Sydney has several hundred recruitment agencies, ranging from global generalists such as Hays, Randstad and Michael Page to specialist boutiques focused on a single industry or job level. Which one suits you depends on whether you are hiring or job hunting, the sector you work in, and the seniority of the role. Most large agencies run their Australian head offices from the Sydney CBD, with others clustered in North Sydney, Parramatta and Chatswood.
Large Generalist and Multi-Sector Agencies
These firms cover multiple industries and handle permanent, contract and temporary placements. They suit employers who need volume or candidates who want broad market exposure.
- Hays: Strong in accounting and finance, IT, construction, engineering and government roles. Sydney offices operate in the CBD and Parramatta.
- Randstad: Covers office support, logistics, banking, HR and technology, with a large temporary workforce arm.
- Michael Page: Focuses on mid to senior permanent roles in finance, marketing, legal, sales and technology.
- Robert Walters: Specialises in professional and executive appointments, with a strong presence in financial services.
- Adecco and Chandler Macleod: Large-volume providers of temporary, industrial and administrative staff.
Specialist Recruiters by Industry
Specialist agencies tend to hold deeper candidate networks in a narrow field, which can shorten the time to fill technical or niche roles.
- Technology: Talent International, Paxus and Davidson are active in IT contracting and permanent placements.
- Finance and accounting: Robert Half and Hudson cover accounting, banking and finance operations.
- Legal: Mahlab and Hays Legal place lawyers and legal support staff across law firms and in-house teams.
- Healthcare: Healthcare Australia and Randstad Health supply nurses, allied health workers and aged care staff.
- Executive search: Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart and Egon Zehnder handle board and C-suite appointments.
How Recruitment Fees Work
For employers, permanent placement fees in Sydney typically range from 15 to 25 percent of the candidate’s first-year base salary, payable on a successful hire. Executive search firms often charge higher rates, commonly a retained fee paid in stages. Contract and temporary hires are billed as a margin on top of the hourly rate paid to the worker, usually between 15 and 30 percent depending on the role. Many agencies offer a replacement guarantee, commonly three months, if the placed candidate leaves early.
Job seekers do not pay agency fees in Australia. Charging candidates for placement is prohibited under state employment agent legislation.
Choosing the Right Agency
Check that the agency has recent placements in your sector and ask the consultant how many similar roles they have filled in the past year. Membership of the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA) signals adherence to an industry code of conduct. Employers should negotiate fee percentages and guarantee periods in writing before sending a brief. Candidates should register with two or three agencies relevant to their field rather than many, so that their CV is not submitted to the same employer multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a recruitment agency charge in Sydney?
Permanent placements usually cost 15 to 25 percent of the first-year salary. Temporary and contract staff are charged as an hourly mark-up, typically 15 to 30 percent above the pay rate. Rates are negotiable, particularly for repeat or high-volume clients.
Do recruitment agencies charge job seekers?
No. In Australia, agencies are not permitted to charge candidates a fee for finding them work. Employers pay for the service.
Is it better to use a specialist or a generalist recruiter?
Specialists suit technical, regulated or senior roles where candidate networks matter most. Generalists suit businesses hiring across several departments or needing temporary staff quickly. Many employers use one of each.
