Largest Staffing Companies in the US: Complete Ranking
Every ranking of the largest staffing companies you have seen was probably written for investors or agency executives, not recruiters. Revenue figures, headcount, market cap. Useful if you are buying shares. Not so useful if you are trying to figure out where to build a career.
This ranking of the largest staffing companies covers the biggest firms in the US by revenue -- because size matters for context -- but adds the layer that actually matters to you: what is it like to work at these companies as a recruiter? Commission structures, desk culture, career progression, and the honest trade-offs that come with working at a firm this scale.
The staffing industry in the US generates over $200 billion annually, and these are the companies at the top of that market. Understanding who the largest staffing companies are, how they operate, and what they offer helps you evaluate your options -- whether you are considering joining one of them, competing against them, or simply understanding the landscape you work in.
The Top 10 Largest Staffing Companies in the US
1. Randstad
Revenue: Approximately $27 billion (global) / ~$6 billion (US operations) Headquarters: Amsterdam (US HQ: Atlanta, GA) Specialisations: Professional, IT, engineering, industrial, healthcare
Randstad is the largest staffing company in the world by some metrics and a dominant force in the US market. The firm operates across virtually every staffing segment, from light industrial and administrative to technology and professional services.
What it is like to work there: Randstad offers stability and comprehensive benefits that smaller agencies cannot match. The trade-off is a more corporate environment with structured processes and less commission flexibility than smaller firms. Recruiter OTE for experienced consultants ranges from $75,000-$120,000 depending on your division and specialisation. Career progression is available but can be slow given the firm's size and hierarchy.
The experience at Randstad varies significantly by office and division. Some divisions operate like nimble specialist teams; others feel bureaucratic. Research the specific team you would be joining, not just the company name.
2. Allegis Group
Revenue: Approximately $14 billion (global) Headquarters: Hanover, MD Specialisations: IT, engineering, professional, financial (operating brands include TEKsystems, Aerotek, Aston Carter)
Allegis Group is the largest privately held staffing company in the world. You might not recognise the parent company name, but you almost certainly know its brands. TEKsystems is one of the biggest IT staffing firms in the country. Aerotek dominates engineering and industrial staffing.
What it is like to work there: The operating brands have distinct cultures. TEKsystems tends toward a fast-paced, competitive environment with strong training programmes and clear commission structures. Aerotek has a similar energy but in different sectors. Because Allegis is privately held, there is less quarterly earnings pressure than at publicly traded firms, which can translate to more stable management decisions.
OTE varies by brand and division, but experienced recruiters at TEKsystems can earn $100,000-$160,000 in strong markets. The training infrastructure is excellent, making Allegis brands strong choices for newer recruiters.
3. Robert Half
Revenue: Approximately $6.5 billion (global) Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA Specialisations: Finance/accounting, technology, legal, administrative, creative
Robert Half is one of the most recognisable names in the staffing industry, particularly dominant in finance and accounting placement. The firm also has a significant technology and creative staffing practice.
What it is like to work there: Robert Half is widely regarded as one of the best staffing agencies to work for, particularly for recruiters who value structure and brand prestige. The firm offers one of the most thorough career development programmes in the industry, and the Robert Half name opens doors with clients.
Commission structures are competitive for a firm this size, with clear accelerator tiers. OTE for mid-level consultants sits around $85,000-$130,000. The culture is professional and process-driven -- less boiler-room, more consultative.
4. ManpowerGroup
Revenue: Approximately $19 billion (global) / ~$4 billion (US operations) Headquarters: Milwaukee, WI Specialisations: Industrial, professional, IT (brands include Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions)
ManpowerGroup is one of the oldest and largest staffing companies in the world, with a history stretching back to 1948. The firm operates through three primary brands: Manpower (industrial and general staffing), Experis (IT and professional), and Talent Solutions (RPO and workforce management).
What it is like to work there: ManpowerGroup offers global scale and brand recognition. The firm's traditional strength in industrial staffing means that much of the recruiter workforce is focused on high-volume, lower-margin placements. However, the Experis division provides opportunities in professional and IT staffing with higher fees and more consultative relationships.
Career progression exists but tends to be more structured and slower-paced than at smaller firms. The firm's global footprint creates opportunities for international transfers and cross-border projects.
5. Adecco Group (now The Adecco Group)
Revenue: Approximately $24 billion (global) / ~$3.5 billion (US operations) Headquarters: Zurich (US HQ: Jacksonville, FL) Specialisations: General, professional, IT, engineering, medical (brands include Adecco, LHH, Pontoon)
The Adecco Group is one of the largest staffing companies in the world by global revenue, though its US market share is smaller relative to its European dominance. The firm has been actively restructuring and investing in digital transformation.
What it is like to work there: Adecco's US operations have undergone significant change in recent years, including organisational restructuring and technology platform migrations. This creates both opportunity and uncertainty for recruiters. The firm offers solid benefits and a global brand, but the cultural experience depends heavily on which division and office you join.
6. Insight Global
Revenue: Approximately $4 billion Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Specialisations: IT, accounting, finance, engineering, government
Insight Global has grown rapidly to become one of the largest staffing companies in the US, focused primarily on IT and professional services. The firm's growth trajectory has been remarkable -- from a single office to a national operation in under two decades.
What it is like to work there: Insight Global is known for a high-energy, performance-driven culture with strong training programmes. The firm invests heavily in developing new recruiters, making it one of the better entry points into the staffing industry for early-career professionals. Commission structures are competitive, and the growth of the company creates genuine promotion opportunities.
OTE for experienced consultants can reach $100,000-$150,000. The firm has also expanded its remote work options significantly. Browse their current openings in our recruiter jobs listings.
7. Kforce
Revenue: Approximately $1.5 billion Headquarters: Tampa, FL Specialisations: Technology, finance/accounting
Kforce has carved out a strong niche as a specialist technology and finance staffing firm. Smaller than the generalist giants, but the focused approach means deeper client relationships and recruiter expertise in two high-value sectors.
What it is like to work there: Kforce offers a more specialised environment than the generalist firms higher on this list. Recruiters develop genuine sector expertise, which translates to stronger candidate networks and higher fees. The firm's focus on two sectors means less opportunity to explore different markets, but deeper expertise in the ones it covers.
Commission structures are competitive, and technical recruiter roles at Kforce are well-compensated given the specialist focus.
8. Hays
Revenue: Approximately $8 billion (global) / ~$1.2 billion (US operations) Headquarters: London (US operations across major markets) Specialisations: Technology, construction, engineering, life sciences, finance
Hays is a global staffing company with strong operations across the UK, Australia, continental Europe, and a growing US presence. The firm's strength is sector specialisation combined with international reach.
What it is like to work there: Hays offers structured career progression and genuine international mobility for recruiters interested in working across markets. The firm invests in management training and has clear paths from consultant to director level. Commission structures are in line with other large agencies.
9. Kelly Services
Revenue: Approximately $5 billion Headquarters: Troy, MI Specialisations: Science, engineering, technology, education, industrial
Kelly Services has been in the staffing industry since 1946 and has evolved from a general staffing provider to a more specialised operation focused on science, engineering, and education staffing.
What it is like to work there: Kelly has a more traditional corporate culture than many staffing firms. The firm offers strong benefits and stability, with particular strength in government and education staffing. For recruiters specialising in STEM or education sectors, Kelly provides established client relationships and market expertise.
10. Spherion (Randstad subsidiary)
Revenue: Part of Randstad's US operations Headquarters: Atlanta, GA (Randstad subsidiary) Specialisations: Administrative, light industrial, professional
Spherion operates as a Randstad subsidiary but maintains its own brand identity, particularly in the administrative and light industrial staffing space. The firm has a strong network of franchise and company-owned offices across the US.
What it is like to work there: Spherion offers a smaller-firm feel within the Randstad ecosystem. The franchise model means that individual office experiences can vary significantly based on the franchise owner's management style.
What the Biggest Firms Offer vs What You Give Up
Working at one of the largest staffing companies comes with clear advantages and trade-offs that every recruiter should weigh.
What You Get
- Brand recognition that opens doors with clients and candidates
- Established client books so you are not building from scratch
- Structured training programmes that develop your skills systematically
- Benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and PTO that smaller agencies often cannot match
- Career progression with defined paths from consultant to management
- Technology investment in modern tools and platforms
What You Give Up
- Commission flexibility -- large firms have standardised structures with less room for negotiation
- Autonomy -- more process, more reporting, more management layers between you and decisions
- Speed -- large organisations move slowly, and adapting to market changes can take months
- Personal brand -- your work builds the firm's brand, not yours. If you leave, the client relationships may stay with the company
- Earning ceiling -- while OTEs are solid, the highest-earning recruiters in the industry tend to work at boutique firms or run their own agencies
For a deeper evaluation of which firms offer the best experience for recruiters (not just the highest revenue), see our guide to the best staffing agencies to work for.
The Largest Staffing Companies in the World
For global context, the world's largest staffing companies by revenue include:
| Rank | Company | Revenue (Global) | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randstad | ~$27B | Amsterdam |
| 2 | Adecco Group | ~$24B | Zurich |
| 3 | ManpowerGroup | ~$19B | Milwaukee |
| 4 | Allegis Group | ~$14B | Hanover, MD |
| 5 | Hays | ~$8B | London |
| 6 | Robert Half | ~$6.5B | Menlo Park |
| 7 | Recruit Holdings | ~$6B | Tokyo |
| 8 | Kelly Services | ~$5B | Troy, MI |
| 9 | Insight Global | ~$4B | Atlanta |
| 10 | Brunel International | ~$2B | Amsterdam |
These global rankings of the largest staffing companies shift as exchange rates fluctuate and M&A activity reshapes the landscape. For the most current data, refer to Staffing Industry Analysts' annual rankings.
How to Use This Information
Understanding where the largest staffing companies sit helps you in several ways:
If you are job hunting: The largest staffing companies on this list are almost always hiring recruiters. Check our company directory to see which of these firms have open recruiter roles right now.
If you run your own agency: The largest staffing companies are your biggest competitors. Understanding their strengths (scale, brand, client books) and weaknesses (speed, flexibility, specialisation) helps you position your firm effectively.
If you are evaluating the industry: The revenue and growth patterns of the largest staffing companies reflect the broader health of the staffing industry. When the biggest firms grow, the market is healthy. When they contract, plan accordingly.
FAQ
What is the largest staffing company in the US?
By US revenue, Randstad and Allegis Group compete for the top position, depending on how you account for Randstad's various US operating brands. Allegis Group (parent of TEKsystems and Aerotek) generates approximately $14 billion globally, with the majority from US operations. Randstad's US operations generate approximately $6 billion, though the company is larger globally at $27 billion.
How many staffing companies are there in the US?
The American Staffing Association estimates there are approximately 25,000 staffing companies operating in the US, ranging from solo operators to global enterprises. The market is highly fragmented -- the top 10 largest staffing companies account for roughly 30-35% of total industry revenue, leaving the majority of the market served by mid-size and small agencies.
Which staffing companies pay recruiters the most?
The highest-paying staffing companies for recruiters are not necessarily the largest. Boutique and mid-size specialist firms often offer higher commission splits (25-40% vs 10-20% at large firms). Among the largest staffing companies, Insight Global, Robert Half, and Kforce tend to offer the most competitive OTE for experienced recruiters, though exact compensation depends on your specialisation, market, and individual performance.
Are the largest staffing companies good places to start a recruiting career?
Yes, the largest staffing companies are among the best places to start a recruiting career. They offer structured training, established client books, and brand recognition that gives new recruiters credibility. Allegis Group brands (TEKsystems, Aerotek), Insight Global, and Robert Half are particularly well-regarded for their training programmes. The trade-off is lower commission splits than smaller firms, but the investment in your development typically outweighs the short-term earnings difference.
How is the staffing company ranking changing?
The ranking is being reshaped by PE-driven M&A activity and sector shifts. Companies strong in healthcare and technology staffing are growing fastest. Traditional industrial staffing specialists face margin pressure. PE firms are creating new mid-market players by acquiring and combining smaller agencies. The overall trend is toward consolidation at the top and specialisation in the middle, while the number of independent and home-based recruiting businesses continues to grow at the bottom of the market.