A joint study by the American Staffing Association and LinkedIn reveals that temporary and contract workers placed through staffing agencies are acquiring artificial intelligence skills at a significantly higher rate than the broader LinkedIn membership, positioning them as leaders in adapting to AI-driven job market demands.
Quick Intel
Temporary and contract workers sourced through staffing agencies are outpacing the general workforce in adopting artificial intelligence skills, according to new research from the American Staffing Association and LinkedIn. This trend underscores the agility of staffing talent in responding to rapid technological shifts and employer demand for AI proficiency.
The study, based on LinkedIn's labor market insights, shows that between 2023 and 2025, these workers added AI literacy skills at markedly higher rates—40% more than the overall membership in 2023, accelerating to 46% more by 2025. Technical AI engineering skills saw similar momentum, with staffing agency workers 7% more likely to acquire them in 2025 compared to LinkedIn members at large.
"Staffing agency workers are embracing the AI revolution," said Stephen Dwyer, president and chief executive officer of ASA. "Employers are looking for talent whose AI skills can give their organizations an advantage over competitors, and staffing professionals are ready to help companies build those futures."
"The data show a clear focus among contract workers to grow specialized AI skills at a faster pace than general LinkedIn members," said Noah Yosif, chief economist and head of research at ASA. "In today's competitive labor market, staffing professionals are developing the AI skills they need to meet the evolving needs of clients."
The research also highlights resilience in the contract segment of the job market. While overall paid job postings on LinkedIn declined in 2025, contract postings increased 7% year-over-year and showed consistent growth each year from 2023 through 2025. This indicates sustained employer demand for flexible, skilled talent capable of delivering immediate value in AI-enhanced roles.
The findings reflect broader recognition among staffing agency workers that specialized AI capabilities serve as a strong differentiator in a dynamic employment landscape. By prioritizing these skills, contract professionals position themselves—and the employers they serve—for greater competitiveness and innovation.
About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
About the ASA/LinkedIn State of Staffing Report
The report leveraged LinkedIn's Economic Graph data on skills, job postings, and job experiences to map out the labor market landscape for U.S. talent currently and formerly engaged with staffing and search firms ("staffing talent"). LinkedIn data analyzed include thousands of job postings and the skills and job experiences of more than 500,000 U.S. members who have taken on a role through the staffing and recruiting industry in the past decade. "Paid job postings" refer to listings sponsored by employers. Staffing and recruiting paid postings are those published by job posters within the staffing and recruiting industry, excluding job postings for corporate roles at staffing and search companies. Changes over time are measured as of June in each respective year unless otherwise stated.
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