Amazon to Hire 300,000 Workers for the 2026 Holiday Season
Amazon plans to hire more than 300,000 US workers for the 2026 holidays, its biggest seasonal drive ever, paying about $20 an hour on average.
USAIn brief
- Amazon plans to hire more than 300,000 people across the US for the 2026 holiday season, up 20% on last year.
- Seasonal workers earn an average of $20 an hour; full-time operations staff start at $20 or more.
- Jobs are in fulfilment centres and delivery stations, including seasonal, part-time and full-time roles.
- UPS plans about 100,000 seasonal hires, around 9% fewer than last year.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Organization | Amazon |
| Official source | GeekWire – Amazon plans record 300,000 holiday hires ✓ geekwire.com |
Amazon plans to hire more than 300,000 workers across the United States for the 2026 holiday season. That is 20% more than last year and the company's largest holiday hiring target on record, GeekWire reported on 20 October 2026.
The hiring covers seasonal, part-time and full-time roles in Amazon's operations network.
Where the jobs are
The roles are mainly in:
- Fulfilment centres, where orders are picked, packed and shipped
- Delivery stations, where parcels are sorted for the last mile
Amazon said part of the increase is because new sites are opening as its network grows. At the same time, it is shrinking its office workforce: it cut 16,000 corporate jobs in January.
Pay and benefits
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Seasonal pay | About $20 an hour on average |
| Full-time operations starting pay | At least $20 an hour |
| Average across operations staff | Nearly $24 an hour |
| Health cover (from 1 January) | Day one for seasonal staff working 30+ hours a week |
The new day-one health cover starts on 1 January, so it does not apply during this peak season. However, holiday hires who are still in a qualifying role on that date will be covered from then. Before the change, seasonal staff waited 90 days.
The rest of retail is holding back
Amazon's plan stands out. Retailers hired the fewest seasonal workers since 2008 last year, and outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas expects even fewer this year, pointing to automation and cautious spending as tariffs keep prices high.
- UPS plans to hire more than 100,000 seasonal workers, about 9% fewer than last year.
- Target and Walmart have not announced national holiday hiring goals.
For a wider look at US hiring, see our report on the September 2026 US jobs report.
How to apply
Apply only through Amazon's official jobs site, hiring.amazon.com, where you can search by city and shift. Be careful with third-party sites or agents that ask for payment to get you a warehouse job.
What it means for job seekers
- Apply early. The best shifts and locations fill first.
- Ask about staying on. Seasonal roles can turn into permanent jobs, and staying past 1 January now brings health cover.
- Be ready for physical work. Warehouse roles involve standing, lifting and walking for long shifts.
- Compare offers. With other retailers hiring fewer people, Amazon and UPS are the biggest seasonal employers this year.
Frequently asked questions
How many holiday workers is Amazon hiring in 2026?
More than 300,000 across the US, Amazon's largest holiday hiring target on record and 20% more than last year.
How much do Amazon seasonal jobs pay?
Seasonal workers earn about $20 an hour on average, and full-time operations jobs start at a minimum of $20 an hour.
Do Amazon seasonal workers get health insurance?
From 1 January, seasonal staff working 30+ hours a week get healthcare from day one. Holiday hires still in qualifying roles on that date gain cover then.
Where do I apply for Amazon holiday jobs?
On Amazon's official hiring site, hiring.amazon.com.
Apply only through the official source.
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