Temporary Jobs in Atlanta: How to Find Short-Term Work in the City

Temporary jobs in Atlanta can be a smart way to earn money quickly, get your foot in the door with local employers, or bridge the gap between long‑term roles. Whether you live in the city, just moved here, or are staying in the area for a few months, Atlanta offers a wide range of temp, contract, seasonal, and gig opportunities.

This guide walks through how temporary jobs work in Atlanta, where to find them, what to expect with pay and schedules, and how to protect yourself as a worker.

What Counts as a “Temporary Job” in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, temporary work usually falls into a few categories:

• Short-term assignments through staffing agencies (days to a few months)
• Seasonal jobs, especially around holidays and major events
• Contract or project-based roles (e.g., 3–12 month contracts)
• On-call or event-based shifts (sports, concerts, conventions)
• Gig work (freelance and app-based jobs)

Many Atlanta employers—especially in logistics, hospitality, film, office support, and customer service—use temporary roles to handle busy periods or special projects.

Why Temporary Jobs Are Popular in Atlanta

Atlanta’s economy is diverse, and many industries rely on flexible staffing. For workers, temp jobs can be attractive because they offer:

• Fast hiring timelines – Some assignments start within a few days.
• Flexible schedules – Day shifts, night shifts, weekends, or event-based work.
• Local experience – Helpful if you’re new to Atlanta or changing careers.
• Possibility of “temp-to-perm” – Some short-term jobs can turn into full-time roles.

If you are between jobs, in school at places like Georgia State or Georgia Tech, or balancing other responsibilities, temporary jobs in Atlanta can be a practical option.

Common Types of Temporary Jobs in Atlanta

1. Warehouse, Logistics, and Manufacturing

Atlanta is a major transportation and logistics hub, with busy areas like the Airport district, Fulton Industrial Boulevard, and the I-20 and I-75/85 corridors.

Common temp roles:

• Warehouse associate / picker-packer
• Forklift operator
• Inventory clerk
• Shipping and receiving assistant

These jobs are often found in areas such as Forest Park, East Point, College Park, and Lithia Springs.

2. Office, Administrative, and Call Center Work

In Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter, many offices and corporate centers use temps for:

• Administrative assistants
• Receptionists and front desk staff
• Data entry clerks
• Customer service and call center agents

Professional business districts like Peachtree Center, Central Perimeter, and Galleria/Cumberland often have strong demand for short-term office staff.

3. Hospitality, Events, and Tourism

With major venues like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Fox Theatre, Atlanta regularly needs temporary workers for:

• Event staff and ushers
• Concessions and food service
• Banquet servers and bartenders
• Hotel front desk and housekeeping
• Guest services at attractions (Downtown and Midtown)

These jobs can spike around conventions, sporting events, concerts, and festivals.

4. Retail and Seasonal Jobs

During the holiday season and back‑to‑school, Atlanta’s malls and shopping districts often hire additional staff:

• Sales associates
• Stockroom/merchandising
• Cashiers
• Curbside pickup and online order fulfillment

Hot spots include Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Cumberland Mall, Perimeter Mall, Atlantic Station, and Mall of Georgia (nearby).

5. Healthcare Support Roles

While clinical positions require specific licenses, some non-clinical healthcare temp roles exist in and around major systems like Emory, Grady, Piedmont, and Wellstar, such as:

• Patient transport (where allowed)
• Unit clerks
• Scheduling and front office staff
• Medical records and billing support

These often go through specialized healthcare staffing agencies.

6. Film and Production Work

Atlanta’s film and TV industry sometimes uses temporary workers for:

• Production assistants
• Set and event support
• Background/extra roles

Most of these are project-based and may come through casting calls, production postings, or industry-specific staffing groups.

Where to Look for Temporary Jobs in Atlanta

1. Staffing and Temp Agencies

Many Atlanta-area employers use staffing agencies as their main channel for hiring temporary and contract workers.

Common agency office locations are clustered around:

• Downtown & Midtown Atlanta – near MARTA stations and office towers
• Cumberland/Galleria – near I‑75/I‑285
• Perimeter Center – around Dunwoody/Sandy Springs
• Airport area – for logistics and hospitality roles

When working with an agency:

• You’re usually employed by the agency, not the worksite.
• The agency pays your wages and may offer limited benefits depending on hours and assignment length.
• They may assign you to different client sites over time.

You can often walk in or call ahead to ask about open temp roles and how to register as a candidate.

2. Online Job Boards and Local Listings

Many Atlanta temporary roles are posted on major job boards using terms like:

• “temporary”
• “temp-to-hire” or “temp-to-perm”
• “contract”
• “seasonal”
• “gig” or “part-time temporary”

Search with “Atlanta, GA” and narrow by neighborhood or commute preferences (e.g., “Downtown Atlanta,” “Marietta,” “Decatur”).

3. Campus and Community Job Resources

If you’re a student or recent graduate, local schools often have job boards or career centers that include temporary work:

• Georgia State University (Downtown and Perimeter campuses)
• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Atlanta Technical College (South Atlanta)
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College (near I‑75/85)

Community job resources may also highlight short-term roles, especially for entry-level workers.

4. City and State Employment Resources

While these are often focused on long-term employment, they can still connect you to temp and short-term opportunities:

Georgia Department of Labor – Atlanta Offices

• Atlanta Career Center (downtown/Midtown area)
  • 223 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• North Metro Career Center
  • 1838 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152 (serves north metro)

These centers can help you:

• Search job listings (including some temp roles)
• Get help with résumés and applications
• Learn about worker rights and unemployment rules

City of Atlanta Workforce Development resources may also offer training or job connections for short-term and long-term positions.

What to Expect: Pay, Hours, and Schedules

Typical Pay Ranges (Approximate)

Actual rates vary, but in Atlanta you might commonly see:

To get a clear picture, compare several postings for “temporary jobs Atlanta” by role and location. Central, transit‑accessible areas may pay slightly more, but this varies by employer.

Schedules and Shifts

Common schedule patterns in Atlanta temp work:

• Traditional weekday shifts (8–5 or 9–6) in office roles
• Early morning, evening, or overnight shifts in logistics and warehouse jobs
• Weekend and night shifts in hospitality, events, and retail
• On-call schedules for event staffing and some healthcare support roles

Some assignments are full-time hours but short duration (for example, 40 hours per week for three months). Others may be part-time or variable.

How Temporary Employment Works Legally in Georgia

Georgia is an at‑will employment state. That means:

• Employers and employees can typically end the working relationship at any time, for any lawful reason or no reason, unless a contract says otherwise.
• Temporary assignments can be shortened or extended, depending on the employer’s needs.

Key points to understand:

• Wages: You must be paid at least the applicable minimum wage and overtime (if eligible) for hours over 40 in a workweek when you are classified as a W‑2 employee.
• Who is your employer? For most temp roles through a staffing agency, the agency is your legal employer, even though you work at a client site.
• Breaks and scheduling: Policies vary by employer and site. Ask for this information before you start.

If you believe you’re not being paid correctly or have workplace concerns, you can contact:

• Georgia Department of Labor – for wage, hour, and employment questions
• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (Atlanta District Office) – for federal wage and hour issues

How to Find the Right Temp Job in Atlanta

1. Narrow Down Your Target Areas

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, and MARTA doesn’t reach every industrial area. To make your temp role workable:

• Decide how far you’re willing to commute from where you live or are staying.
• Consider whether you’ll rely on MARTA rail, bus, or your own car.
• Focus your search on specific sub-areas (e.g., “Perimeter Center part-time temp,” “Airport area warehouse temp,” “Downtown Atlanta office temp”).

2. Prepare an Atlanta-Friendly Résumé

For temporary jobs, your résumé should:

• Highlight recent, relevant experience clearly.
• Emphasize reliability, punctuality, and flexibility—important for agencies and event work.
• List Atlanta or metro-area addresses or note “Relocating to Atlanta” if you’re new to the city.

Keep a digital copy ready so you can quickly apply to multiple postings.

3. Register With More Than One Agency

In Atlanta, many workers sign up with two or three staffing agencies to increase their chances of steady assignments. When you do:

• Be honest about your availability, skills, and commute limits.
• Let each agency know if you’re already on assignment elsewhere.
• Ask how they notify you of openings (text, email, calls, online portal).

4. Ask Key Questions Before Accepting an Assignment

Before you say yes to a temporary job, clarify:

• Location: Exact address and parking/public transit options.
• Pay rate: Hourly rate, overtime rules, and how often you’re paid.
• Schedule: Days, start/end times, and whether the schedule may change.
• Dress code and requirements: Steel‑toe boots, uniform, ID, background checks, drug screens.
• Expected duration: One day, a few weeks, or several months.
• Possibility of extension or permanent hire: Not guaranteed, but worth asking.

Seasonal and Event-Based Temporary Work in Atlanta

Certain times of year and events increase short-term hiring:

• Fall and winter holidays – Retail, fulfillment centers, and delivery services ramp up staffing.
• Spring and fall festival seasons – Events in places like Piedmont Park, Downtown, East Atlanta, and Grant Park may need temp workers.
• Sporting seasons – Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta United, and local college sports drive event staffing needs at stadiums and arenas.
• Large conventions – The Georgia World Congress Center and other venues host major events that use temporary staff for registration, security support roles, and customer service.

If you want this style of work, start checking listings a few weeks to a couple of months before the expected busy period.

Protecting Yourself as a Temporary Worker in Atlanta

Temporary jobs can be a good opportunity, but it’s important to protect your time and income.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Be cautious if:

• You’re asked to pay a fee to get a job or see listings.
• The pay is significantly below typical local rates for similar work.
• The company won’t put pay, schedule, or duties in writing.
• You are asked to work “off the clock” or without proper records of your time.

Legitimate staffing agencies and employers do not charge you to be hired.

Know Your Basic Rights

In most W‑2 temp roles, you should:

• Receive a pay stub or statement showing hours, pay, and deductions.
• Be paid at least minimum wage and eligible overtime when applicable.
• Work in a reasonably safe environment with any necessary protective equipment provided or clearly required.

If you have questions, you can contact the Georgia Department of Labor or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Atlanta offices for general guidance.

Tips to Turn a Temporary Job into a Longer-Term Opportunity

Not every temp job will become permanent, but in Atlanta’s growing job market, many employers use temp roles to test out potential hires. You can improve your chances by:

• Showing up consistently and on time, even in heavy traffic—plan routes in advance.
• Learning the workplace culture quickly and following local procedures.
• Asking for feedback and volunteering for extra tasks when appropriate.
• Letting your agency representative know if you’re interested in long-term or temp‑to‑hire roles.
• Building positive relationships with supervisors and co-workers at the worksite.

Even when an assignment doesn’t turn permanent, strong references and local experience in Atlanta can help you land your next role.

Practical Next Steps if You’re Looking for Temporary Jobs in Atlanta

1. Decide what type of work you want (office, warehouse, events, retail, healthcare support, etc.).
2. Map your preferred work area based on where you live and how you’ll commute.
3. Update your résumé and gather key documents (ID, work authorization, references).
4. Contact 2–3 staffing agencies located in or near your target neighborhoods.
5. Search job boards with terms like “temporary,” “contract,” “seasonal,” and “Atlanta, GA.”
6. Respond quickly to assignment offers and keep your availability updated.

With Atlanta’s mix of logistics, corporate offices, tourism, and events, there are many ways to piece together income and experience through temporary jobs—whether you’re here long-term or just for a season.