Last Updated: April 16, 2026
Quick Answer: FedEx, UPS, Amazon, Target, and Walmart hire the most seasonal workers each fall, adding hundreds of thousands of temporary positions for the holiday shipping and retail surge. Pay ranges from $15–$24/hr depending on employer and role. Most seasonal positions require no prior experience — just a background check and drug screen. Apply in September or October for the best shift selection before peak positions fill.
Browse Seasonal & Holiday Job Applications
Seasonal and holiday hiring surges each fall as retailers, logistics companies, and shippers staff up for the November–January peak. More than 700,000 temporary workers are added across the U.S. retail and logistics sectors during the holiday season, with the largest employers being Amazon (150,000+ seasonal hires), UPS (100,000+ peak hires), FedEx (90,000+ peak hires), and major retailers including Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and Best Buy.
Seasonal employment is ideal for students, workers looking to supplement income, or those seeking a foot in the door toward permanent employment. The majority of seasonal roles offer competitive pay, flexible shift options, and a direct path to full-time employment for top performers. Logistics employers in particular have historically converted 20–40% of seasonal workers to permanent positions after peak season.
The best time to apply is September through early October. High-demand shift types (overnight, early morning, weekend) fill first. Applying early gives you the best choice of location, schedule, and role. Most employers open seasonal applications 8–12 weeks before the November peak.
Seasonal & Holiday Application Guides
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Seasonal Employer Comparison
| Employer | Type | Min Age | Pay Range | Best Apply Window | Permanent Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | Logistics / Shipping | 18 | $15–$20/hr | Sept–Oct | High |
| Best Buy | Retail Electronics | 16 | $15–$18/hr | Sept–Oct | Moderate |
| Kohl’s | Retail / Fulfillment | 16 | $15–$17/hr | Sept–Oct | Moderate |
| Party City | Retail Seasonal | 16 | $13–$16/hr | Aug–Sept (Halloween) | Low–Moderate |
| USPS | Federal Mail / Logistics | 18 | $20.78+/hr | Sept–Oct | High |
What to Expect from Seasonal & Holiday Work
Fast hiring and quick start: Seasonal employers move fast. Many logistics and retail employers run near-daily orientation sessions during peak hiring windows. FedEx and UPS are known for hiring thousands of workers per week during October, with new hires starting within days of passing a background check. Apply early and respond quickly to maximize your chances of landing your preferred shift.
Physical demands: Logistics seasonal roles (package handler, warehouse associate) are physically demanding. Expect to stand for entire shifts, lift up to 50–75 lbs repeatedly, and work in temperature-variable warehouse environments. Retail seasonal roles are less physically intense but require extended time on your feet. USPS mail handler roles require sustained physical output and strict attendance standards.
Path to permanent employment: Seasonal work is one of the most reliable paths to a permanent job offer. FedEx, UPS, USPS, Amazon, Target, and Kohl’s all have documented programs that convert high-performing seasonal workers to regular status. Expressing interest in a permanent role to your supervisor, maintaining strong attendance, and demonstrating reliability are the most reliable factors in getting a permanent offer after peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to apply for seasonal and holiday jobs?
September and early October are the ideal windows for most retail and logistics seasonal positions. The largest employers — Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Target, Walmart — open seasonal applications 8–12 weeks before the November shipping and shopping peak. Applying early gives you the best choice of shift, location, and role. Party City and Halloween-specific retailers often begin hiring in August. Most seasonal positions are filled before November 1.
Do seasonal jobs lead to permanent employment?
Yes — especially at logistics employers. FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and USPS have high permanent conversion rates for seasonal workers who demonstrate reliability, strong attendance, and production output. Retail employers (Best Buy, Kohl’s, Target) also offer permanent positions to seasonal workers who perform well, particularly in departments with ongoing turnover. Expressing interest in permanent employment directly to your supervisor during the seasonal period improves your conversion chances significantly.
What seasonal job pays the most?
USPS Postal Support Employees (mail handlers and city carrier assistants) offer the highest base pay for seasonal government employment, starting above $20/hr with federal employment benefits. Among logistics companies, Amazon fulfillment roles and UPS package handler positions typically pay $18–$23/hr. Retail seasonal roles generally pay $14–$18/hr depending on market and employer. CDL driver seasonal roles at FedEx and UPS pay the highest of all, at $22–$30+/hr.
Do seasonal employers do background checks?
Yes — most seasonal employers run a criminal background check as part of the hiring process. Logistics employers (FedEx, UPS, Amazon, USPS) and major retailers (Best Buy, Kohl’s, Target) all screen seasonal applicants. USPS has the most thorough vetting process, including a background investigation standard for federal employment. Drug testing requirements vary — FedEx, USPS, and UPS typically require a pre-hire drug screen, while most retail employers do not for non-driving roles.