Amazon says it plans to hire 250,000 seasonal workers

Amazon to Hire 250,000 Workers for Holiday Season

Amazon has announced its plans to hire 250,000 workers for the upcoming holiday season to meet the surge in orders expected during the busy shopping period from October to December. This marks the third consecutive year that the e-commerce giant is ramping up its workforce by at least a quarter of a million temporary and full-time employees.

Amidst a backdrop of declining seasonal job opportunities, Amazon’s hiring spree stands out. Challenger, Gray & Christmas forecasts a decrease in seasonal jobs this year, citing factors such as increased business costs due to U.S tariffs, inflationary pressures, and a rise in automation in the retail sector.

Amazon emphasizes that its seasonal positions offer competitive wages, averaging over $19 per hour. The company’s regular full- and part-time employees earn an average of $23 per hour, along with benefits.

Compared to previous years, retailers are approaching their seasonal hiring plans with caution. Kohl’s and Target, for example, have announced their intentions to hire temporary staff without specifying exact numbers. This cautious approach comes as the overall job market shows signs of cooling, with a modest increase of only 22,000 jobs in August and private estimates indicating a slowdown in hiring.