Amazon to Hire 300,000 Holiday Workers, Up 20% From Last Season

Amazon plans to hire more than 300,000 seasonal, part-time and full-time workers across its U.S. operations for the holiday season, the company announced Tuesday. The figure marks a 20% increase over the 250,000 holiday workers the retailer has hired each season since 2023.

The move stands out in a holiday cycle when most retailers are cutting seasonal hiring or staying silent about their plans. Amazon hires seasonal employees year-round, not only in the fourth quarter.

What changes for seasonal workers on Jan. 1?

Starting Jan. 1, Amazon will offer healthcare coverage from the first day of employment to seasonal employees who work at least 30 hours per week. The benefit has typically gone only to regular, full-time employees. Workers hired into qualifying roles before Jan. 1 will gain access to coverage on that date.

J. Ofori Agboka, vice president of people experience and technology at Amazon, wrote in the announcement: "That means anyone who joins us in these qualifying seasonal roles now or in the future will have access to healthcare — whether they join us for the holidays or at another point in the year."

Seasonal employees earn an average of $20 an hour, according to the company.

How does the hiring fit Amazon's pay strategy?

The seasonal hiring push builds on pay increases Amazon announced this fall. Full-time core operations employees now earn a minimum starting wage of $20 an hour, and the change lifted the average starting wage to about $24 per hour.

Amazon also recently introduced grocery benefits. They include an uncapped 10% discount on eligible grocery and everyday essentials on Amazon's website and at Whole Foods Market online, and 20% off purchases in Whole Foods stores.

Where is Amazon still cutting jobs?

The company is expanding frontline hiring while trimming other parts of its workforce. Earlier this month, Amazon confirmed job cuts in its retail division affecting hundreds of employees. The company declined to specify which roles were cut but said it was changing the structure of its stores business.

One year ago, Amazon reduced its corporate workforce by 14,000 roles, citing AI streamlining of workforce needs.

For retail and logistics competitors, the message is direct: Amazon is spending more on frontline labor capacity and benefits exactly where peak-season fulfillment pressure is highest, while consolidating behind the scenes.