Amazon plans to recruit more than 300,000 workers across the United States for the 2026 holiday season, marking its first increase in seasonal hiring in three years as the online retailer prepares for higher consumer demand.
The company announced on October 20, that it would recruit employees for seasonal, part-time and full-time positions across its core US operations. Amazon had hired 250,000 workers for the holiday season annually over the previous three years, according to Reuters.
The hiring expansion comes as retailers prepare for a busy shopping period. The National Retail Federation forecast last week that US holiday sales would increase 4.2% year on year to more than US$1 trillion in 2026.
Amazon sets hourly pay and healthcare benefits
Amazon said full-time employees would receive a minimum hourly wage of US$20, with average pay reaching nearly US$24 per hour. Seasonal employees would earn an average of US$20 per hour.
The company also announced plans to extend healthcare benefits to seasonal workers who work at least 30 hours per week, starting in 2027. Eligible employees will receive the healthcare benefits offered to regular full-time employees.
The move comes as US households face rising living costs and healthcare expenses. Walmart expanded healthcare benefits for its workforce last week, reflecting broader attention to employee benefits among major retailers.
Seasonal recruitment expands amid workforce changes
Amazon’s holiday hiring plans follow a small number of layoffs in its retail division announced earlier in October, according to Reuters report.
The increase in seasonal recruitment signals the company’s preparation for higher fulfilment and operational requirements during the year-end shopping period, when retailers typically experience a surge in orders.
For Amazon, the planned recruitment will combine temporary seasonal roles with part-time and full-time opportunities, while the expansion of healthcare benefits for eligible seasonal employees will take effect next year.
The hiring announcement comes as retailers balance seasonal workforce requirements with employee compensation, benefits and changing consumer demand.