<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated financial statements of CDI Corp. and Subsidiaries and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          15,561
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  261,707
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,439
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               322,614
<PP&E>                                          71,383
<DEPRECIATION>                                  45,324
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 375,304
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          120,492
<BONDS>                                         59,166
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,988
<OTHER-SE>                                     185,690
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   375,304
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               360,461
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  278,519
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 704
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 18,088
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,236
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             10,741
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,741
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .54
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0