10 Highest-Paying Temp Jobs

By David Schepp

One way to get a foot in the door of a desirable employer is to get hired as a temp. This year, 40% of employers plan to hire temporary and contract workers, compared to 36% last year, according to an annual forecast byCareerBuilder (an AOL Jobs sponsor). Of these companies, 42% plan to offer some of their temporary workers permanent, full-time work.

Employers turn to temporary workers when they need to quickly ramp up operations in response to rising demand for their services or goods, says Eric Gilpin, president of the career site's staffing and recruiting group. "For job seekers, it's a great way to build relationships with employers and expand your resume, and is often an in-road into permanent placement within firms," he says.

What's more, many temp jobs are well-paying, providing wages that top $25 an hour (which during the course of year would top $50,000, based on a 40-hour workweek.) Using data from CareerBuilder, Economic Modeling Specialists and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, AOL Jobs has compiled a list of the highest-paying temp jobs, pulled from more than 90 national and state employment resources. (Note: the median wages noted for each occupation are those paid to workers regardless of whether they are permanent or temporary employees.)

Also see: Tax Tips >>

Check out the list, and then let us if these temporary jobs are careers you'd consider in your next job search.

10. Human Resource, Training and Labor Relations Specialists (recruits, screens, interviews and places workers, and may handle other HR work, such as employee relations, training, and payroll and benefits):

• Number of people employed: 59,597.
• Jobs added from 2010 to 2012: 11,893 - 25% growth.
• Median hourly wage: $26.44.

9. Accountant and Auditor (prepares and examines financial records; ensures financial records are accurate, and taxes are paid properly and on time):

• Number of people employed: 10,885.
• Jobs added from 2010 to 2012: 1,689 - 18% growth.
• Median hourly wage: $30.04.

Also see: Saving for Retirement >>

8. Business Operations Specialist (works with various departments to coordinate operations, hires workers and buys supplies needed to ensure that a company can provide the goods and services that its customers want):

• Number of people employed: 10,528.
• Jobs added from 2010 to 2012: 1,677 - 19% growth.
• Median hourly wage: $30.82.

7. Registered Nurse (provides care and educates patients about various health conditions):

• Number of people employed: 66,844.
• Jobs added from 2010 to 2012: 8,766 - 15% growth.
• Median hourly wage: $32.10.

6. Computer Programmer (writes code to create software programs, and turns designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that computers can follow):

• Number of people employed: 11,487.
• Jobs added from 2010 to 2012: 1,821 - 19% growth.
• Median hourly wage: $34.48.

Also see: The Tax Changes You Need to Know

1 2 Next › Last »