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12 hot temp jobs that pay $15 an hour-plus

Author Career Builder

If you’re a job seeker looking for flexibility and the opportunity to develop new skills, a temporary position may be ideal. Nearly 3 million people are employed in temporary jobs in 2019, and that number is expected to grow.

The temporary help services industry employs workers in a wide variety of fields and an even wider variety of positions. Here are 15 fast-growing occupations for temporary employment, all of which pay $15 or more per hour:

1. Operations research analysts use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions. They are involved in all aspects of an organization, helping managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, manage the supply chain and set prices.*


2. Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.


3. Market research analysts and marketing specialists research and gather data to help a company market its products or services. They collect data on consumer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits using a variety of methods, such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls and literature reviews.


4. Applications software developers design computer applications, such as word processors and games, for consumers. They may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public.


5. Biological technicians, sometimes called laboratory assistants, typically are responsible for doing scientific tests, experiments and analyses under the supervision of biologists (such as microbiologists) or medical scientists who direct and evaluate their work.


6. Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.


7. Tool and die makers construct precision tools or metal forms, called dies, which are used to cut, shape and form metal and other materials. They produce jigs, fixtures (devices that hold metal while it is bored, stamped or drilled), gauges and other measuring devices.


8. Electrical engineers design new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products, direct the manufacturing, installation and testing of electrical equipment to ensure products meet specifications and codes, and investigate complaints from customers or the public.

9. Audio and video equipment technicians set up and operate audio and video equipment. They also connect wires and cables, and set up and operate sound boards, mixing boards and related electronic equipment.


10. Mechanical drafters prepare layouts that show the details for a wide variety of machinery and mechanical tools and devices, such as medical equipment.

11. Physician assistants also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons and other health care workers. They examine, diagnose and treat patients.


12. Cement masons and concrete finishers place and finish concrete. They may color concrete surfaces, expose aggregate (small stones) in walls and sidewalks or make concrete beams, columns and panels. Throughout the process of pouring, leveling and finishing concrete, cement masons monitor how the wind, heat or cold affects the curing of the concrete.


*Job descriptions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. All other data from EMSI. Median hourly earnings covers anyone working in that occupation whether they are temporary or full-time, permanent staff.

For another way to try on different jobs for size, check out these 12 side hustles you’ve never considered (but might want to).