Let’s talk about Amazon. When people think about working at Amazon, they usually picture either: (1) Jeff Bezos flying rockets, or (2) warehouse workers walking 15 miles a day. Both exist, but there’s a lot more to it.
Here’s what most people don’t realize about learning how to get hired at Amazon: they hire CONSTANTLY (like, hundreds of thousands of people per year), the pay is competitive ($18-22/hour starting in most markets), the benefits are solid from day one, and yes—it’s physically demanding. But it’s also one of the fastest ways to get a stable job with benefits.
I’ve helped thousands of people figure out how to get hired at Amazon, and I’m about to break down everything you need to know. The pay structure, the different types of positions (warehouse, delivery, corporate), the application process (it’s actually simple), what the work is really like, and how to decide if it’s right for you.
Whether you’re 18 and need immediate income, 30 and making a career change, or 55 and wanting steady work, Amazon has positions. This complete guide on how to get hired at Amazon covers every step from clicking “apply” to scanning your first package.
Let’s get you hired. 📦
The Quick Facts About How to Get Hired at Amazon
Here’s what you need to know right now:
💰 Starting Pay: $18-$22/hour (varies by location and shift)
📍 Facility Count: 1,000+ facilities across the U.S. (warehouses, delivery stations, sort centers)
👥 Employees: 1.5+ million worldwide (750,000+ in U.S.)
⏱️ Time to Get Hired: 1-2 weeks (sometimes 48 hours—Amazon hires FAST)
🎂 Minimum Age: 18 years old (no exceptions due to equipment)
💉 Drug Test: YES (pre-employment)
🔍 Background Check: YES
🎓 Education Required: None (high school preferred but not always required)
💪 Physical Requirements: HIGH (must lift 49 lbs regularly)
📅 Schedule: Flexible shift options, including overnight
🎯 Hiring Speed: VERY FAST (Amazon hires constantly)
🚀 Sign-On Bonus: Often $1,000-3,000 (depending on location and need)
Now let’s break down why Amazon is worth considering and how to actually get the job.
Why Amazon is Actually a Solid Choice
Before diving into how to get hired at Amazon, let’s address what makes it worth your time.
1. The Pay is Better Than Most Warehouse Jobs
Amazon’s $18/hour minimum (in most markets) beats:
- Walmart warehouse: $16-18/hour
- Target warehouse: $17-19/hour
- UPS warehouse (starting): $15-17/hour
- FedEx warehouse: $16-18/hour
Plus Amazon offers:
- Night shift differential ($1-2/hour extra)
- Weekend differential ($1-2/hour extra)
- Overtime (time-and-a-half)
- Sign-on bonuses ($1,000-3,000 in many markets)
Example earnings:
- Base: $19/hour
- Night shift: +$1.50/hour
- Weekend: +$1.50/hour
- Effective rate: $22/hour on weekend nights
- Plus overtime: $33/hour
2. Benefits Start on Day One
Unlike most employers, Amazon benefits begin IMMEDIATELY:
From your first day:
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) with 50% company match
- Paid time off starts accruing
- Employee discounts
Most jobs make you wait 60-90 days. Amazon doesn’t.
3. Career Advancement is Real
Amazon promotes from within aggressively:
Typical path:
- Warehouse Associate → Process Assistant → Area Manager → Operations Manager
Timeline:
- Process Assistant: 6-12 months (20-30% pay increase)
- Area Manager: 1-2 years ($55-75K salary)
- Operations Manager: 3-5 years ($85-120K salary)
Plus Amazon’s Career Choice program:
- Pays 95% of tuition for career training
- Includes high-demand fields (healthcare, IT, trucking)
- $12,000 toward education
4. The Schedule Flexibility is Unique
Amazon offers shift options most warehouses don’t:
FlexPT (Part-Time Flex):
- Choose your own hours
- Work as little as 4 hours/week
- Pick shifts via app 1-2 days in advance
- Perfect for students, parents, gig workers
Traditional Shifts:
- 4-day, 10-hour shifts (3 days off per week)
- 3-day, 12-hour shifts (4 days off per week)
- 5-day, 8-hour shifts (traditional)
Shift variety:
- Day shift (6am-4pm)
- Evening shift (4pm-12am)
- Night shift (6pm-4am or 12am-10am)
- Weekend only (Friday-Sunday)
5. It’s Hiring Friendly
Amazon hires people who struggle to get hired elsewhere:
- First-time workers
- People with criminal records (case-by-case)
- Older workers
- People with employment gaps
- Those with limited English
If you can pass background check and drug test, you’ll likely get hired.
6. The Job Security
Amazon is essential infrastructure. Even during recessions, people order packages. This means:
- Stable employment
- Consistent hours
- Growth opportunities
- Unlikely layoffs (for warehouse)
What Jobs Can You Get at Amazon?
Let’s break down positions when learning how to get hired at Amazon.
Fulfillment Center (FC) Positions
Warehouse Associate/FC Associate – $18-$22/hour
This is the core warehouse position. You’re moving, sorting, packing, or stowing products.
What you’ll do (depends on department):
Stower: Receive products and place them on shelves Picker: Select items from shelves based on orders
Packer: Package items for shipping
Problem Solver: Handle exceptions and damaged items
Receiver: Unload trucks, scan incoming inventory
Shipper: Load trucks with outgoing packages
Best for: Physically fit people, those needing stable income, people who like active work, workers wanting benefits immediately.
Physical demands: VERY HIGH
- Walking 10-15 miles per shift
- Standing entire shift (10-12 hours)
- Lifting up to 49 lbs regularly
- Reaching, bending, climbing stairs
- Repetitive motions
- Fast pace
Real talk: This job is HARD physically. Your feet, back, and legs will hurt for the first 2-3 weeks. But your body adapts, and the pay is decent.
Peak season (Nov-Dec): Mandatory overtime, 55-60 hour weeks.
Amazon Delivery Driver – $18-$21/hour
Driving Amazon vans, delivering packages to customers.
What you’ll do:
- Load van with packages (100-200+ per day)
- Drive assigned route
- Deliver packages to doorsteps
- Use app for navigation and tracking
- Interact with customers (minimal)
Requirements:
- Clean driving record
- Pass DOT physical
- Background check
- Drug test (including marijuana)
Best for: People who prefer driving over warehouse work, those who like independence, outdoors lovers.
Physical demands: HIGH
- Lifting packages (up to 50 lbs)
- Climbing stairs
- Walking miles per day
- In all weather conditions
Routes: Typically 10-hour shifts, 4 days per week.
Real talk: You’re monitored constantly (cameras in van, GPS tracking, AI scoring). Bathroom breaks are tough. But you’re not in a warehouse, which many people prefer.
Amazon Sortation Associate – $18-$20/hour
Working at sort centers, organizing packages for delivery routes.
What you’ll do:
- Scan incoming packages
- Sort by delivery route
- Load delivery vehicles
- Quality checks
Physical demands: Moderate to high (less walking than FC, still physical)
Shifts: Often overnight (6pm-4am), which pays differential.
Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods Associate – $16-$19/hour
Working in Amazon Fresh grocery stores or Whole Foods.
What you’ll do:
- Stock shelves
- Fulfill online grocery orders
- Customer service
- Cashier duties
Physical demands: Moderate (easier than warehouse)
Best for: Those who prefer grocery retail over warehouse work.
Delivery Station Positions
Delivery Station Associate – $18-$20/hour
Working at the final step before delivery, loading vans and organizing routes.
What you’ll do:
- Receive packages from trucks
- Scan and sort packages
- Stage packages for driver routes
- Load delivery vans
Physical demands: HIGH (lifting, moving fast)
Shifts: Various, often early morning or late evening.
Leadership/Management Positions
Process Assistant – $20-$25/hour
First-level leadership, supporting operations and managing small teams.
Requirements: 6-12 months Amazon experience typically, or relevant leadership experience.
Area Manager – Salaried $55-$75K
Managing warehouse operations, leading teams of 50-100+ associates.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (usually), or 2+ years Amazon experience with proven leadership.
This is where warehouse → corporate begins. Area Managers are salaried, get benefits, and have actual career paths.
Operations Manager – Salaried $85-$120K+
Managing entire departments or shifts, overseeing multiple Area Managers.
Corporate/Tech Positions
Amazon also hires for:
- Software engineers ($120-200K+)
- Program managers
- HR, finance, marketing
- AWS (Amazon Web Services) positions
These are different hiring paths (not hourly warehouse).
The Pay Structure at Amazon
Let’s get into money details when learning how to get hired at Amazon.
Starting Pay by Location (2025)
| Location Type | Base Pay | With Differentials | Weekly (40 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rural/Low COL | $18-19/hr | $19-21/hr | $760-840 |
| Suburban | $19-20/hr | $20-22/hr | $800-880 |
| Urban | $20-22/hr | $21-24/hr | $880-960 |
| High COL (CA, NY, etc.) | $22-25/hr | $24-28/hr | $1,000-1,120 |
Pay Differentials (Stack These!)
Night shift differential: $1-2/hour extra (6pm-6am shifts)
Weekend differential: $1-2/hour extra (Friday night-Sunday)
Peak season: Double overtime often available (Nov-Dec)
Example calculation:
- Base: $19/hour
- Night shift: +$1.50
- Weekend: +$1.50
- Total: $22/hour
- Overtime (1.5x): $33/hour
Weekly earnings (peak season, 55 hours):
- 40 hours × $22 = $880
- 15 hours × $33 = $495
- Total: $1,375/week
- Monthly: $5,500
Sign-On Bonuses
Amazon frequently offers sign-on bonuses to attract workers:
- Typical: $1,000-3,000
- Paid in installments (after 30 days, 90 days, 6 months)
- Must stay employed to receive full amount
Check Amazon’s hiring site—bonus amounts change based on need.
Raises and Progression
Step increases:
- 6 months: $0.50-1.00/hour
- 12 months: Additional raise
- 24 months: Another raise
- 36 months: Topped out (typically $22-26/hour)
Top pay for warehouse associate: $24-28/hour depending on location
The Benefits Package
Understanding how to get hired at Amazon means knowing what you get.
Day One Benefits (Immediate)
Health Insurance:
- Medical, dental, vision
- Starts on day one (no waiting period)
- Multiple plan options
- Employee pays premium ($40-100/paycheck depending on plan)
401(k):
- Immediate eligibility
- 50% company match on first 4% of pay
- Vests immediately
Paid Time Off:
- Starts accruing day one
- 10 days vacation (first year)
- 6 days personal time
- Increases with tenure
Parental Leave:
- Birth parent: 20 weeks paid
- Non-birth parent: 6 weeks paid
- Adoption: 6 weeks paid
Additional Benefits
Career Choice Program:
- Amazon pays 95% of tuition/fees
- Up to $12,000
- For in-demand fields (healthcare, IT, transportation, etc.)
- Available after 90 days
Employee Assistance Program:
- Free counseling
- Resources for life issues
- Mental health support
Employee Discount:
- 10% off Amazon.com purchases (up to $100/year)
- Not as generous as some retailers, but something
Commuter Benefits:
- Pre-tax transit/parking
The Career Choice Program (Worth Highlighting)
This is Amazon’s education benefit:
What’s covered:
- GED programs
- College courses
- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees (select programs)
- Certificates in high-demand fields
- CDL training (become a trucker)
- Medical assistant programs
- IT certifications
Cost: Amazon pays 95% (you pay 5%)
Eligibility: After 90 days of employment
Annual cap: $12,000/year
No commitment required: You don’t owe Amazon anything if you leave
This is valuable. If you need training or education, Amazon will fund it.
The Application Process
Alright, let’s get into the actual how to get hired at Amazon steps.
Step 1: Go to Amazon.Jobs or Hiring.Amazon.com
Search by:
- Location (ZIP code)
- Position type (warehouse, delivery, etc.)
- Shift type
Pro tip: Amazon has facilities EVERYWHERE. Apply to multiple locations if possible.
Step 2: Choose Your Position and Shift
Amazon shows available shifts before you even apply:
- Day shift
- Night shift
- Weekend shift
- FlexPT (flexible part-time)
Pick what works for your life. You can change shifts later if needed.
Step 3: Complete the Application (It’s Simple)
Amazon’s application is straightforward—no cover letter, no complex questions.
You’ll need:
Personal Information:
- Name, address, email, phone
- Social Security Number
- Work authorization status
Work History:
- Past employment (if any)
- First-timers are fine—Amazon hires with zero experience
Availability:
- Confirm the shift you selected
That’s it. Seriously, Amazon’s application is 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Assessment Test (Simple)
Some positions require a short assessment:
- Work style preferences
- Safety scenarios
- Basic problem-solving
This is not hard. Amazon wants to know you’ll show up and work safely.
Tips:
- Answer as a reliable, safety-conscious employee would
- Don’t overthink it
- Be consistent in your answers
Step 5: Schedule Your Appointment
After applying, you’ll receive instructions (usually within 24-48 hours).
What’s next:
- Pre-hire appointment scheduled
- Drug test
- Background check
- Physical (sometimes)
Timeline: Often you can complete everything in one visit.
The Pre-Hire Appointment
This is where everything happens:
What you’ll do:
- Drug test (urine test)
- Background check consent
- I-9 documentation (bring ID + Social Security card)
- Watch orientation videos
- Sometimes: physical assessment
What to bring:
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
- Social Security card OR birth certificate + ID
- Proof of eligibility to work in U.S.
Duration: 2-4 hours typically
Location: Usually at Amazon facility or nearby testing center
Drug Test & Background Check
Final hurdles.
Drug Testing
Yes, Amazon drug tests.
Type: Urine test
What they test for:
- Marijuana (THC) – Amazon no longer tests for marijuana in most states (as of 2021)
- Cocaine
- Opiates (illegal)
- Amphetamines (illegal)
- PCP
Important updates:
- Amazon stopped testing for marijuana for most positions (not delivery drivers)
- Prescription medications are fine (bring documentation)
- Delivery drivers: Still tested for marijuana (DOT regulations)
If you fail: You’re disqualified and can’t reapply for 90 days.
Background Check
Yes, Amazon runs background checks.
What they check:
- Criminal history (7 years)
- Previous employment (sometimes)
- Motor vehicle record (for drivers)
What typically disqualifies:
- Violent crimes
- Theft
- Drug trafficking
- Sex offenses
- Falsifying application
What usually doesn’t disqualify:
- Misdemeanors from years ago
- Non-violent offenses (case-by-case)
- Traffic violations (unless driver position)
Amazon is more lenient than many employers. They give second chances.
Timeline: Results in 3-7 business days.
Your First Day at Amazon
You got hired! Here’s what happens.
New Hire Orientation (Day 1)
Length: 8-10 hours (paid)
What you’ll do:
- Complete paperwork (if not done at pre-hire)
- Watch safety videos (LOTS of safety videos)
- Facility tour
- Learn computer systems
- Get your badge and equipment
- Meet your team
What to bring:
- Same documents (ID, SSN card) if not provided at pre-hire
- Lunch (or buy from vending machines/cafeteria)
- Water bottle
- Notebook
What to Wear
Dress code:
- Closed-toe shoes (REQUIRED—steel-toe not required but recommended)
- Long pants (jeans fine)
- T-shirt or any top (no offensive content)
- Layers (warehouses vary in temperature)
Amazon provides:
- Safety vest (reflective)
- Badge
You provide:
- Appropriate shoes
- Comfortable work clothes
Pro tip: Invest in good shoes. You’ll walk 10+ miles per shift. Good shoes = less pain.
Training Period
Length: 1-2 weeks
What happens:
- Shadow experienced associates
- Learn your specific role (picker, packer, stower, etc.)
- Practice using scanners and equipment
- Learn safety procedures (Amazon is OBSESSED with safety)
- Gradual speed increase
Amazon training is structured but fast-paced. You’ll feel overwhelmed initially. Push through.
First Paycheck
Pay schedule: Weekly (every Friday)
Method: Direct deposit
First check: Usually 2 weeks after start (depends on start date in pay cycle)
Pay stub: Available digitally through AtoZ app
What It’s Actually Like Working at Amazon
Real talk about the day-to-day when learning how to get hired at Amazon.
Your Schedule
Typical shifts:
- 4-day, 10-hour shifts (Sun-Wed or Wed-Sat)
- 3-day, 12-hour shifts (Fri-Sun often)
- 5-day, 8-hour shifts (less common)
- FlexPT: Variable hours, 4-20/week
MET (Mandatory Extra Time):
- During peak season, Amazon requires overtime
- Usually 1 additional day (11 hours)
- Total: 55-60 hours per week during Nov-Dec
You CANNOT refuse MET. It’s mandatory.
The Pace (It’s FAST)
Amazon tracks metrics for productivity:
Rate: How fast you complete tasks
- Pickers: 300-400 items per hour
- Packers: 150-200 boxes per hour
- Stowers: 200-300 items per hour
You’re monitored constantly. Computer tracks your performance.
Time Off Task (TOT): If you stop working (bathroom, break, etc.) without clocking out, you accumulate TOT. Too much TOT = discipline.
Real talk: The pace is intense. Amazon pushes productivity hard. Some love it (time flies), some hate it (feels like surveillance).
The Physical Reality (Be Prepared)
You will:
- Walk 10-15 miles per shift
- Stand for 10-12 hours straight
- Lift 25-49 lbs repeatedly
- Reach, bend, squat constantly
- Climb stairs (in multi-level FCs)
- Work in various temperatures (cold in freezer areas, hot in summer)
First 2-3 weeks are BRUTAL:
- Your feet will hurt (blisters, soreness)
- Your legs will ache
- Your back may hurt
- You’ll be exhausted
After adaptation:
- Your body gets used to it
- You build stamina
- It becomes manageable
- Many people lose 10-20 lbs
Pro tips:
- Good shoes are essential
- Compression socks help
- Stretch before and after shifts
- Stay hydrated
- Ibuprofen for soreness
The Culture
The good:
✅ Pay is solid ($18-28/hour depending on experience)
✅ Benefits start day one (rare)
✅ Hiring is easy (second chances given)
✅ Schedule options (flex shifts available)
✅ Career advancement exists (warehouse to corporate is real)
✅ Job security (essential infrastructure)
✅ Education benefits (Career Choice program)
The challenges:
❌ Physically demanding (very hard on body)
❌ Constant monitoring (tracked by computers)
❌ Fast pace (productivity pressure)
❌ Repetitive (same tasks for hours)
❌ MET during peak (mandatory overtime)
❌ Limited bathroom breaks (TOT accumulates)
❌ High turnover (many people quit quickly)
The Bathroom Break Situation (Let’s Address It)
Yes, Amazon warehouses are HUGE. Walking to bathroom can take 10-15 minutes round trip.
The reality:
- You’re allowed bathroom breaks
- But they count against your TOT if not on scheduled break
- Too much TOT = discipline
- So people try to minimize bathroom trips
Amazon’s official stance: “Take bathroom breaks as needed”
Practical reality: Going frequently affects your rate and TOT
This is controversial. Some workers feel pressured to avoid bathrooms. Amazon denies this is policy but acknowledges the perception exists.
Career Advancement
Internal promotions are common:
Entry-level associate → Learning Ambassador (train new hires) → Process Assistant → Area Manager
Timeline:
- Learning Ambassador: 3-6 months
- Process Assistant: 6-18 months (20-30% pay increase)
- Area Manager: 2-3 years ($55-75K salary + benefits)
Amazon promotes from within religiously. If you want to advance and perform well, opportunities exist.
Insider Tips for Getting Hired Fast
1. Apply to multiple locations
Amazon has tons of facilities. Apply to 3-5 different warehouses.
2. Apply for night/weekend shifts
These are hardest to fill, so hiring is fastest. You can transfer to day shift later.
3. Be ready to start immediately
Amazon moves FAST. If you apply Monday, you could start by Friday. Be prepared.
4. Check for sign-on bonuses
These change frequently. Apply when bonuses are offered.
5. Be honest on background check
Lying is worse than the truth. Amazon is fairly lenient if you’re upfront.
6. Bring correct documents
ID + Social Security card (or birth certificate + ID). Don’t delay your start for missing docs.
7. Download AtoZ app
This is Amazon’s employee app. Download it before Day 1.
8. Apply during peak season (Sep-Oct)
Amazon hires 100,000+ seasonal workers. Getting hired is easiest then. Many seasonal workers convert to full-time.
9. Pass the drug test
If you use drugs, stop immediately. Amazon doesn’t test for marijuana (most positions) but tests for everything else.
10. Show up on time
Amazon fires for attendance. If you’re reliable, you’ll keep your job.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get Hired at Amazon
Q: Is it hard to get hired at Amazon?
A: No, it’s one of the easier major employers to get hired at. If you pass background and drug test, you’ll likely get hired.
Q: What’s the minimum age?
A: 18 years old (no exceptions due to equipment operation).
Q: Do I need warehouse experience?
A: No. Amazon trains everyone from scratch.
Q: How long does hiring take?
A: 1-2 weeks typically. Sometimes 2-3 days if they need people urgently.
Q: Is the work really that hard?
A: Yes. It’s physically demanding. First few weeks are rough. But your body adapts.
Q: Can I work part-time?
A: Yes! FlexPT positions let you work as little as 4-20 hours per week on your schedule.
Q: Does Amazon test for marijuana?
A: No longer, for most positions (as of 2021). Delivery drivers: Still tested (DOT requirement).
Q: Can I listen to music?
A: Policy varies by facility. Some allow one earbud. Some don’t allow any. Ask during orientation.
Q: What’s the employee discount?
A: 10% off Amazon.com purchases, up to $100 savings per year. (Not great, honestly.)
Q: Can I get hired with a criminal record?
A: Depends on the crime. Non-violent offenses from years ago: Usually yes. Violent crimes, theft, recent offenses: Probably no.
Q: Is there room for advancement?
A: Yes! Many Area Managers started as warehouse associates. Promotions happen regularly.
Q: What’s peak season like?
A: November-December. Mandatory overtime (55-60 hour weeks), exhausting, but you make a lot of money.
Q: Do they hire older workers?
A: Yes, if you’re physically capable. Age isn’t a barrier if you can do the work.
Q: Can I transfer to another Amazon facility?
A: Yes, after 30-90 days typically. Transfers are common.
Q: What if I get injured?
A: Amazon has on-site medical (AmCare). They’re safety-focused and handle injuries well. Workers comp applies.
Q: Is it worth it?
A: Depends on your situation. If you need immediate income, benefits, and don’t mind physical work—yes. If you’re physically limited or want easy work—no.
Amazon vs. Other Warehouse Jobs
Quick comparison:
| Factor | Amazon | UPS | FedEx | Target DC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Pay | $18-22/hr ✅ | $15-21/hr | $16-20/hr | $17-24/hr |
| Day 1 Benefits | Yes ✅ | No | No | No |
| Sign-On Bonus | Often $1-3K ✅ | Rare | Rare | Rare |
| Education Benefits | Yes (95% tuition) ✅ | Yes (after 1 year) | Limited | Yes |
| Physical Demand | Very High | Very High | High | High |
| Hiring Speed | Very Fast ✅ | Slow | Medium | Medium |
| Job Security | Good ✅ | Excellent | Good | Good |
Amazon advantages:
- Highest starting pay in most markets
- Benefits from day one
- Fastest hiring process
- Sign-on bonuses
- Schedule flexibility (FlexPT)
- Most locations (easiest to find nearby)
Amazon disadvantages:
- Most physically demanding
- Strict productivity tracking
- High turnover indicates difficulty
- Mandatory overtime during peak
Alright, Let’s Get You Hired at Amazon
So there you have it—everything you need to know about how to get hired at Amazon.
Is it easy? No.
Is it for everyone? Definitely not.
Is it good pay with benefits from day one? Absolutely.
Amazon offers something rare: immediate employment with solid pay and benefits. If you’re physically capable, need income now, and want job security, Amazon delivers (pun intended).
Your Action Plan (Do This Today):
- ✅ Go to Amazon.Jobs or Hiring.Amazon.com
- ✅ Search warehouses near you
- ✅ Apply to multiple locations and shifts
- ✅ Choose night/weekend shifts (hired faster)
- ✅ Complete the simple application
- ✅ Be ready to start within 1-2 weeks
- ✅ Bring correct documents to pre-hire appointment
- ✅ Pass drug test and background check
- ✅ Invest in good shoes immediately
- ✅ Push through first 2-3 weeks (it gets easier)
Amazon is hiring right now. Thousands of positions available nationwide. Now that you know exactly how to get hired at Amazon, you’re ready to apply.
Go get that Amazon vest. 📦
