For employers
How our pricing works
Staffing pricing is not complicated, it is just usually hidden. Here is the whole model. Exact figures are agreed in writing before any work starts, and they do not change afterwards.
Engagement models
Three ways to engage, side by side
| Model | Best for | Who employs | Cost | Commitment | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contract | Project work, peak demand, leave cover | TechKnow Global | Hourly bill rate (pay rate + disclosed markup) | Lowest | Not suited to roles you know are permanent — you pay a markup indefinitely. |
| Contract-to-hire | Senior hires where fit is hard to interview for | TechKnow Global, then you | Bill rate, then a conversion fee that tapers to zero | Medium | Only works if you genuinely have budget to convert. Candidates can tell when you do not. |
| Direct hire | Permanent roles with committed headcount | You, from day one | One-time percentage of first-year base salary | Highest | The full fee lands at start date, so budget for it before you begin the search. |
What you will never see
Costs we do not add
- No fee to open a search or receive a shortlist.
- No charge for replacing a contract worker who does not work out.
- No conversion fee after the agreed contract-to-hire period.
- No admin, onboarding or background-check surcharges appearing on an invoice you did not approve.
FAQ
Pricing questions
What is a markup, and what does it cover?
On a contract placement you pay an hourly bill rate. That is the worker pay rate plus a markup covering employer payroll taxes, workers compensation, unemployment insurance, general and professional liability cover, benefits administration and our margin. We tell you the markup percentage before you commit.
Why is the bill rate higher than the pay rate?
Because employer costs are real. Payroll taxes alone run roughly 8–10% of wages, and workers compensation, insurance and benefits add more on top. A markup that looks low usually means the agency is cutting corners on insurance or worker pay.
Do you charge for replacements?
No. Contract placements can be replaced without a fee. Direct-hire placements are covered by a written replacement guarantee period agreed in your contract — if the person leaves within it, we run the search again at no additional fee.
Is there a fee if we do not hire anyone?
On contingent direct-hire searches, no. No placement, no fee. Exclusive retained searches work differently and involve a staged fee, which we would only propose for genuinely hard roles where it makes sense for you.
What are your payment terms?
Net 30 from invoice date as standard. Contract placements are invoiced weekly against approved timesheets; direct-hire fees are invoiced on the candidate start date. Alternative terms are negotiable on larger engagements.