Amazon plans to hire more than 300,000 workers across the United States for the 2026 holiday season, a 20% increase from last year as the company prepares for a surge in online orders, warehouse activity, and package deliveries. The hiring campaign will provide seasonal employment opportunities across Amazon’s extensive fulfillment and delivery network as millions of Americans shop for the holidays.

The new positions are expected to include seasonal, part-time and full-time opportunities supporting the company’s operations during the November and December shopping rush. Workers will help process orders, prepare packages and keep deliveries moving as demand increases in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Amazon has maintained a seasonal hiring target of approximately 250,000 workers over the past three years, making this year's planned recruitment a notable expansion. The increase reflects the logistical demands of serving customers during the holiday period, when retailers face pressure to process large volumes of orders and deliver purchases on time.

The company has said seasonal employees will earn an average of $20 per hour. Full-time operations employees start at a minimum of $20 per hour, with average hourly pay reaching nearly $24 when benefits are included. Actual compensation can vary depending on the position and location.

Amazon is also expanding benefits for eligible seasonal workers. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week will qualify for health care coverage starting on their first day. Available plans will start at $5 per week with $5 copays. Seasonal workers hired before that date who meet the eligibility requirements will qualify when the new benefit takes effect.

For job seekers, the holiday hiring campaign offers an opportunity to earn additional income during the end-of-year period, when many households face increased spending on gifts, travel and celebrations. Seasonal work can also give employees experience in logistics, warehouse operations and customer fulfillment, with some workers potentially moving into permanent positions after the holiday rush.

Amazon’s hiring plans come as retailers prepare for intense competition during the holiday shopping season. The ability to move products efficiently through warehouses and delivery networks is critical during this period, when delays can affect customer satisfaction and sales.