Amazon is preparing to expand its US workforce for the upcoming holiday shopping season, announcing plans to recruit more than 300,000 workers as it anticipates a surge in customer orders. The move marks the company’s first increase in seasonal hiring in three years and reflects expectations for stronger holiday retail activity.
The online retailer maintained seasonal recruitment at approximately 250,000 employees annually over the previous three years. Its latest hiring plan covers seasonal, part-time and full-time positions across its core US operations, providing additional staffing capacity to support increased demand during the busiest shopping period of the year.
Holiday Shopping Expected to Drive Retail Growth
Amazon’s recruitment expansion comes as retailers prepare for another high-volume holiday season. The National Retail Federation forecast that US holiday sales would increase by 4.2% year over year to more than $1 trillion in 2026.
For Amazon, having sufficient staff will be essential to managing higher order volumes and maintaining its fulfillment and delivery operations. Seasonal employees help support warehouse activities, order processing and other functions required to move products efficiently through the company’s distribution network.
The hiring increase also signals that Amazon is preparing for stronger seasonal demand after maintaining the same recruitment level for three consecutive years.
Healthcare Benefits Expand for Seasonal Workers
Amazon announced that seasonal employees who work at least 30 hours per week will become eligible for healthcare benefits offered to regular full-time employees starting next year.
The policy change comes as healthcare expenses and the broader cost of living continue to place pressure on American households. Retail employers are increasingly addressing employee benefits as part of their workforce strategies.
Walmart recently expanded healthcare benefits for its employees, including offering more than 250 medications at no cost under its updated program. Amazon’s planned benefits expansion similarly introduces additional support for eligible seasonal workers, potentially making temporary positions more attractive to job seekers.
Pay Rates and Employment Opportunities
Amazon said full-time employees will receive a minimum wage of $20 per hour, with average hourly pay approaching $24. Seasonal workers will earn an average of $20 per hour.
The positions offer temporary employment opportunities for people seeking additional income during the holiday period, while the availability of part-time and full-time roles provides different working arrangements depending on operational needs.
The announcement follows a smaller round of job cuts in Amazon’s retail division earlier this month, highlighting the company’s continued adjustments to its workforce even as it prepares to recruit thousands of additional seasonal employees.
Amazon Prepares for Peak-Season Operations
The planned recruitment drive reflects the importance of workforce planning to Amazon’s holiday operations. A significant increase in staffing can help the company manage fluctuating order volumes, support delivery commitments and maintain service levels as shoppers increase their purchases.
With US holiday sales projected to surpass $1 trillion, Amazon’s decision to raise seasonal hiring indicates that it is preparing for a larger operational workload. The combination of competitive hourly pay and expanded healthcare benefits for eligible seasonal employees also forms part of its approach to attracting workers during a highly competitive hiring period.