Operators With Tested AI Proficiency
Every Staff Stack operator is StackCertified — tested on role-specific tasks, AI workflow proof, and async communication before they ever join your team.
Two ways to hire. Both include AI-certified talent.
Should I pay a placement fee or a monthly fee?
Choose Direct Hire if you want to employ the operator yourself: it costs a one-time 25-35% of year 1 salary, starts with a $500 deposit, and includes a 6-month replacement guarantee. Choose Managed Teams if you want payroll and HR admin handled with month-to-month flexibility: you pay salary plus $1,600 per month per operator, with a 30-day replacement guarantee and 30 days' notice to cancel. See our hiring process and replacement guarantees.
Direct Hire
We find, you employ
One-time placement fee
- $500 deposit to start: fully refundable if we don't deliver a shortlist within 10 business days or you decide not to hire from it; credited against the placement fee if you hire
- One-time fee: 25-35% of year 1 salary
- 6-month replacement guarantee
- You handle employment directly
- StackCertified AI-proficient operators
Managed Teams
We handle payroll & HR admin
Staff Stack monthly management fee
- Salary + $1,600/mo Staff Stack fee
- We handle payroll and day-to-day HR admin
- 30-day replacement guarantee
- Month-to-month: 30 days' written notice to cancel, no early-termination fee
- StackCertified AI-proficient operators
Pricing questions
What is a one-time placement fee?
Direct Hire has a one-time fee of 25-35% of the operator's year 1 salary. A $500 deposit starts the search and is credited against the fee if you hire.
What does the $1,600 per month managed fee cover?
Managed Teams cost the operator's salary plus a $1,600 monthly Staff Stack fee per operator. Staff Stack handles payroll and day-to-day HR admin.
Is there a contract or minimum term?
Managed Teams are month-to-month. You can cancel with 30 days' written notice and there is no early-termination fee. Direct Hire is a one-time placement fee, and you handle employment directly.
What happens if the hire does not work out?
Direct Hire includes a 6-month replacement guarantee. Managed Teams include a 30-day replacement guarantee. Staff Stack replaces the operator under either guarantee; it does not issue a refund.
Which model costs less over a year?
It depends on the operator's salary and how many months you use Managed Teams. Direct Hire charges a one-time 25-35% of year 1 salary. Managed Teams add $1,600 per month for each month employed, on top of salary. Compare roles with the salary calculator and salary guide.
Estimate hiring costs with the staffing calculator or review the salary guide.
Compare Plans
Both plans include StackCertified operators. Choose the level of support that fits your business.
| Feature | Direct Hire | Managed Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Structure | One-time | Monthly |
| Payroll & HR admin | You handle | We handle |
| Equipment | Operator's own business-grade setup, verified by us | Operator's own business-grade setup, verified by us |
| Time to Hire | Shortlist in 5 business days; start within 7 days of your pick | Shortlist in 5 business days; start within 7 days of your pick |
| Contract | One-time placement fee | Month-to-month, 30 days' notice, no early-termination fee |
| Guarantee | 6-month replacement | 30-day replacement |
| Ongoing Support | None | Full support |
| AI Certification | Included | Included |
Fee Structure
Direct Hire
One-time
Managed Teams
Monthly
Payroll & HR admin
Direct Hire
You handle
Managed Teams
We handle
Equipment
Direct Hire
Operator's own business-grade setup, verified by us
Managed Teams
Operator's own business-grade setup, verified by us
Time to Hire
Direct Hire
Shortlist in 5 business days; start within 7 days of your pick
Managed Teams
Shortlist in 5 business days; start within 7 days of your pick
Contract
Direct Hire
One-time placement fee
Managed Teams
Month-to-month, 30 days' notice, no early-termination fee
Guarantee
Direct Hire
6-month replacement
Managed Teams
30-day replacement
Ongoing Support
Direct Hire
None
Managed Teams
Full support
AI Certification
Direct Hire
Included
Managed Teams
Included
Included With Every Operator
Regardless of which plan you choose, every Staff Stack operator comes with these guarantees.
AI Certification
Every operator passes AI workflow proof — prompt, output, edit, deliverable. Not generic hires.
Replacement Guarantee
30 days on Managed Teams, 6 months on Direct Hire. If it doesn't work out, we replace them — never a refund.
Fast Placement
Vetted shortlist in 5 business days. Your operator starts within 7 days of your pick.
Role-Specific Testing
Timed practical tests for each role — Klaviyo flows, ad account audits, Shopify bugfixes.
Async Communication
Every operator is screened for Loom walkthroughs, written updates, and escalation handling.
Shareable Scorecard
Full transparency — test scores, sample outputs, and tool fluency ratings before you hire.
Ready to Build Your Team?
AI-certified operators, with a vetted shortlist in 5 business days. More capacity without more chaos.