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    56131 - Employment Placement Agencies and Executive Search Services

    If you’re navigating the world of government contracting or exploring business classification codes, understanding NAICS Code 56131 is essential. This code focuses on businesses that specialize in connecting employers with the right talent — whether through temporary staffing, permanent placement, or executive search services. With the job market continuously evolving, companies under this classification play a vital role in workforce solutions and recruitment.

    What is NAICS Code 56131?

    NAICS Code 56131, titled Employment Placement Agencies and Executive Search Services, encompasses establishments primarily engaged in:

    • Listing employment vacancies
    • Referring or placing applicants for employment

    This industry includes a range of services that find job seekers suitable employment opportunities by matching talent with employer demands. It covers companies from temporary staffing agencies to specialized executive search firms.

    Sector Overview

    NAICS Code 56131 belongs to the broader sector of:

    • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services

    This sector includes support services that facilitate business operations, with employment placement agencies acting as a bridge between the labor market and companies seeking qualified candidates.

    Typical Business Activities Include:

    • Temporary staffing for various industries
    • Executive search services focused on senior-level and specialized placements
    • General employment placement and referral services

    Size Standards for NAICS Code 56131

    When qualifying for government contracts, it’s important to be aware of the size standards for eligibility. The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines small business size standards for this NAICS code as:

    • Annual receipts of $16.5 million or less (varies slightly based on specific government regulations)

    These thresholds ensure that small and medium enterprises offering employment placement services can participate in government contracting opportunities.

    Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 56131

    • Temporary Staffing Agencies: Agencies providing short-term personnel to businesses in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and administration.
    • Executive Search Firms: Specialized companies offering recruitment services to find high-level executives for corporations.
    • Employment Placement Agencies: Organizations that list job vacancies and assist in matching applicants with permanent job openings.

    NAICS Code 56131 Details Table

    Attribute Description
    NAICS Code 56131
    Title Employment Placement Agencies and Executive Search Services
    Description Establishments engaged in listing employment vacancies and referring or placing applicants for employment; includes executive search and temporary staffing agencies.
    Sector Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
    Typical Businesses Temporary staffing agencies, Executive search firms, Employment placement agencies
    Size Standards Annual receipts of $16.5 million or less
    Usage Connecting job seekers with employers, talent acquisition services, workforce solutions

    FAQ About NAICS Code 56131

    What types of companies fall under NAICS 56131?

    Companies primarily engaged in employment placement, temporary staffing, and executive search services are classified under this code. This includes firms placing candidates in permanent, temporary, or executive positions.

    Why is NAICS code 56131 important?

    This NAICS code defines a vital industry that helps streamline employment services and talent acquisition, essential for businesses seeking skilled employees and job seekers looking for opportunities.

    How is the size standard determined for this NAICS code?

    The Small Business Administration sets annual receipt limits—in this case, $16.5 million or less—to qualify as a small business under NAICS 56131 for government contracting purposes.

    Can an executive search firm be classified under NAICS 56131?

    Yes. Executive search firms specializing in high-level placements are included under NAICS code 56131.

    How does this NAICS code benefit job seekers and employers?

    By providing specialized placement and recruitment services, businesses under NAICS 56131 facilitate quicker, more efficient matches between employers’ needs and candidates’ skills.


    Understanding NAICS code 56131 is crucial for businesses operating in recruitment and placement services. Whether you run a temporary staffing agency or an executive search firm, this classification helps position your company for government contracts and industry recognition. For job seekers and employers alike, these services remain indispensable in today’s dynamic employment landscape.