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Abstract
The temporary help agency industry has experienced substantial growth in the past two decades. Although there is much research on the quality of temporary jobs compared to other jobs, most research has emphasized the economic disparities in the outcomes for workers in temporary employment. Research on non-economic outcomes, such as job satisfaction, has been scant. Using a nationally representative sample of Australian workers, I examine the extent to which temporary workers are satisfied with their jobs and whether there are differences in the job satisfaction of temporary agency workers and other workers. I find that temporary agency workers report lower levels of job satisfaction and find that job security, autonomy, control over timing of work, and job stress are important mediating mechanisms. I also find that women are more satisfied with temporary work than men and explore why. I end with implications for organizations and for future research.