How Aerotek Works as a Staffing Partner in South Carolina

What Aerotek does and how it operates

Aerotek is a staffing agency that matches workers with temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent jobs across multiple industries. The company does not post jobs on a public board and wait for applications—instead, recruiters actively contact candidates, assess their skills, and place them into roles that fit their background. Aerotek operates in South Carolina through local branch offices and a network of recruiters who work with employers across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, skilled trades, and administrative sectors.

When you work with Aerotek, you are not hired by Aerotek itself. Instead, Aerotek acts as the intermediary: the company finds an open position at a client employer, matches you to that role, handles the paperwork and onboarding, and then you work at the client's site under their supervision. Aerotek handles your paycheck, tax withholding, and often benefits depending on the assignment length and type.

The relationship is straightforward but different from applying directly to an employer. You meet with an Aerotek recruiter, discuss what kind of work you are looking for, and they contact you when a matching position opens. There is no fee to workers—Aerotek is paid by the employer, not by you.

Key Takeaways

• Aerotek recruiters actively search for candidates rather than waiting for applications, so the process often begins with a phone call or email from a recruiter who has reviewed your background.
• You work at the client employer's location but remain on Aerotek's payroll, meaning Aerotek handles your pay, taxes, and benefits may be able to access.
• Assignments range from a few weeks to permanent placement, and many temp roles convert to direct hire if both you and the employer want to continue.
• Aerotek operates across South Carolina with branch offices in major cities, and you can also register online to be matched with roles in your area.
• There is no cost to you for using Aerotek's services—the employer pays the staffing fee.

How to connect with Aerotek in South Carolina

You can reach Aerotek through their main website or by visiting a local branch office. South Carolina has Aerotek locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and other cities—a quick search for "Aerotek near me" will show the branch closest to you. You can also call the main line or fill out an online profile, and a recruiter will contact you based on your experience and the jobs available in your area.

When you first connect, be ready to discuss your work history, the types of roles you are interested in, and your availability. Recruiters often move quickly—if a job matches your skills, they may call you within days. Having your resume ready and being clear about what you want (temporary work, permanent placement, specific industries) helps the process move faster.

Types of assignments Aerotek offers

Temporary assignments are short-term roles, often lasting days to a few months. These are useful if you need immediate income, want to test out a new field, or have a gap between jobs. Pay is usually hourly, and you may not receive benefits during a very short assignment.

Temp-to-hire positions start as temporary work but are designed with the possibility of becoming permanent. You work for a set period (often 90 days to six months) and then the employer decides whether to hire you directly. This arrangement lets both you and the employer see if the fit is right before making a long-term commitment. During the temp phase, you remain on Aerotek's payroll.

Direct hire placements are permanent jobs where Aerotek recruits and places you, but you become a direct employee of the client company from day one. Aerotek's role ends after placement, and you then work under the employer's payroll and benefits.

Industries and job types in South Carolina

Aerotek places workers across a wide range of fields. In South Carolina, common placements include manufacturing roles (machine operators, assembly line workers, quality inspectors), logistics and warehouse work (forklift operators, material handlers, shipping coordinators), skilled trades (electricians, HVAC technicians, welders), healthcare support (medical assistants, phlebotomists, patient care technicians), and administrative positions (data entry, office support, customer service).

The specific jobs available depend on current demand from employers in your region. A recruiter can tell you what is actively hiring in your area and match you based on your skills and interests. If you have a trade certification or specialized skill, mention it early—those roles often fill quickly and pay more.

Pay, benefits, and what to expect on the job

Pay rates vary by role, industry, and location within South Carolina. Temporary and temp-to-hire positions are typically hourly, while direct hire roles may be salaried. Aerotek does not set the wage—the client employer does—but Aerotek can tell you the pay range for a specific role before you accept it.

Benefits depend on the assignment type and length. Short-term temporary assignments may not include health insurance or retirement benefits. Longer assignments and temp-to-hire roles often include access to Aerotek's benefits program, which can cover health insurance, dental, vision, and a 401(k). Ask your recruiter what benefits come with a specific assignment before you start.

On the job itself, you report to the client employer's supervisor, follow their policies, and work under their direction. Aerotek remains your employer of record for payroll purposes, but day-to-day management comes from the client. If issues arise on the job, you can contact your Aerotek recruiter, who can advocate on your behalf or help find you a different assignment.

When temp-to-hire becomes permanent employment

If you are in a temp-to-hire role, the employer typically makes a decision about permanent hire near the end of the trial period. If they want to hire you, they will make an offer and you will transition from Aerotek's payroll to theirs. At that point, you become a direct employee with the company's own benefits, pay structure, and employment terms.

Not every temp-to-hire role converts to permanent—sometimes the employer decides the role is no longer needed or that the fit is not right. If that happens, Aerotek can place you in another assignment. The temp-to-hire model is designed to reduce risk for both you and the employer, so treat the trial period as a genuine audition.

How Aerotek differs from other staffing agencies

Aerotek is one of the largest staffing companies in the United States, which means they have more job openings and more branch locations than many smaller agencies. Their size also means they have established relationships with major employers across South Carolina, so they often know about positions before they are posted publicly.

The recruiter-driven model is a key difference: instead of you searching a job board, Aerotek's recruiters search for you. This can be faster if you are a good match for available roles, but it also means you are dependent on a recruiter remembering you and calling when something fits. Staying in touch with your recruiter and updating them when your situation changes helps keep you top of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Aerotek to use their services?

No. Aerotek is paid by the employer, not by workers. There is no fee, registration cost, or charge to you for being placed in a job through Aerotek.

Can I work for Aerotek while looking for a permanent job elsewhere?

Yes. Many people use temporary or temp-to-hire assignments as a bridge while job hunting. Just be clear with your recruiter about your timeline and availability so they can match you with roles that fit your situation.

What happens if I do not like the assignment?

You can contact your Aerotek recruiter and ask to be placed in a different role. Aerotek wants to keep you working, so they will try to find a better fit. However, leaving an assignment early without notice can affect your relationship with the agency and future placements.

How long does it take to get placed in a job?

It varies. If you are a strong match for an open role, placement can happen within days. If your skills are more specialized or if there are fewer openings in your field, it may take longer. Staying in regular contact with your recruiter speeds up the process.

Will a temp-to-hire job definitely become permanent?

Not necessarily. Temp-to-hire roles are trial periods for both you and the employer. The employer may decide not to hire you, the role may end, or the company's needs may change. Treat the assignment as a real job and perform well, but do not assume conversion is may provide.