-toe boots, uniform policies)

4. Getting Paid

In Atlanta, agencies commonly pay via:

• Direct deposit
• Payroll cards
• Paper checks (less common but still used by some offices)

Always confirm:

• Pay rate (per hour)
• Overtime pay rules
• Payday schedule and how hours are submitted

Pros and Cons of Using a Temp Agency in Atlanta

Pros

• ✅ Faster way to get work than many traditional applications
• ✅ Opportunities across multiple parts of the metro (city and suburbs)
• ✅ Chance to move from temporary to permanent roles
• ✅ Flexibility if you are a student, caregiver, or between careers
• ✅ Agencies can help match you with employers along MARTA or near your area

Cons

• ❌ Pay rates may be lower than direct-hire roles with the same company
• ❌ Work can be inconsistent; some weeks may have fewer hours
• ❌ Limited benefits on short-term jobs (often no health insurance or PTO)
• ❌ Locations can be far from your home if you don’t clarify your preferences
• ❌ Some assignments may be physically demanding or fast-paced

How to Choose a Temporary Employment Agency in Atlanta

Atlanta has many staffing offices, from large national firms to smaller local agencies. Use these steps to choose wisely.

1. Match the Agency to Your Field

Look for agencies that regularly place jobs in your area of interest:

• Office & professionals: Look near Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter
• Warehousing & logistics: Focus on Airport area, I-20 West, Norcross, Stone Mountain, and South Fulton
• Hospitality & events: Look near Downtown, major hotels, and convention centers

Check what types of postings they advertise (even if you’re not applying yet) to see if they align with your background.

2. Consider Location & Transportation

Atlanta traffic is a reality, so location matters:

• If you rely on MARTA rail or bus, ask agencies for assignments near stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, North Avenue, Buckhead, Dunwoody, College Park, or Airport.
• If you drive, note commute distances, toll roads, and parking costs.

Tip: When registering, be very clear about which neighborhoods or ZIP codes you’re willing to travel to.

3. Ask the Right Questions

When you call or visit a temp agency, you can ask:

• What types of roles do you place most often in Atlanta?
• Do you offer temp-to-hire positions with local companies?
• How often do you get assignments in my part of the metro (e.g., East Atlanta, Gwinnett, South Fulton)?
• How is pay handled, and what is your typical pay range for my type of work?
• Do you charge any fees to job seekers?
  • Reputable agencies generally do not charge job seekers fees to be placed.

4. Look for Signs of Professionalism

Good Atlanta agencies typically:

• Have a clearly listed office address and phone number
• Provide clear details about assignments (pay rate, schedule, location)
• Explain your documentation and I-9 requirements
• Communicate respectfully and follow up as promised

Be cautious of:

• Vague promises without real job details
• Pressure to pay money upfront for placement
• Confusing or unclear pay structures

Simple Comparison: Common Types of Atlanta Temp Work

Documents & Information You’ll Likely Need in Atlanta

Most local temp agencies will expect you to bring or have access to:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or other government-issued ID)
• Proof of work authorization (such as appropriate federal documents)
• Resume (printed or digital)
• Contact information for recent employers or references
• Bank info or pay card preferences for direct deposit

If you don’t have a recent resume, many agencies will still register you, but having a basic resume makes a better impression and speeds things up.

Where to Find General Employment Help in Atlanta

If you’re new to temp work or need help preparing, several Atlanta-area public agencies and nonprofits support job seekers. These aren’t temp agencies themselves but can help you get ready to work with them.

WorkSource Georgia & Local Career Centers

WorkSource centers offer:

• Job search assistance
• Resume help
• Basic skills training
• Access to job fairs and employer events (including some temp agencies)

An example in the city:

WorkSource Atlanta (main office)
Often located near central city government offices; look for "WorkSource Atlanta" for current address and contact details. They typically serve residents of the City of Atlanta with training and job search resources.

Other nearby WorkSource centers serve Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, and Gwinnett Counties. These centers can:

• Help you understand which industries are hiring in your part of Metro Atlanta
• Connect you with training that makes you more attractive to staffing agencies

Public Libraries in Atlanta

Branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and other county libraries often provide:

• Public computers and internet access for online applications
• Free printing or low-cost printing for resumes
• Workshops on resume writing and interviewing

For example, the Central Library in Downtown Atlanta (One Margaret Mitchell Square) is convenient if you’re in the city core and need a place to complete online applications for temp work.

Tips for Succeeding With Temp Agencies in Atlanta

To get the most out of temporary employment in Atlanta:

• Be responsive: Answer calls and texts quickly; assignments often fill fast.
• Be realistic about commuting: Atlanta traffic and long distances matter; don’t accept jobs that will be too hard to reach consistently.
• Arrive early: Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early for every assignment, especially at new sites.
• Follow dress and safety rules: Many warehouses and industrial sites require closed-toe or steel-toe shoes, safety vests, or specific clothing.
• Treat every temp job like an interview: Supervisors often notice reliable, professional temps and may recommend them for longer-term or permanent roles.
• Stay in regular contact with your recruiter: Let them know when an assignment ends and when you’re available again.

If You’re New to Atlanta or Just Arrived

If you’ve just moved to Atlanta:

• Focus on agencies that serve your side of town (e.g., South Atlanta near the airport, Eastside near Decatur, Northside near Sandy Springs or Roswell).
• Use MARTA maps to determine which job sites you can reach without a car.
• Consider visiting a WorkSource center or local library to stabilize your resume, documents, and job search plan.

Temporary employment agencies in Atlanta, GA can be a practical way to earn money, build local experience, and explore different industries as you settle into the city or navigate a transition. With clear expectations, careful agency selection, and attention to location and schedule, temp work can fit smoothly into life in metro Atlanta.