Skip to main content

Staff augmentation providers source skilled professionals and manage project-specific tasks for businesses, allowing teams to focus on other priorities without hiring additional staff. Selecting the right provider can be challenging due to the many options available.

Using my experience with HR management software and services, I evaluated and compared several of the top staff augmentation providers available. From there, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best provider for your needs.

Why Trust Our Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing HR management software and services since 2019. As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions.

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different HR management use cases, and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.

Best Staff Augmentation Provider Summary

Tool Best For Trial Info Price
1
Deel

Deel handles global payroll, including flexible payments to contractors for temporary or project-based jobs.

Best for hiring globally

Free demo available

Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people Website
2
Sharkbyte

Sharkbyte’s innovative management solutions are tailored for efficiency and growth.

Best for Agile software projects

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
3
Synergy IT

Synergy IT supports retail tech infrastructure with network, cybersecurity, and IT support.

Best for retail IT needs

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
4
Devox

Devox offers web and mobile development, DevOps, and QA for fintech, healthcare, and AI.

Best for software development teams

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
5
Charter

Charter provides project-based team scaling for businesses without long-term hires.

Best for cost-effective project staffing

Not available

Pricing upon request Website
6
Softlanding

Softlanding provides cloud management, cybersecurity, and Microsoft support for healthcare, finance, and government.

Best for Microsoft solutions

Free discovery call available

Pricing upon request Website
7
Calian

Calian provides IT and communications support in cybersecurity, network, and project management for government and defense.

Best for government contracts

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
8
EPAM

EPAM offers software development and digital transformation for startups and emerging businesses.

Best for startup collaboration

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
9
Innowise

Innowise offers custom software development and IT consulting across various industries.

Best for custom IT solutions

Free consultations available

Pricing upon request Website
10
Valenta

Valenta supports workforce expansion in accounting, IT, and customer support for finance.

Best for financial services

Not available

Pricing upon request Website

How to Choose a Staff Augmentation Provider

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesWhat are your team’s specific goals with staff augmentation?
Service Scope and SLAs Does the provider offer services that match your needs?
Support AvailabilityIs support available when your team needs it?
Cost and Pricing StructureAre the costs transparent and within your budget?
Communication and ReportingHow often will the team receive updates and reports?

Best Staff Augmentation Provider Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best staff augmentation providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best for hiring globally

  • Free demo available
  • Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Deel is a platform that helps you hire, manage, and pay international contractors and full-time employees in over 150 countries. It simplifies global workforce management by handling compliance, payroll, and other HR tasks. 

Why I picked Deel: Deel offers customizable contract templates that comply with local labor laws, making it easier to onboard international contractors. This feature helps you avoid legal issues and ensures your contracts meet country-specific requirements. Additionally, Deel provides automated invoicing for contractors, reducing manual paperwork and minimizing errors. This automation saves time and keeps your payment processes organized.

Standout Services: Deel offers compliance support by monitoring local labor laws and tax regulations, helping you stay compliant and avoid potential fines. It also offers assistance with visas and mobility as well as transitions from contractors to full-time employees.

Target Industries: Global organizations, HR, professional services, healthcare, and law.

Specialties: Global hiring and compliance

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexible global payments
  • Assistance with relocation and visas
  • Localized expertise

Cons:

  • Initial account setup can be complex for some users
  • Limited platform customization

Best for Agile software projects

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Sharkbyte offers software team augmentation services tailored for Agile development projects. They focus on technology-driven businesses, providing quick access to skilled developers and IT professionals to meet evolving project needs.

Why I picked Sharkbyte: Sharkbyte excels in Agile software projects by offering flexible team augmentation that aligns with your development sprints. Their services include rapid deployment of skilled IT personnel, ensuring your team can adapt to changing project requirements without delay. Ultimately, their focus on integrating smoothly with existing teams makes them a strong choice for dynamic software environments.

Standout Services: Sharkbyte provides rapid deployment of skilled IT personnel, allowing your team to quickly adapt to new project requirements. Their flexible team augmentation solutions also ensure that your development sprints remain on schedule and that you have the right talent when you need it.

Target Industries: Technology, software development, ecommerce, fintech, and healthcare.

Specialties: Agile development, team integration, IT staffing, project management, and software testing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports dynamic software environments
  • Strong focus on Agile development
  • Flexible team augmentation options

Cons:

  • May require direct contact for details
  • Mainly focused on IT-related sectors

Best for retail IT needs

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Synergy IT provides IT staff augmentation services focused on supporting the retail sector's tech infrastructure. They supply skilled IT personnel to manage network systems, cybersecurity, and technical support for retail businesses.

Why I picked Synergy IT: Synergy IT tailors its services for retail IT, focusing on network infrastructure management and cybersecurity. They provide skilled professionals to help your team maintain efficient operations and handle the unique demands of retail technology. This focus on technical support makes Synergy IT a dependable choice for retail businesses.

Standout Services: Synergy IT provides network infrastructure management services that ensure your systems run smoothly and securely. Their cybersecurity solutions also protect your retail operations from potential threats, safeguarding sensitive customer information.

Target Industries: Retail, ecommerce, technology, healthcare, and finance.

Specialties: Network infrastructure, cybersecurity, technical support, IT staffing, and retail technology.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored services for retail technology
  • Provides cybersecurity solutions
  • Skilled professionals for network management

Cons:

  • Mainly serves retail sectors
  • Limited to IT-related services

Best for software development teams

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Devox provides IT staff augmentation services with expertise in web and mobile development, DevOps, and quality assurance. They serve industries like fintech, healthcare, and AI, delivering skilled professionals to strengthen development capabilities and meet specialized project needs.

Why I picked Devox: Devox works well for software development teams thanks to its tech expertise in Angular, .NET, Java, and Python. You’ll find flexible hiring options, letting your team scale up as needed without lengthy recruiting. With a focus on cost-efficiency and direct project control, Devox helps you integrate skilled professionals efficiently into your projects.

Standout Services: Devox provides customized staffing solutions that allow your team to easily scale with skilled developers in web and mobile technologies. Their flexible cooperation models also let you maintain project management control while accessing talent for both short-term and long-term needs.

Target Industries: FinTech, healthcare, AI, logistics, and education.

Specialties: Web development, mobile development, DevOps, quality assurance, and data analytics.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Wide range of technology expertise
  • Direct project management control
  • Flexible cooperation models

Cons:

  • Mainly focused on EU markets
  • Limited to IT-related services

Best for cost-effective project staffing

  • Pricing upon request

Charter offers staff augmentation services focused on helping businesses access skilled professionals for project-based needs. They primarily support organizations looking to scale their teams without long-term hiring commitments.

Why I picked Charter: Charter connects you with professionals suited to your specific project needs, making it easy to find skilled talent on a flexible basis. They provide staffing solutions that are budget-friendly, so your team can scale up for critical projects without overspending. Overall, Charter’s approach gives you the resources needed to address immediate project demands while keeping overall costs in check.

Standout Services: Charter offers rapid deployment of skilled professionals so you can quickly fill gaps in your team and keep projects moving forward without lengthy onboarding. They also provide flexible contract options that let you adjust the duration and level of expertise based on your project needs, so you’re only paying for talent when you truly need it.

Target Industries: Healthcare, higher education, government, service providers, and energy resources.

Specialties: Digital transformation, IT project management, cybersecurity, data management, and cloud migration.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Reduces administrative overhead
  • Supports various industries
  • Flexible work models offered

Cons:

  • Focus mainly on Canadian industries
  • Limited to IT staff augmentation

Best for Microsoft solutions

  • Free discovery call available
  • Pricing upon request

Softlanding provides IT staff augmentation services, connecting you with certified professionals skilled in Microsoft technologies. They support key areas like cloud management and cybersecurity, focusing on industries such as healthcare, finance, and government.

Why I picked Softlanding: Softlanding is ideal for Microsoft solutions with expertise in Microsoft Azure and Power Platform. They help you quickly fill skill gaps with certified professionals, reducing time to meet project deadlines. Overall, their vetting process focuses on quality, giving your team a reliable partner for IT needs.

Standout Services: Softlanding provides Microsoft Azure expertise, enabling your team to manage cloud environments effectively. Their cybersecurity solutions also offer protection and compliance, addressing critical security challenges in your IT infrastructure.

Target Industries: Healthcare, finance, government, technology, and education.

Specialties: Microsoft Azure, Power Platform, cloud management, cybersecurity, and IT staffing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multiple industries
  • Quality-focused vetting
  • Quick placement process

Cons:

  • Mainly serves Canadian markets
  • Limited to IT-related services

Best for government contracts

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Calian provides staff augmentation services with a focus on IT and communications, primarily for government and defense sectors. They specialize in areas such as cybersecurity, network management, and project coordination, delivering skilled support tailored to these industries.

Why I picked Calian: Calian is built for government contracts, offering specialized IT and communication services tailored to meet strict standards. With expertise in cybersecurity and network management, they help your team meet government requirements. Calian also supports project coordination, making it easier to manage complex projects efficiently.

Standout Services: Calian offers cybersecurity services that help your team protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with government standards. Their network management solutions also ensure reliable and secure communication systems for large-scale projects.

Target Industries: Government, defense, healthcare, telecommunications, and education.

Specialties: Cybersecurity, network management, project coordination, IT staffing, and communications support.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong network management solutions
  • Expertise in cybersecurity
  • Specializes in government contracts

Cons:

  • Mainly serves government sectors
  • Limited to IT and communications

Best for startup collaboration

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

EPAM provides IT staff augmentation services tailored to startups and emerging businesses, specializing in software development and digital transformation. They support startups seeking to strengthen their tech infrastructure with skilled professionals.

Why I picked EPAM: EPAM is a strong choice for startups needing collaboration, with expertise in digital transformation and software development. They offer dedicated teams that blend into your startup’s workflow, helping you stay adaptable as you grow. Overall, their focus on startup-specific challenges and rapid team deployment sets them apart from other providers.

Standout Services: EPAM offers digital transformation solutions that help your team modernize and optimize business processes. Their software development services also provide innovative solutions tailored to your startup's unique needs, supporting growth and scalability.

Target Industries: Startups, technology, finance, healthcare, and retail.

Specialties: Software development, digital transformation, cloud solutions, IT consulting, and Agile methodologies.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers Agile development teams
  • Expertise in digital transformation
  • Focused on startup needs

Cons:

  • Mainly serves startups and tech sectors
  • Limited to IT-related services

Best for custom IT solutions

  • Free consultations available
  • Pricing upon request

Innowise provides IT staff augmentation services centered on custom software development and IT consulting. They work across various industries, offering tailored solutions that help businesses expand their technical capabilities.

Why I picked Innowise: Innowise focuses on custom IT solutions, working closely with your team to develop tailored software and provide IT consulting. They take time to understand your needs, delivering solutions that align with your goals. With a flexible approach, Innowise adapts to client-specific needs, making them a reliable partner across industries.

Standout Services: Innowise provides custom software development that helps your team create unique solutions tailored to your business needs. Their IT consulting services also offer strategic guidance to enhance your technological capabilities and address core challenges.

Target Industries: Finance, healthcare, technology, retail, and logistics.

Specialties: Custom software development, IT consulting, mobile app development, UX/UI design, and cloud solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Expertise in software development
  • Strong focus on client needs
  • Tailored IT solutions offered

Cons:

  • May require direct contact for details
  • Mainly serves specific industries

Best for financial services

  • Pricing upon request

Valenta provides staff augmentation services that allow businesses to expand their workforce efficiently without committing to full-time employees. They support functions like accounting, IT, and customer support, with a focus on financial services and related industries.

Why I picked Valenta: Valenta focuses on cost-effective scaling for financial services, offering access to a global pool of skilled professionals to help your team meet shifting demands without added overhead. Their hybrid approach combines process consulting, automation, and digital transformation, creating versatile solutions tailored for financial sectors.

Standout Services: Valenta provides global workforce access, allowing you to tap into a diverse talent pool that meets your specific project requirements. They also offer hybrid solutions that combine consulting, automation, and digital transformation, helping your team adapt to market changes efficiently.

Target Industries: Accounting, automation, customer support, data analysis, and healthcare.

Specialties: IT, legal services, fractional executive roles, automation, and digital transformation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers hybrid solutions
  • Strong focus on financial services
  • Global workforce access across time zones

Cons:

  • Specific service details limited
  • May not suit all business types

Other Staff Augmentation Providers

Here are some additional staff augmentation providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Vega IT

    For scaling custom development

  2. West X

    For telecom projects

  3. Outwitly

    For UX design teams

  4. Techmate

    For remote IT staffing

  5. Nearsure

    For remote software developers

  6. Parexel

    For pharmaceutical industry support

  7. BairesDev

    For Latin American talent

What Are Staff Augmentation Providers?

Staff augmentation providers offer specialized services to help businesses hire skilled professionals for temporary or project-based roles. They might offer things like:

  • Filling specific skill set gaps
  • Providing temporary project support
  • Scaling teams quickly
  • Offering specialized expertise

Companies typically seek out staff augmentation providers to quickly fill roles without long-term commitments. Businesses facing skill shortages or needing to meet project deadlines often use these services to maintain productivity and efficiency with their internal team.

Staff Augmentation Services Selection Criteria

When selecting the best staff augmentation providers to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points, including things like quickly scaling teams and filling specific skill gaps. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Providing skilled professionals
  • Temporary project support
  • Filling specific skill gaps
  • Flexible staffing solutions
  • Quick team scaling with managed services

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Industry-specific expertise
  • Specialized technical support
  • Custom training programs
  • On-demand staffing/freelancers
  • Cross-functional team integration

Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years in business
  • Number of industries served
  • Variety of clients
  • Depth of industry knowledge
  • Relevance of past projects

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Speed of onboarding process
  • Clarity of onboarding steps
  • Availability of onboarding support
  • Customization of onboarding experience
  • Ease of integration with existing teams

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of support channels
  • Response time to inquiries
  • Quality of support interactions
  • Proactive support services
  • Follow-up on issues

Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Competitiveness of pricing
  • Transparency of cost structure
  • Flexibility of pricing models
  • Value offered for the price
  • Potential return on investment

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction rating
  • Frequency of positive feedback
  • Common themes in negative reviews
  • Specific mentions of service quality
  • Recommendations by existing clients

Key Staff Augmentation Provider Services

When selecting a staff augmentation provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Providing Skilled Professionals: Access a pool of qualified experts to fill specific roles and skill gaps quickly.
  • Temporary Project Support: Bring in temporary teams to help existing staff meet short-term project demands without long-term commitments.
  • Flexible Staffing Solutions: Adjust team sizes easily to align with changing project needs and business objectives.
  • Industry-Specific Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge and skills tailored to your industry’s unique requirements.
  • Custom Training Programs: Receive tailored training to ensure new staff integrate smoothly and meet company standards.
  • Rapid Deployment: Quickly onboard staff to maintain high-quality project momentum and meet deadlines efficiently.
  • IT Consulting: Get strategic advice to enhance your IT infrastructure and address technical challenges.
  • Digital Transformation Solutions: Modernize business processes and systems to stay competitive in the digital age.
  • User Experience Research: Improve products by understanding user behavior and preferences through detailed research.
  • Cybersecurity Solutions: Protect sensitive data and systems with comprehensive security measures tailored to your needs.

Benefits of Staff Augmentation Providers

Partnering with a staff augmentation provider offers several benefits for your in-house team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Access to Talent: Quickly fill roles with skilled professionals who meet your specific needs without going through a rigorous hiring process.
  • Cost Efficiency: Save on recruitment and training costs by hiring temporary augmented teams for short-term projects.
  • Scalability: Easily adjust team member sizes to match project demands without committing to full-time hires.
  • Specialized Skills: Gain access to industry-specific expertise and advanced technical skills that may not be available in-house.
  • Flexibility: Adapt to changing business needs with flexible staffing solutions that allow for rapid team adjustments.
  • Improved Focus: Allow your core team to concentrate on strategic tasks by outsourcing routine or specialized functions with local or global talent.
  • Risk Reduction: Minimize risks associated with hiring permanent staff by using augmentation to test roles and fit.

Costs and Pricing Structures of Staff Augmentation Providers

Staff augmentation services typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Hourly Rate: Charges are based on the number of hours worked by augmented staff.
  • Project-Based: Cost savings are determined by the entire scope of a specific project.
  • Monthly Retainer: A fixed monthly fee is paid for ongoing access to staff.
  • SOW or Deliverables: Pricing is linked to specific deliverables or outcomes outlined in a statement of work.
  • Subscription-Based: Clients pay a recurring fee for access to a set level of staffing services.

Key Factors That Influence Staff Augmentation Provider Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of staff augmentation:

  • Level of Expertise: Highly skilled professionals might command higher rates due to their specialized knowledge.
  • Project Duration: Longer projects might lead to discounted rates or increased costs depending on the provider’s policies.
  • Customization Needs: Tailoring services to fit specific business requirements can affect pricing.
  • Industry Standards: Compliance with industry regulations might increase costs due to additional required expertise.
  • Geographic Location: The location of your business and the provider can impact costs due to variations in local labor rates.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

Staff Augmentation Provider FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about staff augmentation providers:

What’s the typical process for onboarding augmented staff?

The process usually begins with a consultation to understand your needs, followed by selecting the right professionals. You’ll then go through an onboarding phase where the new staff learns about your business processes and tools. This phase is crucial for ensuring smooth integration and effective collaboration.

Can staff augmentation be used for long-term projects?

Yes, staff augmentation can be tailored for both short-term and long-term projects. It offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the duration based on your project requirements. This can be particularly beneficial if you anticipate changes in project scope or business needs over time.

What industries benefit most from staff augmentation?

Industries with fluctuating project demands or specialized skill requirements, like technology, healthcare, and finance, often benefit from staff augmentation. It’s particularly useful for sectors that require rapid scaling or access to niche expertise that isn’t readily available in-house.

How does staff augmentation differ from outsourcing?

Staff augmentation involves adding skilled professionals to your existing team, maintaining control over project management and workflow. Outsourcing models, on the other hand, involves handing over entire projects or functions to an external provider, which may limit your control over the process.

What are the risks associated with staff augmentation?

While staff augmentation offers many benefits, potential risks include integration challenges and dependency on external talent. It’s important to ensure that augmented staff are effectively onboarded and that your team maintains core competencies to mitigate these risks.

What’s Next?

To remain up to date on all the latest in people management, subscribe to our newsletter for leaders and managers. 

Faye Wai
By Faye Wai

Faye Wai is a HR Technology Analyst and contributor to People Managing People, with a background in branding, public relations, and content marketing. She has vet vendors as an end-user in both consultancy and in-house capacities, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the people operations sector.