> This is the markdown version of https://www.classet.ai/blog/skilled-trades-recruitment-trade-offs-uncovered
> Learn more at https://www.classet.ai



![Hiring manager reviewing skilled trades candidates](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.basehub.com%2Fe0b5701f%2F0e01ed766d5caff3ca94902aa0e24a14%2Fframe-42.png&w=3840&q=75)

# Skilled Trades Recruitment Trade-offs Uncovered

Compare three common skilled trades recruitment approaches: headhunters, staffing agencies, and DIY hiring, and their trade-offs in cost, time, and quality.

[![Johnny Rooney](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.basehub.com%2Fe0b5701f%2Fc4807b416e4ed4a34e5bfc2c26dbd0c8%2F5.png%3Fwidth%3D100%26height%3D100%26quality%3D100&w=96&q=75)

Johnny RooneyHead of Sales at Classet

](/blog/authors/johnny-rooney)

July 11, 2023

Hiring Tips

**Summary:** Headhunters charge 15-20% of annual salary ($20K+), staffing agencies mark up wages 50%+, and DIY hiring demands hours of daily follow-up. Each method has significant trade-offs, there's no perfect solution in traditional recruiting.

Hiring skilled trades workers in a tight labor market is challenging. Every recruitment method involves meaningful trade-offs in cost, time, or quality. Here's an honest breakdown.

## Common Recruitment Approaches

### 1\. Headhunters / Recruiting Agencies

Offer expertise and candidate networks, but charge "15% - 20% finders fee on the trades worker's yearly salary." For a $100K experienced plumber, that's over $20,000, causing many promising candidates to be overlooked simply because the fee exceeds the hiring budget.

**Pros:** Dedicated search, industry expertise **Cons:** High fees, may deprioritize lower-salary roles

### 2\. Staffing / Subcontractors

Flexible and reduces payroll burden, but typically carries "a 50%+ markup on the hourly wage." A worker earning $25/hr costs you $37.50/hr or more. Over time, this markup adds up.

**Pros:** Flexibility, reduced HR overhead **Cons:** High ongoing costs, workers may lack loyalty

### 3\. DIY Hiring (Job Boards, Referrals, Social Media)

Cost-effective with full control, but demands daily follow-up and screening effort. Someone has to review applications, make calls, and chase down candidates, a significant hidden time cost.

**Pros:** Low direct costs, full control **Cons:** Time-intensive, inconsistent results

## The Hidden Cost Problem

All three approaches share a common weakness: they trade money for time or time for money. Headhunters save time but cost a fortune. DIY saves money but consumes your days. Staffing feels like both. Ongoing costs plus coordination overhead.

## What Would Better Look Like?

An ideal solution would:

-   Maximize candidate volume without massive fees
-   Pre-screen candidates so you only talk to qualified applicants
-   Scale up or down based on your hiring needs
-   Cost a fraction of traditional methods

That's what modern AI-powered recruiting platforms aim to deliver, combining the strengths of all three approaches while eliminating their major drawbacks.

## Key Takeaway

There's no perfect traditional recruitment method. Understanding the trade-offs helps you choose the right approach for your current situation, or recognize when it's time to try something new.

[![Johnny Rooney](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.basehub.com%2Fe0b5701f%2Fc4807b416e4ed4a34e5bfc2c26dbd0c8%2F5.png%3Fwidth%3D100%26height%3D100%26quality%3D100&w=128&q=75)

Johnny Rooney

Head of Sales at Classet

Johnny led sales at BlueCrew and brings deep expertise in high-volume hiring markets to his role at Classet. He focuses on connecting businesses with solutions that make large-scale hiring faster and less painful.

](/blog/authors/johnny-rooney)

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## Explore More

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