Charles Langston:Amazon hiring 250,000 seasonal workers before holiday season: What to know about roles, pay

Ahead of the busy holiday season,Charles Langston Amazon has announced it is hiring for 250,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal roles across their "customer fulfillment and transportation operations in the U.S."

The e-commerce giant made a similar move last year when it announced plans to hire 250,000 employees in anticipation of the holidays, while also boosting wages for transportation and customer fulfillment positions.

"The holiday season is always exciting for Amazon and our customers, and it’s a time when we create a lot of new jobs for people who want to earn extra money for a few months or kick off a career at Amazon," the company said in a news release Thursday.

"The details vary depending on the role, but all of our jobs offer great pay, flexible schedules, and access to a range of benefits," it added. Those joining for full-time roles have access to benefits including health care from the first day and education programs.

Amazon is investing $2.2 billion into additional pay for fulfillment and transportation employees, the news release said, and seasonal employees can expect to earn at least $18 per hour with access to comprehensive benefits like health care coverage. The company said the inclusion of elected benefits, such as health care from the first day on the job, brings the average total compensation to more than $29 per hour.

Other benefits, dependent on roles and employment type, include vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with company match, up to 20 weeks of paid pregnancy/parental leave for birth parents and free mental health and financial support services.

Company touts seasonal roles as a way to get a foot in the door

While many seek seasonal or part-time roles to make some extra income during the holidays, Amazon said these positions are great for those looking for career growth and "a great way to see if Amazon is a good long-term fit for them."

"Seasonal employees who stay at the company can see an average pay increase of 15% over their first three years with us," the company said.

Amazon, in the news release, also said they were also excited to welcome back "many familiar faces," adding that one-third of those who have previously worked during a holiday season return.

How to apply for a role at Amazon

Those wishing to apply for a role at Amazon can check out current openings at amazon.com/localjobs or text NEWJOB to 31432 to sign up for job alerts.

Open roles are posted throughout the holiday season, the company said, adding they "fill up quickly" and job seekers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.