Jul 1, 2025
How Much Do Recruitment Agencies Charge & How to Save Thousands With AI
Find out how much recruitment agencies charge, what affects their fees, and how to choose the right agency for your hiring needs.
Hiring the right talent is no easy task. As you post open roles, sift through resumes, and interview candidates, time ticks away. And every day spent on these tasks sets your business back financially. To make matters worse, you may discover that some of the applicants who make it through your initial screening aren’t even qualified for the job. But before you make that call, you may be wondering: How much do recruitment agencies charge? In this article, we’ll break down recruitment agency fees, so you know what to expect and can prepare for your budget. We’ll also discuss how you can avoid steep recruiter fees by using an AI-powered solution to find and hire qualified candidates fast. Keep reading to learn how to Hire Offshore Developers that meet your expectations.
Noxx’s AI recruiter can help you find qualified candidates in your industry so you can build a talent pool of suitable applicants to interview for your open role. Using Noxx, you can eliminate the middleman and significantly reduce your hiring costs. The AI recruitment tools even automates outreach and engagement, helping you create a positive experience for every candidate, so you can get the talent you need without the excessive costs.
Table of Contents
What Is a Recruitment Fee & Its Types?
Recruitment fees are payments made by employers to recruitment agencies or headhunters for their services in identifying, screening, and sourcing candidates for open job positions. Recruitment fees can be a one-time payment or an ongoing cost, depending on the arrangement between the employer and the recruitment agency.
Who Pays Recruitment Fees and What Do They Cover?
Recruitment fees are agreed upon before the recruitment process begins, with the fee structure clearly outlined in a contract between the employer and the recruitment agency. These fees help agencies cover the costs of:
Sourcing
Interviewing
Evaluating potential candidates
They may also cover administrative and marketing expenses related to attracting candidates. For employers, recruitment fees are an investment in finding the right talent. For job seekers, recruitment agencies often provide their services at no cost, as employers compensate them for their services.
Why Recruitment Fees Exist
Recruitment agencies play a crucial role in the hiring process by helping businesses efficiently find qualified candidates. The work involved in recruiting candidates is time-consuming and requires specialized expertise. Agencies typically handle everything from:
Job postings
Candidate sourcing
Conducting interviews
Negotiating job offers
Recruitment fees compensate agencies for their:
Time
Resources
Expertise
How Agencies Justify Their Fees Through Expertise and Risk Sharing
The fees also reflect the risks involved in recruitment, as agencies often work on a commission-based compensation model and may not receive payment if the employer hires a candidate without using their services or if the candidate doesn’t remain employed for a specified period.
For employers, paying recruitment fees can save them time and effort, as they outsource the hiring process to professionals who have the expertise to identify the best candidates quickly. It can also reduce the chances of making a bad hire, as recruitment agencies typically have access to a wide talent pool and pre-screen candidates for:
Skills
Experience
Cultural fit
Decoding Types of Recruitment Fees
Recruitment fees can be categorized into several types based on the arrangement between the employer and the recruitment agency.
Below are the most common types of recruitment fees:
1. Contingency Fee Recruitment
Contingency fee recruitment is the most common and widely used type of recruitment fee structure. In this arrangement, recruitment agencies are paid only if the employer hires a candidate they have sourced. The fee is contingent on the successful placement of a candidate, hence the name.
How It Works
Employers contact recruitment agencies to help fill open roles. The agency submits candidates for consideration. If an employer hires one of the candidates, the agency receives a fee, typically a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary.
Pros for Employers
Employers are only required to pay for the recruitment service if a candidate is successfully hired. This reduces the risk for employers, as they don’t pay upfront fees or fees unless the process results in a successful hire.
Cons for Employers
Agencies may prioritize speed over quality to ensure timely payment. Employers may not always receive the best candidates, as agencies can submit multiple candidates with the hope that one will be hired.
Typical Fee Range
The typical fee for contingency recruitment ranges from 15% to 25% of the candidate’s first-year salary, although it can vary depending on the:
Role
Industry
Level of the position
2. Retained Recruitment Fee
Retained recruitment is a more exclusive type of recruitment service. In this arrangement, the employer hires a recruitment agency on an exclusive basis and pays a retainer fee upfront, regardless of whether a candidate is successfully placed.
How It Works
Employers and agencies agree on a retainer fee, which is usually paid in installments. The agency works exclusively on the role, dedicating time and resources to finding the right candidate. The fee is often divided into phases, such as an initial payment to initiate the search, a second payment upon providing the shortlist of candidates, and a final payment upon hiring a candidate.
Pros for Employers
Retained recruitment agencies typically focus on high-level, executive, or specialized roles where the employer requires a dedicated and thorough search. Employers receive more personalized attention, and the agency invests more effort into sourcing top-tier candidates.
Cons for Employers
Retained recruitment fees can be higher than contingency fees, and employers are required to pay upfront. If the recruitment process doesn’t result in a successful hire, the employer may still be required to pay some or all of the retainer fees.
Typical Fee Range
Retained recruitment fees typically range from 20% to 35% of the candidate’s first-year salary, but this can increase based on the level of the role and the complexity of the recruitment process.
3. Exclusive Search Fee
An exclusive search fee is similar to retained recruitment but is less formalized. In this case, the employer agrees to work exclusively with a recruitment agency but doesn’t necessarily pay upfront. The employer decides not to use other agencies during the recruitment process.
How It Works
The recruitment agency has exclusive rights to source candidates for the employer’s job opening. The employer typically does not pay a retainer fee, but the agency is given an exclusive contract to fill the position.
Pros for Employers
Employers benefit from having a single point of contact and may receive more focused efforts from the agency in finding a suitable candidate. It also helps prevent competing agencies from sending duplicate candidate profiles.
Cons for Employers
Employers may still have to compete with other agencies if they haven’t signed an exclusive contract, and the recruitment process can be slower than using a contingency recruitment approach.
Typical Fee Range
Exclusive search fees are generally in the same range as contingency fees, typically around 15% to 20% of the candidate’s first-year salary.
4. Flat Fee Recruitment
Flat-fee recruitment involves paying a fixed amount for recruitment services, regardless of the salary or the outcome of the hiring process.
How It Works
Employers pay a fixed, pre-determined amount to the recruitment agency, which can be based on the level of the role:
Entry-level
Mid-level
Senior
This fee is typically agreed upon before the search begins and is not dependent on the salary of the hired candidate.
Pros for Employers
Employers have a clear understanding of the costs upfront, with no surprises based on the candidate’s salary. This type of fee structure is often used for high-volume hiring or for filling lower to mid-level positions.
Cons for Employers
Employers may not receive the same level of personalized attention as they would with a retained or exclusive search. The flat fee may not account for the complexity of the recruitment process or the quality of candidates sourced.
Typical Fee Range
Flat fees typically range from $500 to $10,000, depending on the level of the role and the company's size.
5. Hourly or Day Rate Fee
Some recruitment agencies charge an hourly or daily rate for their services. This type of fee structure is often used for specialized recruitment or project-based hiring.
How It Works
The recruitment agency charges the employer a set fee per hour or day for the time spent sourcing candidates. This fee can be used for ongoing recruitment or for temporary positions that require specialized skills and expertise.
Pros for Employers
Employers only pay for the time spent on recruitment, which can be beneficial if they only need limited assistance or have specific, short-term recruitment needs.
Cons for Employers
Hourly or day rate fees can be unpredictable, as the total cost depends on the time required for the recruitment process. This could result in higher costs if the process takes longer than anticipated.
Typical Fee Range
Hourly or day rates typically range from $50 to $250 per hour or $500 to $2,000 per day.
Additional Terms That Impact Fees
Recruitment pricing isn’t just about the fee itself. Additional contract terms often influence cost and decision-making:
Guarantee Period: Many agencies offer a free replacement or partial refund if a hire leaves within a set timeframe.
Exclusivity Agencies: May lower their fees in exchange for exclusive recruiting rights.
Niche Expertise Specialized: Recruiters often cost more, but deliver better-fitting candidates faster.
Factors Influencing Recruitment Fees
Various factors can affect recruitment fees, such as:
Industry Standards
Different industries have varying standard rates. For instance, the technology and finance sectors often attract higher fees due to their demand for specialized skills.
Role Complexity
Positions that require specific skill sets or qualifications may take longer to fill, as there may be fewer candidates to choose from. This can result in higher recruitment costs.
Urgency of the Hire
If the company wants to fill a position urgently, the recruitment fees might increase due to the additional resources and overtime required.
Geographical Location
Recruitment agency fees can vary greatly depending on location. Agencies in major metropolitan areas usually charge higher-than-average fees compared to those in other regions.
Recruitment Expertise
Agencies or headhunters with many years of experience, expertise in specific fields, or a proven track record typically charge higher fees and establish more complex fee structures.
Job Market
In a tight job market, the demand for certain skills or experience may make suitable hires harder to find. This may lead recruitment agencies to charge premium rates.
Related Reading
How Much Do Recruitment Agencies Charge
Recruitment costs can vary widely depending on factors like:
Location
Role seniority
Type of agency
As a general rule, a recruitment agency will charge between 10% and 30% of the base annual salary. The table below outlines the predicted recruitment agency fees for base salaries ranging from £20,000 to £100,000 per annum.
Base Annual Salary | 10% | 15% | 20% | 25% | 30% |
£20,000 | £2,000 | £3,000 | £4,000 | £5,000 | £6,000 |
£30,000 | £3,000 | £4,500 | £6,000 | £7,500 | £9,000 |
£40,000 | £4,000 | £6,000 | £8,000 | £10,000 | £12,000 |
£50,000 | £5,000 | £7,500 | £10,000 | £12,500 | £15,000 |
£60,000 | £6,000 | £9,000 | £12,000 | £15,000 | £18,000 |
£70,000 | £7,000 | £10,500 | £14,000 | £17,500 | £21,000 |
£80,000 | £8,000 | £12,000 | £16,000 | £20,000 | £24,000 |
£90,000 | £9,000 | £13,500 | £18,000 | £22,500 | £27,000 |
£100,000 | £10,000 | £15,000 | £20,000 | £25,000 | £30,000 |
Other factors can affect the cost of using a recruitment agency. These include the type of role being filled, the level of experience or expertise required for the position, and any additional services provided by the agency.
Understanding Fee Differences by Role and Service
For example, specialized roles such as executive positions or highly technical roles may have higher placement fees due to the unique skills and qualifications needed. On the other hand, entry-level positions may have lower fees since they require less time and effort to fill.
In addition to placement fees, some recruitment agencies also offer supplementary services, such as background checks, skill assessments, and candidate screening, which may incur additional costs.
The Hidden Costs of Internal Hiring
Hiring internally can seem cheap on the surface. After all, you’re not paying any fees to an external agency. The time and effort required to fill a position internally can be substantial.
Imagine how long (and the cost) it would take an internal employee to do the following:
Assessing your staffing needs.
Creating job descriptions based on your requirements.
Advising you on market trends, salary benchmarks, and hiring strategies.
Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and employment laws.
Advertising job openings on job boards, social media, and other platforms.
Sourcing candidates through databases, referrals, and networks.
Conducting initial screenings and interviews.
Reviewing resumes and shortlisting candidates.
Administering skill assessments or tests.
Checking references and conducting background checks.
Matching candidates with client needs.
Coordinating interviews between you and the candidates.
Providing feedback to you and candidates post-interview.
Negotiating salaries, contracts, and start dates.
Preparing offer letters or contracts for successful candidates.
Handling pre-employment paperwork (e.g., contracts, tax forms).
Coordinating training or orientation sessions for new hires.
Ensuring compliance with your onboarding requirements.
Choosing the Right Recruitment Agency for Your Budget
It’s essential for employers to consider their budget carefully and needs when deciding which recruitment agency to use. While some may charge higher fees than others, it’s critical to evaluate their success rate in filling similar roles and providing quality candidates.
It’s best to discuss all costs upfront with potential recruitment agencies before making a decision. This will ensure transparency and help you make an informed choice based on your specific hiring needs.
How Much Will You Be Paying Your Recruiting Agency?
Permanent Placements
The fees for permanent placements under the contingency, retainer, or container fee structure are calculated as a percentage of the candidate's first-year base salary. Typically, this amount includes any sign-on bonuses but excludes performance bonuses and equity grants. The range for this percentage is broad.
Some percentages can be as low as 15% in light industrial or clerical roles, or as high as 50% of the base salary for executive recruiting. More typical is in the 20-35% range. So, for a hire accepting an offer that includes a base salary of, say, $150,000, at a let’s say 25% percentage, the fee would be $37,500.
Common Recruitment Fee Structures and Payment Terms
As we discussed in our previous article, fees can be charged in various configurations, ranging from zero upfront and entirely contingent, due upon placement, to some upfront and non-refundable, with the remainder spread throughout the engagement, depending on the fee arrangement.
It would be highly unusual to see a recruitment fee that requires full payment upfront. Even under exclusive retainer arrangements, the fees are typically earned upon the achievement of articulated milestones.
How Recruitment Fees Are Structured for Different Compensation Models
Typical payment structures for permanent placements would look something like this:
Contingency:
100% due upon placement
Retainer:
1/3rd due upon engagement start
1/3rd due when the first candidate enters the final round (indicates that the search is working)
1/3rd when the candidate starts
Container:
Non-refundable deposit paid upfront, typically $5,000-$15,000
Remainder due upon placement
Whatever the distribution of payments, the percentages generally fall within the range above.
Recruitment Pricing for Equity-Based and Commission-Heavy Roles
It becomes more interesting when the base salary is a more variable component of the compensation package. This is evident in commission-based sales roles. In some cases, particularly in start-ups, compensation can be heavily weighted toward options for company stock, or even NFTs or cryptocurrency.
In those cases, a reasonable fee based on comparable industry-based compensation will typically be negotiated before the search commences.
Variables That Impact the Cost of Hiring Through an Agency
Some of the elements that can affect the percentage charged include:
The seniority of the role to be filled.
There is a scarcity of the skill set required to succeed in the role.
Number of roles contracted for with the recruiting agency.
Exclusivity or non-exclusivity of the search.
Experience, expertise, and reputation of the recruiting agency.
Resource Allocation, Risk, and the Cost of Senior-Level Hiring
Higher seniority roles, as well as roles for which:
The talent pool is tiny for the number of open positions
Require a greater investment on the part of the recruiting agency in terms of time likely to be spent
The seniority/expertise of the recruiters spending that time
That kind of devotion of resources will tend toward more upfront or guaranteed fees paid before placement.
A higher percentage of base salary, as the firm is foregoing other opportunities and therefore taking on more risk that these efforts might not be compensated for at all. Likewise, roles that have a larger and less specific talent pool require less risk on the part of the agency.
When Exclusive Agreements Lower Overall Recruitment Costs
That said, exclusivity can also be a factor that leads to a lower percentage charged. Although exclusive searches are often reserved for the more challenging searches, they tend to go hand in hand with retainers paid before placement, and are also associated with higher fees.
Exclusivity serves to lower the overall cost by reducing the risk to the agency. For searches on the lower end of the spectrum, with broad talent pools and less risk for the agency, introducing exclusivity sometimes allows an agency to charge a lower fee.
Balancing Cost: Multiple Roles vs. High-Demand Recruiters
When an agency handles multiple roles for a hiring company, a lower percentage can sometimes be charged, especially when combined with some degree of exclusivity, as these factors can reduce the agency's risk.
It's no surprise that proven recruiters in their respective areas of expertise will likely quote a higher percentage, as their services are in higher demand and they must ensure they are devoting their resources to where they can add the most value.
RPO
Fees in Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) are typically billed at an hourly rate, ranging from $100 to $200 per hour. It is essential to structure fee arrangements in a way that aligns the incentives of clients and the agency as closely as possible.
Therefore, we recommend a structure that combines an hourly fee with a smaller placement fee once a role is filled (typically $2500-$5000 per placement). Placements can occur immediately or take more time, so this structure fosters an environment where both parties can feel confident in the relationship.
Staffing
In terms of staffing, an agency will charge a bill rate/per hour to provide candidates for the duration of a particular assignment. This bill rate will include the employee's pay rate per hour, employer taxes and service fees, and employee benefits, such as health insurance and holidays.
A good rule of thumb is that the bill rate should be 30-50% higher than the pay rate. And yes, you should ask and know the employee's pay rate.
How Noxx Reduces Recruitment Time and Cost with AI
Hiring the right talent shouldn't take months or cost a fortune. Noxx's AI recruiter finds you the top 10 candidates in just 7 days by screening over 1,000 applicants automatically. Traditional agencies charge 30%.
Noxx offers only 1% of your annual salary until you hire, reducing recruiter fees by up to 90%. The platform displays salary expectations upfront and helps you find high-quality engineers, marketers, and salespeople at up to 70% less than US rates. Upload your job description and let the AI handle the heavy lifting while you focus on picking the best fit for your team.
Related Reading
Is Using a Recruitment Agency Worth It?
Hiring a new employee can take time, sometimes several months. Recruitment agencies expedite the process. They have a robust client base and specialize in sourcing high-quality candidates, including passive candidates who are not actively seeking employment.
These agencies utilize refined recruitment practices and tools to find individuals with the right skill sets and experience for your business.
Specialized Roles: Agencies are particularly adept at sourcing candidates for specialized roles that require specific expertise.
Talent Pool: Agencies maintain a diverse range of talent pools, ensuring businesses have access to both active and international talent for roles ranging from temporary to full-time positions.
Less Work for Your Team
Recruitment agencies handle the heavy lifting involved in the hiring process, including:
Screening candidates
Conducting background checks
Aligning job requirements with potential hires
This significantly reduces the workload for internal teams, allowing them to focus on other critical business functions.
Smooth Placement Process: A structured staffing agency process ensures a seamless transition from candidate search to placement.
Hiring Decisions: They assist hiring managers in making informed decisions by presenting only the most suitable candidates for a given job title or job function.
Internal Payroll Support: For temporary workers or contract employees, agencies often manage internal payroll and related administrative tasks.
Specialized Knowledge
Top-rated recruiting firms specialize in specific industries, bringing deep knowledge and extensive experience to the table. This specialization enables them to identify high-quality candidates who align with the nuances of various sectors.
Executive Recruiters: These professional recruiters specialize in sourcing candidates for executive-level roles and other key positions.
Market Insights: Agencies often provide insights into industry standards, pricing structures, and the availability of talent in particular markets.
Risk Mitigation and Guarantees
One of the key advantages of working with a recruiting agency is the mitigation of risks associated with a bad hire. Agencies can offer guarantees such as a refund clause or replacement candidates if a hire does not work out within a predefined period.
Exclusivity Agreements: Many agencies provide exclusive rights to their talent pools, ensuring you have access to top candidates.
Extended Period Guarantees: Agencies often extend a guarantee period for permanent employees, reducing hiring risks for clients.
Personalized Guidance and Support
Recruitment agencies often serve as strategic partners, providing personalized guidance throughout the hiring process.
Their services include:
Calibration Profiles: Aligning job descriptions and candidate capabilities for a better fit.
Tailored Solutions: Agencies adapt their processes to fit the company size, type of role, and industry-specific needs.
Dedicated Support: Recruitment firms can assign a dedicated customer service manager to ensure smooth communication and satisfaction.
Are Recruitment Agencies Worth It? Follow These Steps
If you want to compare only the financials, use this formula:
( (Hours for internal staff to hire) * (Hourly Rate for internal staff) ) - (Recruitment Agency Fee)
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Calculate the agency fee (use the above figures).
Calculate how many hours it’ll take for you/your staff to hire said position.
Multiply the hours by their hourly wage.
Subtract the cost of hiring using internal staff from the Recruitment Agency Fee.
If the final answer is positive (above 0), it’s cheaper to use a Recruitment Agency.
If the final answer is negative (below 0), it’s better to hire using internal staff.
Even in this case, I’d still ask:
Is paying the difference worth it for me, my staff, and my business?
Upload a Job and Get 10 Candidates within 7 Days with Noxx (No Risk, No Upfront Fees)
Recruitment agencies typically charge between 15% and 25% of a new hire's first-year salary. If you hire a candidate making $60,000, you could pay anywhere from $9,000 to $15,000 for their services. While this fee may seem reasonable for the time and money it saves, it can be crippling for small businesses.
The same goes for hiring freelance recruiters. They'll charge you anywhere from $25 to $200 an hour based on their experience and your industry, or around 10 to 20 percent of your new hire's salary.
How Traditional Agencies Limit Control and Flexibility
Beyond the high costs, working with recruitment agencies can be an incredibly frustrating and time-consuming process.
You need to pay a hefty upfront fee just to get started.
You’ll have to wait while the agency screens candidates according to its timeline, not yours.
Instead of taking control of your hiring process and finding the right talent for your team, you’ll be at the mercy of a third-party vendor.
The Recruitment Agency Alternative
Don’t let the high costs of recruitment agencies derail your hiring plans. Instead, consider an affordable alternative that can save you time and money. Noxx is an AI recruitment platform that helps businesses quickly find and hire top talent.
Instead of taking months to hire someone, you can find the top 10 candidates for your role in just seven days. Simply upload your job description, and let the AI do the heavy lifting.
A Cost-Effective Way to Hire Skilled Talent Without Recruiter Fees
Not only does this drastically reduce the time it takes to hire someone, but it also cuts costs. You only pay $300 if you hire someone, with no upfront fees or expensive recruiter commissions.
The platform displays salary expectations upfront and helps you find high-quality engineers, marketers, and salespeople at up to 70% less than US rates. Noxx eliminates the tedious tasks of hiring so you can focus on picking the best fit for your team.
