Are you w-2 employee of the firm that has you contracted to the company or are you 1099? Do you have any benefits such as vacation, holiday, or sick pay? 401k match? Life, health, dental insurance that you don't pay 100% of the cost for?

I worked as an IT consultant many, many years ago. I got paid 80% of bill rate. 7.65% went directly to the company side of FICA. The company had to pay for my workman's comp and unemployment insurance. So, when all was said and done, they got a small, but fair, percentage of my wages. My consulting company had an office and at least 3 staff members. They had costs and profit to meet, so it was an equitable arrangement. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone offering 80% of bill rate these days.

The idea that your recruiter makes 30k a year off you is absurd. The recruiter's company may, but the recruiter himself doesn't. Also, the recruiting company has costs too. They aren't a charity.

Your options are:

1. Become an employee of the company you are working at. However, they are also going to make a profit off you, otherwise why would they be in business?

2. Go somewhere else with a higher bill rate.

3. Talk to the company you contract through and ask for a raise.

4. Find another consulting firm, which will require you work elsewhere.