Amazon Plans More Than 300,000 Holiday Hires, Expands Seasonal Worker Health Benefits (Seattle, WA) — Amazon plans to hire more than 300,000 workers across the United States for the holiday season, pairing its hiring push with higher wages and an expansion of health coverage for eligible seasonal employees.
The company’s Oct. 20 announcement includes seasonal, part-time and full-time positions across its core operations network. Seasonal employees earn an average of $20 an hour, Amazon said.
Full-time core operations employees start at a minimum of $20 an hour, with average hourly pay reaching nearly $24. Amazon puts average total compensation for those employees above $32 an hour when the value of benefits is included.
The hiring campaign follows Amazon’s September announcement of more than $1.5 billion in higher pay for its U.S. core operations workforce. That investment included a $1-an-hour increase for eligible employees.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, seasonal employees working at least 30 hours a week will have access to health coverage, with plans starting at $5 a week and $5 copays. Eligible seasonal workers already employed before that date will gain access Jan. 1, while qualifying workers hired on or after that date will have access from their first day.
Amazon has also expanded discounts on household purchases. U.S. employees can receive an uncapped 10% discount on eligible groceries and everyday essentials purchased online through Amazon and Whole Foods Market, along with 20% off eligible purchases inside Whole Foods stores. The discounts can be combined with existing Prime member savings.
A separate benefit, called Day 1 Financial, will give qualified employees and their families access to membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union. The membership can continue after an employee leaves Amazon. Access will begin rolling out in late 2026 and become broadly available in 2027, the company said.
For workers interested in building skills beyond their current jobs, Amazon’s Career Choice program provides prepaid education and training. Eligible employees can receive up to $5,250 annually in prepaid tuition. The program offers access to degrees, industry certifications, language instruction and career coaching, supporting career moves within Amazon and with other employers.
Amazon said some seasonal employees move into longer-term positions, including training and management roles.
New job openings will be posted weekly from October through December. Applicants can search for local opportunities and sign up for job alerts at amazon.com/localjobs, or text NEWJOB to 31432.
Amazon Plans More Than 300,000 Holiday Hires, Expands Seasonal Worker Health Benefits
