Depends on the org, and the rate. For high rates for specialists (well in excess of $250/hr), this is true (contractor sees 30-40%). For lower-end shops and l

Depends on the org, and the rate. For high rates for specialists (well in excess of $250/hr), this is true (contractor sees 30-40%). For lower-end shops and lower rates (think your Robert Half, your Randstads), the contractor tends to take 50-60% of the bill rate. My sources are VPs from some of the large contingency recruiters, founders of some mid-range consulting shops (~500 person headcount), and having to help run a smaller consulting shop (~20 employees) in the past before going fully independent.