Some of the very best workplaces are IT contractors. Generally there are limits to hourly invoicing, so the pay ranges are quite limited compared to product companies. Thus, in order to attract top talent the companies simply have to be nice places to work at. Also, hourly invoicing means sane working hours.<p>Then again, some of the contracting agencies are probably among the worst places, too, employing people with limited choices. Just need to identify the good ones.