Enjoy flexibility and great wages in these high-paying temp jobs

Temp jobs are the ultimate in flexibility. If you like to diversify your skill set and tackle new opportunities, these short-term positions may offer the perfect fit for your lifestyle. The options for short-term work are vast and varied, with many high-paying temp jobs in the mix.

Enjoy great pay with temporary positions

Over 3.1 million people were employed in temporary help services as of May 2022, representing a 19.3% increase over the previous year. This growth is expected to continue, creating a wealth of options for anyone looking to explore a short stint in a new field. We’ve rounded up 10 of the fastest-growing occupations for temporary employment, many of which are on track for faster-than-average growth in coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that these positions pay at least $40,000 a year, and some offer six-figure incomes.

Operations research analyst

As an operations research analyst, you can help organizations problem-solve using logic, analytics, and mathematics. You may find positions in industries as diverse as health care, business, logistics, IT, operations, and more. Operations research analysts may address issues with resource allocation, supply chain, pricing, or production schedules. Employment is expected to increase by 25% between 2020 and 2030.

Paralegal or legal assistant

Paralegals and legal assistants provide essential support for lawyers, working on a team alongside attorneys and other support staff. They assist with research, collect and organize evidence, maintain and file documents, draft correspondence, complete reports, and communicate with clients, witnesses, and other lawyers. These careers are expected to see 12% growth between 2020 and 2030.

Market research analyst or marketing specialist

Market research analysts and marketing specialists evaluate the sales potential for various products and services. They conduct in-depth research into market conditions, sales trends, consumer opinions, and competitor performance. Using complex data, these analysts will determine the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and offer detailed recommendations. Job opportunities should increase by about 22% by 2030.

Application software developer

The essential computer applications that so many people use on a daily basis come from the talented minds of application software developers. In this role, you may get a temp assignment to create a new application from the ground up. This includes drafting a plan, producing diagrams and models, designing the code, and testing the application for proper functionality. This field anticipates 22% growth between 2020 and 2030.

Biological technician

Biological technicians conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Responsibilities include maintaining lab equipment, preparing samples, documenting work, and analyzing results. Some biological technicians may even conduct fieldwork. This field will grow about 7% between 2020 and 2030.

Registered nurse

Temporary jobs in nursing offer a great way for these health care professionals to avoid burnout and manage their work-life balance. Temporary nursing positions offer the perfect time-management solution for professionals who are going back to school to advance their degrees or pursue a particular specialty. Registered nurses can find work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, nursing care facilities, and home health care facilities. The BLS anticipates growth of 9% between 2020 and 2030.

“Temporary nursing positions offer the perfect time management solution for professionals who are going back to school to earn an advanced degree or pursue a particular specialty.”

Tool and die maker

As a tool and die maker, you’ll construct metal forms or precision tools that are used to shape, form, and cut materials. These workers may produce gauges, fixtures, jigs, and other tools. This job can encompass everything from reading the blueprints to polishing finished parts. Job opportunities should increase by approximately 7% by 2030.

Electrical engineer

Electrical engineers work with electrical equipment to solve problems, test functionality, design solutions, and develop improvements. Electrical engineers typically work with a project manager throughout the production process to ensure that they properly coordinated all efforts with other teams on the job site. Electrical engineering opportunities will increase by about 7% by 2030. 

Human resource specialist

Human resource specialists help companies with interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new employees. This may include verifying references, scheduling interviews, and organizing new employee orientation. HR specialists may also assist existing employees by handling payroll, benefits programs, and paperwork. The BLS expects a 10% growth for this career by 2030.

Physician assistant

Physician assistants work alongside physicians, surgeons, and other medical professionals. As a physician assistant, you may record patient histories, perform initial examinations, order tests, diagnose conditions, and provide treatment. You can find work in a variety of areas, including surgery, psychiatry, family medicine, and emergency medicine. The BLS expects this career to grow 31% by 2030.

If you’re interested in short-term work with the flexibility to maintain an ideal work-life balance, high-paying temp jobs like these may offer just what you need. Set up email alerts for the positions that fit your experience and expertise so you’ll never miss out on a prime work opportunity.

More information about temp jobs:

Learn how to find temp jobs seasonally and take advantage of holiday work opportunities.

Review some of the benefits of temp work you can expect on the job.

Find out how working a temp job can help you take your career to the next level.