Atlanta Temporary Staffing Agencies: How to Find Short-Term Work and Hire Fast in the City

Atlanta’s job market moves quickly. From major employers around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter Center to warehouses along I-20 and I-285, many businesses rely on temporary staffing agencies to fill short-term roles fast.

If you’re in Atlanta and you either:

• need temporary work, or
• want to hire temp or temp-to-hire employees,

this guide explains how temp agencies work locally, what to expect, and how to choose the right one for your situation.

How Temporary Staffing Agencies Work in Atlanta

A temporary staffing agency (often called a “temp agency”) connects workers with businesses that need short-term or flexible help.

In Atlanta:

• You work for the staffing agency, not the client company.
  The agency is your employer of record, pays your wages, and handles taxes and some benefits (if offered).

• Assignments can be short or long.
  Some last a day or a week, others run several months, and some become temp-to-hire, where you may be offered a permanent job with the client.

• Agencies specialize in different areas.
  In Atlanta, you’ll find agencies focused on:

  • Office and administrative roles (common in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Galleria/Cumberland)
  • Warehouse, logistics, and distribution (around Airport area, South Atlanta, I-20 West, Stone Mountain, and Gwinnett)
  • Hospitality and events (hotels, convention centers, stadiums)
  • Healthcare, IT, finance, and call centers

Many Atlanta agencies have multiple branch offices, including locations near MARTA lines or major highways for easier access.

Types of Temp Jobs Commonly Available in Atlanta

Because Atlanta is a regional hub for corporate headquarters, transportation, film, and events, local temp work spans many fields.

1. Office, Administrative, and Professional Roles

Common in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and Sandy Springs:

• Administrative assistants and receptionists
• Data entry and file clerks
• Customer service and call center reps
• Accounting clerks, payroll assistants
• HR assistants, recruiting coordinators
• Entry-level marketing and project support roles

These are often Monday–Friday, daytime shifts in office environments, sometimes hybrid or onsite-only.

2. Warehouse, Manufacturing, and Logistics

Atlanta’s role as a distribution hub means many temp jobs in:

• Order pickers, packers, and assemblers
• Forklift and material handlers
• Shipping/receiving and inventory clerks
• Production line workers

You’ll see these roles in South Atlanta near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, College Park, Forest Park, Fairburn, Union City, Lithia Springs, Stone Mountain, and Norcross/Duluth.
Shifts may be early morning, overnight, or weekends, with overtime common during peak seasons.

3. Hospitality, Events, and Venue Support

In a city with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, and major hotels, event-focused agencies often place:

• Banquet servers and bartenders
• Housekeeping and hotel staff
• Event setup, breakdown, and ticketing staff
• Concession workers and ushers

Work is frequently evening or weekend and may be ideal if you need flexible, part-time income.

4. Healthcare and Medical Support

Some agencies specialize in:

• Medical assistants and patient coordinators
• Medical billers and schedulers
• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)
• Nurses and allied health professionals

These tend to be more credential-driven and may require licenses, certifications, or prior experience.

5. IT, Creative, and Specialized Roles

Atlanta’s growing tech and film presence supports temp and contract work in:

• Help desk and desktop support
• Developers and analysts (often contract rather than “temp”)
• Designers, content specialists, and production assistants

These roles are often project-based and may pay higher hourly rates but expect specific skills.

What to Expect as a Job Seeker Using an Atlanta Temp Agency

Basic Steps to Get Started

Most Atlanta agencies follow a similar process:

1. Apply online or walk in
   Many larger agencies encourage you to submit an online application, then schedule an interview. Some branches accept walk-ins during set hours.

2. Interview and skills assessment
   The recruiter will review your work history, ask about schedule and transportation, and may test skills such as:

   • Typing and Microsoft Office
   • Data entry or customer service scenarios
   • Safety orientation for warehouse roles

3. Paperwork and onboarding
   You’ll complete:

   • I-9 employment verification (you’ll need acceptable ID)
   • W-4 tax form
   • Direct deposit or pay card setup
   • Any agency-specific agreements or safety paperwork

4. Job matching and assignments
   When suitable openings come in, your recruiter will contact you with:

   • Location and schedule
   • Pay rate and duration
   • Duties and dress code

5. Timekeeping and pay
   Most agencies pay weekly (some biweekly) via direct deposit or pay card. You’ll either:

   • Clock in via the client’s system, or
   • Submit your hours through the staffing agency app or portal.

Typical Requirements in Atlanta

While each agency is different, many will expect:

• A valid photo ID and work authorization
• A reliable way to get to work (MARTA access may be enough for some roles, especially near rail or bus lines)
• A resume for office, professional, or specialized roles
• Ability to pass background checks or drug screens for certain employers

Some warehouse or industrial jobs may have minimal experience requirements, while office and professional roles often expect recent, relevant experience.

How Atlanta Employers Use Temporary Staffing Agencies

If you’re a business in the Atlanta area, temp agencies can help you:

• Cover seasonal or project spikes (retail holidays, large events, inventory, tax seasons)
• Fill in for leaves and vacations
• Try out candidates through temp-to-hire before committing to a permanent hire
• Staff new locations or departments quickly

Common Local Use Cases

• Distribution centers near the airport or I-20 hiring large groups for peak season
• Corporate offices in Buckhead, Midtown, and Perimeter Center filling administrative and customer support roles
• Hotels and venues downtown needing extra staff for conventions, festivals, or sports events
• Small businesses using temp workers to handle short-term workload without expanding permanent headcount

Agencies typically charge employers a markup on the worker’s hourly rate, which covers wages, payroll taxes, and agency overhead. Employers usually work through a local branch office or a dedicated account manager.

Pros and Cons of Using a Temp Agency in Atlanta

For Job Seekers

Benefits:

• Fast entry into the job market if you’ve recently moved to Atlanta or are re-entering the workforce
• Weekly pay and short-term income while you search for permanent roles
• Exposure to different industries, neighborhoods, and employers
• A path to permanent jobs through temp-to-hire assignments

Drawbacks:

• Pay rates can be modest for entry-level roles
• No guarantee of hours week to week
• Benefits (health insurance, PTO, etc.) may be limited or not offered, depending on the agency
• Commuting can be challenging if assignments are far from MARTA or your home

For Employers

Benefits:

• Speed: agencies often have pre-screened candidates ready to go
• Flexibility to scale staffing up or down
• Reduced hiring and payroll administration
• A chance to observe performance before offering a permanent job

Considerations:

• Higher hourly cost than paying an employee directly (because of agency markup)
• The need for clear communication on safety, supervision, and job expectations
• Dependence on the agency’s ability to recruit in a competitive local labor market

Choosing the Right Temporary Staffing Agency in Atlanta

When comparing Atlanta temp agencies, look at:

1. Specialization and Industries

Pick agencies that regularly fill the type of work you want:

• Warehouse or manufacturing: Look for branches near South Atlanta, Fulton Industrial, Lithia Springs, Stone Mountain, Norcross.
• Office and professional: Focus on offices in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, Galleria/Cumberland.
• Hospitality and events: Agencies that staff hotels, convention centers, stadiums, and arenas.

2. Location and Transportation

Proximity matters in Atlanta traffic. Consider:

• Is the branch office near a MARTA station (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Arts Center, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Airport, etc.)?
• Do they commonly staff jobs on bus or rail lines, or mostly in areas where you’ll need a car?
• How far are typical assignments from your home?

3. Pay, Schedule, and Benefits

Ask the recruiter:

• Typical starting pay ranges for the roles you’re seeking
• How often they have overtime or weekend shifts
• Whether they offer any holidays, bonus programs, or basic benefits
• How and when they pay (weekly, biweekly, pay card vs. direct deposit)

4. Communication and Support

Things to pay attention to:

• Do they return calls or messages promptly?
• Are job descriptions clear about duties, pay, and location?
• Do they explain what to do if there’s an issue at the worksite?

Simple Comparison Guide: Temp Work Options in Atlanta

Use this as a starting point when talking to agencies about what they typically staff.

Practical Tips for Job Seekers in Atlanta Using Temp Agencies

• Prepare a simple, clear resume.
  Even for warehouse and entry-level roles, a one-page resume listing your work history, skills, and contact info helps recruiters place you faster.

• Be honest about transportation and schedule.
  In Atlanta, commute realities matter. If you rely on MARTA, ask for roles near stations or bus lines that work for you.

• Be ready to start quickly.
  Many temp jobs start within a day or two of your interview. Keeping your phone on and responding quickly can help you get more assignments.

• Ask about temp-to-hire opportunities.
  If your goal is a permanent job, tell the recruiter and prioritize placements where the client often hires from the temp pool.

• Track your hours and assignments.
  Keep a personal record of:

  • Worksite name and address
  • Supervisor name
  • Dates and hours worked

  This helps if there are any pay questions and also builds your work history for future applications.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Employers Working With Temp Agencies

• Clarify your needs up front.
  Provide accurate job descriptions, schedules, physical requirements, and pay ranges so the agency can recruit effectively.

• Consider your location and access.
  If your facility is far from MARTA or major roads, discuss transportation challenges with the agency so they can screen accordingly.

• Plan for training and supervision.
  Even short-term workers need:

  • A clear point of contact
  • Basic safety guidance
  • Clear instructions for their first day

• Use temp-to-hire thoughtfully.
  Many Atlanta employers use this path to vet candidates. Decide early how long you want a temp-to-hire period to run and what performance you expect before converting.

Where to Start Locally

To begin your search:

• Look up Atlanta temporary staffing agencies by specialty (for example, “Atlanta warehouse temp agency” or “Atlanta admin temp jobs”).
• Search near your ZIP code or neighborhood: Downtown (30303), Midtown (30308), Buckhead (30305), Decatur (30030), College Park (30337), or others.
• Call ahead to ask:
  • “Do you take walk-ins?”
  • “What types of roles are you placing most right now in Atlanta?”
  • “What documents should I bring to register?”

If you prefer in-person help and are between jobs, you can also connect with:

• Georgia Department of Labor – Atlanta Career Center
  223 Courtland St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 232-3500

They can provide general employment assistance and may direct you toward staffing agencies and job fairs operating in the Atlanta area.

Whether you’re trying to get a foothold in the Atlanta job market or you need to staff up quickly for a business, temporary staffing agencies can be an effective, flexible tool when you understand how they work locally, ask the right questions, and choose agencies aligned with your goals and location.