Amazon to hire 300,000 seasonal workers, expand healthcare benefits
Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced it is hiring over 300,000 people for seasonal, part-time, and full-time roles across its U.S. core operations network during the 2026 holiday season.
Starting January 1, 2027, eligible seasonal employees who work at least 30 hours per week will have access to healthcare coverage beginning on their first day of employment. Plan options start at $5 per week with $5 copays. Seasonal employees hired before January 1, 2027 will gain access to coverage on that date, while those hired on or after that date will have access from their first day.
Seasonal employees earn an average of $20 per hour. Full-time core operations employees start at a minimum of $20 per hour, with average hourly pay reaching nearly $24 per hour. Amazon said average total compensation for full-time employees, including benefits, exceeds $32 per hour. The company said it recently committed more than $1.5 billion in higher pay for its U.S. core operations workforce.

Amazon also announced additional benefits for U.S. employees, including an uncapped 10% discount on eligible groceries on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online, and an uncapped 20% discount in Whole Foods Market stores. A new program called Day 1 Financial will give qualified employees and their families access to banking services through First Tech Federal Credit Union, with access beginning in late 2026 and broader availability in 2027.
Existing benefits include a free Prime membership, prepaid tuition through its Career Choice program of up to $5,250 per year, a 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, and 24/7 mental health support. New job opportunities will be posted weekly from October through December.

