“Can you just tell me what the job pays, so I can figure out whether or not I want to apply?”
.
This is the first question that one of our recruiters, Ingrid, is asked about all of the time. Sometimes she gets this question even before “Can you tell me more about what the job entails?,” and sometimes before “Hello.”
Ingrid hears this question in phone screens, in texts, mid-interview, or even just walking someone through the assignment details. Why? Because it is important to the candidate. However, for most of the staffing industry, the most likely answer a candidate will hear is some version of “It’s a competitive pay rate,” “It depends on your experience,” or “We can definitely talk about that after your interview.”
We’ve decided that’s backwards. So TempExperts has decided to publish our 2026 pay ranges, by role, before anyone has to apply to find out.
.
Real Ranges = The Real Scoop
The following ranges reflect what Ingrid notes that we’re actually placing candidates at across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties right now.
- General Labor: $16–$19/hr
- Machine Operator / Production Assembly: $16–$21/hr
- Forklift Driver / Material Handling: $18–$23/hr
- Stocker / Order Filler: $16–$21/hr
- Packer / Packager: $14–$18/hr
- Maintenance Technician: $23–$35/hr
- CNC Operator: $19–$28/hr
- Assembler: $16–$20/hr
.
The Part We Don’t Love Admitting
Publishing this costs us something. A range you can see in advance is a range you can negotiate against. Some of our own clients would rather keep that number vague, because vague gives them room. Every agency in this market, us included, has at some point let “it depends on experience” cover for a client who didn’t want to commit to a number yet.
Publishing real ranges takes flexibility off the table for us, not just for the industry we’re critiquing. So why are we doing it? Because Ingrid’s right: Candidates deserve the number before they give up a morning to try and get it.
.
Caveat #1: Shifts Matters More than County Does
Ingrid states that a first shift generally run anywhere from 6:00 AM–5:00 PM, the second shift usually starts anywhere between 2:00 PM–10:00 PM, and the third shift runs anywhere between 6:00 PM–5:00 AM. Just so you know: A second and third shift sometimes (but not always) carries a $1/hour premium on top of the ranges we noted above. This is far from guaranteed, but it is common on the hardest-to-staff shifts.
This is definitely worth asking about directly if you’re weighing an off-shift assignment. That said, Ingrid notes that what county (Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough) the job is in doesn’t really matter. Although as you move down into the Sarasota area, Ingrid does say she’s seen the pay bump up slightly due to a higher cost of living.
.
Caveat #2: What Drives the Pay Rate Offered Within the Ranges
Ingrid has identified three things that determines where in the range a pay rate might be authored. In order of how much they matter, Ingrid cites : the industry (ex. a forklift operator in cold storage or pharma carries different risk than general dry-goods work), the skills required (an entry-level CNC operator running a set program and a machinist doing setup/G-code work can be $10+/hr apart on the same title or an assembler might be required to be skilled in soldering.) Finally, the company itself (some employers pay above market specifically to fill hard-to-staff shifts faster).
But again, what barely moves the number — which of the three counties you’re in. Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco all land in the same bands for the same role.
.
The Bottom Line
If you’re weighing a warehouse or production role in Tampa Bay area, you shouldn’t have to apply blind to find out if it’s worth your time. Ingrid’s tired of dodging the question.
So are we.