You ask for a raise. When they tell you no you go work for a different contracting firm.

It's hard to say without knowing the recruiter agreement with the company or even the industry. It's also hard for me to believe a recruiter is getting paid $30k/year for finding you, but I've witnessed more surprising things.

You're probably better off looking for a job elsewhere, if money is your main concern. If you get an offer, you can try to leverage it for a raise but I doubt the raise would be ~50%

Recruiters get a commission. Not a periodic cut of your salary. Temp agencies can have contracts that reduce your wages up to a certain time period depending on your state.

See if you can become independent.

You don’t. That’s why they contracted you instead of filling the position.

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.

I did it many times. I always say to boss, hey I found new job, they pay 1,5 times more. I am going to leave. And each time I got my pay rise.

Ask your clients to hire you permanently.

I hear on the news about companies can’t find workers but your using a recruiter? Can you explain why? Thanks

1. You have a pay conversation where you make your points onwhy you deserve a better pay. And let your manager justify your pay.
2. Push for an adjustment, now is better, future in 6 months may also be an option. Your employer maybe able to give you some other benefits, stocks, bonus etc to keep you happy.
3. If you employer completely shuts you down, you know you have to come up with a counter offer to get better pay.

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Your work is supporting that contractor. Shop for a new one.

$62,400 after taxes or before taxes?

If you are a contractor you should simply refuse any job you don’t think you are being paid enough for. If you want the job you can possibly negotiate a higher wage. Be careful tho because there is always someone willing to do it for less.

Recruiter is probably being paid $1k to find someone for $62k