IT Staffing Guide: USA
Executive summary: US IT staffing typically runs on W2, C2C, or contract-to-hire structures, with compliance considerations that shift depending on the state and, for regulated industries, the sector.
Key takeaways
- W2 employment means the staffing firm or employer of record handles payroll withholding directly.
- C2C (corp-to-corp) applies when the contractor invoices through their own business entity.
- Regulated industries (FinTech, healthcare) benefit from a staffing partner with compliance-aware technical screening, not just generalist recruiting.
Common Questions
What's the real difference between W2 and C2C for a hiring company?
W2 places more employer-side compliance responsibility on the staffing firm; C2C shifts more of that structure to the contractor's own business — the practical difference to the hiring company is mostly in paperwork and liability allocation, not day-to-day work.
Can staffing include a full dedicated team, not just individuals?
Yes — dedicated team engagements are common for companies needing to scale a function quickly without a long in-house hiring ramp.