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Talent Acquisition Specialists on Upwork cost $15–$70/hr.
Learn about common cost factors to budget your hiring on the world's work marketplace.
$15 $70
Median hourly rates (USD)*
How much does a Talent Acquisition Specialist cost?
Explore what Talent Acquisition Specialists offer for different budgets.

Talent Acquisition Specialist under $120
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Talent Acquisition Specialist under $500
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Talent Acquisition Specialist under $650
Explore →Talent acquisition specialist pay guide
How much do talent acquisition specialists make?
According to Glassdoor, alent acquisition specialists typically earn between $75,000 - $127,000 per year in the United States, depending on their experience and expertise. Salaries for this role vary based on location, industry, and the complexity of the positions they are hiring for.
Hourly rates of talent acquisition specialists
Typical hourly rates charged by talent acquisition specialists may vary greatly across the globe, but a good spread for hourly workers within the USA below:
- Beginner: $30 to $45 per hour.
- Intermediate: $45 to $60 per hour.
- Advanced: $60 to $75+ per hour.
Talent acquisition rate factors
Several factors can influence the rates talent acquisition specialists charge or are paid.
- Experience level. More experienced specialists who have a history of filling high-level or specialized roles tend to command higher rates.
- Industry. Rates can vary depending on the industry; for example, specialists hiring for tech companies often earn more than those in other sectors.
- Location. Pay can differ based on whether the specialist is located in a high-demand city or region.
- Hiring complexity. If a specialist is tasked with filling roles that are difficult to staff, they may charge higher rates.
- Company size. Larger companies may offer higher pay due to the volume of roles and the complexity of the hiring process.
Example talent acquisition roles
There are several variations of talent acquisition specialist roles, each with unique responsibilities. Here are five common ones:
- Corporate recruiter. Focuses on hiring employees for a single company, often working in-house.
- Executive recruiter. Specializes in finding top executives and C-suite level professionals for organizations.
- Contract recruiter. Works on a temporary basis for a company, filling roles during a busy hiring period.
- Sourcing specialist. Responsible for identifying and attracting candidates before the interview process begins.
- University recruiter. Focuses on hiring entry-level employees, often directly from college campuses.
Comparing full-time vs. freelance talent acquisition specialists
Both full-time and freelance talent acquisition specialists offer different advantages and challenges, depending on a company’s needs.
Full-time talent acquisition specialists
Considerations for hiring a full-time talent acquisition specialist:
- Commitment. Full-time specialists are dedicated to one organization, allowing for deeper knowledge of company culture.
- Cost. Typically higher due to benefits and a full-time salary.
- Training. Full-time employees can undergo in-depth training specific to the company’s needs.
- Long-term availability. A full-time recruiter is always available for ongoing hiring needs.
- Knowledge retention. They build institutional knowledge over time.
- Internal alignment. They often work closely with HR and hiring managers to meet company goals.
- Benefits. Full-time positions typically include healthcare, retirement, and other perks.
Freelance talent acquisition specialists
Here are considerations for working with freelance talent acquisition specialists:
- Flexibility. Freelancers can be hired on a project basis, providing more flexibility.
- Lower overall cost. Freelancers may be more affordable since companies do not need to provide benefits.
- Specialized expertise. Freelancers often bring experience from multiple industries.
- Scalability. Easily scale up or down depending on hiring needs.
- Short-term commitment. Freelancers can be brought in for short-term projects without long-term obligations.
- Availability. Freelancers might be juggling multiple clients and may not always be available.
- No benefits. Companies do not need to cover healthcare or other perks.
Cost effectiveness of hiring freelancers
Hiring freelance talent acquisition specialists can be a cost-effective solution for many companies. Here are five reasons why:
- No benefits required. Freelancers do not receive health or retirement benefits, which reduces costs.
- Project-based hiring. Companies can bring in specialists only when needed, avoiding ongoing salary commitments.
- Expertise on demand. Freelancers often have experience across industries and can bring fresh perspectives.
- Faster hiring process. Freelancers are often available immediately and can start quickly.
- Lower overhead. There is no need for office space or equipment for freelancers, reducing overall expenses.
In conclusion, hiring freelance talent acquisition specialists can provide significant savings while offering flexibility and specialized expertise for short-term or project-based needs.
FAQ
Here are common questions about hiring talent acquisition specialists on Upwork.
What is the difference between a recruiter and a talent acquisition specialist?
While both roles focus on hiring, talent acquisition specialists typically focus on long-term hiring strategies, while recruiters may focus on filling immediate needs.
How do I find a good talent acquisition specialist on Upwork?
Look for freelancers with strong reviews, experience in your industry, and a clear history of successful placements.
What skills should a talent acquisition specialist have?
Strong communication, understanding of industry-specific hiring needs, and expertise in sourcing and screening candidates are key skills.
How much does it cost to hire a freelance talent acquisition specialist?
Rates vary, but you can typically expect to pay between $30 and $60 per hour, depending on experience and the complexity of the roles being filled.
Is hiring a freelancer or a full-time talent acquisition specialist better?
It depends on your company's needs. Freelancers are great for short-term or specialized projects, while full-time specialists can be more beneficial for ongoing hiring strategies.
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*This data represents typical hourly rate ranges of certain historical contracts worldwide. What clients will pay is subject to negotiations with talent.