Amazon is a busy place as millions of orders are placed and fulfilled. But a few months to the end of the year, Amazon warehouse facilities become even busier as the volume of packages increases during this period. So, when is peak season at Amazon?
When Is Peak Season at Amazon?
The peak season at Amazon is from late October until late December or early January. Peak season typically lasts 4 to 6 months, and Amazon records increased orders during this time. Amazon usually employs seasonal employees to meet the high demand and may let them go after peak season.
Keep reading to find out if you can work at Amazon during peak season, if Amazon pays more during peak season, whether it’s worth it to work during peak season and more.
What Is Amazon’s Peak Season?
Peak season is the busiest time of the year at Amazon. There’s a higher record of orders this season as people constantly need to buy gifts and other items for big events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year celebrations.
Peak season is usually busy and demanding for associates who work in Amazon facilities as packages increase in volume at Amazon fulfillment, sortation, and pickup centers.
During this period, employees may have to work overtime and have increased efficiency (e.g., higher pack flow rate). Usually, Amazon takes in new employees during the peak season to help meet customer demand on time.
Can You Take Off During Peak Season at Amazon?
In many situations, workers only get one or two days off every week during the peak period. While unpaid time off and personal time can be used anytime by full-time workers, no vacation is allowed during peak season.
In most Amazon fulfillment centers, vacation time is typically locked during this period because there is a lot of pressure to meet targets. It is called the blackout period because Amazon does not allow vacation time during this period.
However, you may request a vacation any time before the blackout. This can be done by requesting PTO (Paid time off) and UPT (Unpaid personal time) before the peak season starts.
In many situations, workers only get one or two days off every week during the peak period. But Amazon will also require them to do mandatory overtime. So, when you need a break, you can make demands of them.
Does Amazon Pay More During Peak Season?
Amazon pays more per hour during peak season. Many Amazon facilities have increased their workers’ hourly pay by $2 to $3 an hour during peak season. This also depends on the shifts in various facilities. You also earn an extra $1 per hour above base pay when you work weekends.
Amazon will continue to pay associates this amount up to the end of peak season (mostly on January 1st). Full-time and part-time employees also receive holiday bonuses at Amazon.
Certain facilities also pay double the time for any hours worked over 40 per week during a particular month in the peak season, like December (or sometimes for the whole peak season).
If you’re working for Amazon as a seasonal employee, you are not an actual staff member, and you won’t start receiving benefits until you become a full-time, part-time, or reduced-time employee.
When Does Amazon Peak Season End?
In most Amazon fulfillment centers, the peak season starts before major celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas to early January.
It means the start date of peak seasons could be from October to November, and the end date could be from Late December to New Year’s Eve or early January.
The end date for peak season is different across Amazon fulfillment centers.
Can You Work at Amazon Just During Peak Season?
You can work as a seasonal worker at Amazon during peak season. During peak season, Amazon recruits seasonal employees before thanksgiving. This might be from mid-October to late November.
However, if you want to be a seasonal worker, you should apply once the application is available. Amazon seasonal employment is available from mid-October to late November. The employment ends from late December to early January.
You will earn extra pay for taking extra shifts and working weekends. At the end of the peak season, Amazon will let you go as a seasonal worker (white badge).
You might also be hired full-time (blue badge) depending on how uniquely you performed your job and if you’re willing to keep working for Amazon. However, there are no guarantees that Amazon will retain you or anyone.
Is Peak Season Hard at Amazon?
Peak season has a very demanding schedule that might be challenging for newer workers. You’ll essentially be working more hours while performing the same tedious tasks.
However, you can survive the challenging weeks of peak season and earn extra pay. So, how do you survive the peak season at Amazon?
- Pay close attention to your sleep routine and make an effort to get as much rest as possible. Rest is crucial for both your physical and emotional well-being.
A lack of sleep might also affect your ability to perform well at work. Therefore, make an effort to follow an 8–9 hour sleep pattern each day.
- Make sure to start your holiday shopping early because there won’t be much time left for it later.
- Before peak hours begin, save up your PTO and UPT. When you feel the need to pause, you’ll need them.
- Mentally prepare yourself for the hectic weeks; this will help you condition your mind and help you through the peak season.
- Drink plenty of water while trying to enhance and maintain your performance. Dehydration can impact how well you function.
- Inform your family that you will be busy and may not have as much time for them as they want. At Amazon, there’s a good chance you’ll work on Christmas and Thanksgiving during the peak season.
- You should invest in comfortable, good-quality shoes since you may stand for long hours.
- Don’t be scared to obtain help if the peak becomes too stressful for you. Therapists are available on-site at Amazon facilities and can assist you with any problems you could run into during this time.
- Take yourself for a treat with the extra income after the peak is over!
Is Amazon Peak Season Worth It?
Working 12 hours during peak season can be quite stressful for employees who work in Amazon facilities. But it’s worth it with the extra pay. If you make it through, you will receive extra pay and compensation, which means more money.
A demanding schedule characterizes peak season, and both full-time and seasonal employees may find it challenging. If you find out that you won’t be able to handle the workload and the long hours, you can decide to quit.
Does Amazon Let People Go After Peak Season?
Seasonal jobs at Amazon typically last from October through January for a few months. It’s a temporary job, so seasonal employees will be let go after the holiday.
However, some seasonal employees are requested to continue much longer. It depends on the position, the worker, the division, and the overall output.
Amazon may demand seasonal employees to continue their service if they work hard and are seen as a real value to the company.
Conclusion
Amazon’s peak season starts before Thanksgiving in late October and lasts until Christmas or early January. The exact start date could be the 24th of October and the end date the 6th of January. During peak season, Amazon needs more warehouse workers and pays a higher salary.