Seasonal Jobs 2026: Who Is Hiring and How to Apply Early
US seasonal hiring is expected to be tighter in 2026. See who usually hires, typical roles, what the forecasts say, and how to apply early and safely.
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Seasonal jobs are a quick way to earn extra money before the holidays, or to get a foot in the door with an employer. But 2026 is not a typical year. Forecasts point to fewer seasonal openings than last year, and many big retailers have been quiet about their plans. That makes it more important to know who usually hires, where to apply, and how to apply early.
Hiring plans change quickly. This page is general information, not a list of current openings, and we are not recruiters. Always apply through each employer’s official careers page.
Quick facts: what the numbers say
- Forecast: the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas expects US seasonal retail hiring to fall about 2.5% from last year to roughly 450,000 new jobs in the fourth quarter, compared with about 461,500 last year.
- Last year was already low: Challenger said seasonal retail hiring in 2025 was the smallest seasonal gain since 2008, down 15% from 543,100 jobs added in the fourth quarter of 2024.
- Why: Challenger points to high prices, tariffs and retailers relying more on automation, existing staff and on-demand pools before adding seasonal workers.
- Announced so far: Spirit Halloween said it would add 52,000 associates across more than 1,500 stores, and some other retailers have announced plans. Many big names have not given figures.
Who usually hires for the holidays?
| Employer | Typical seasonal roles | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Warehouse, sortation, delivery | Has hired about 250,000 in each of the last three years and usually announces by mid-October |
| UPS | Package handlers, driver helpers, drivers | Says it hires roughly 100,000 or more seasonal workers a year |
| Target | Stores, fulfillment, order pickup | Has typically hired about 100,000, but had not announced a figure for this year |
| Kohl’s | Stores, distribution | Has typically hired about 90,000, with no announced target |
| Bath & Body Works | Store associates | Has added about 30,000 roles in each of the last three seasons, with no announcement yet |
| Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s | Store roles | Plan a nationwide hiring event in October |
These are patterns from past years and recent reports, not promises. Check each employer’s careers page for what is open near you.
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Seasonal roles at a glance
- Warehouse and fulfillment: picking, packing, stowing and loading. Physical, shift-based work.
- Delivery and logistics: package handlers, driver helpers and drivers.
- Retail: cashiers, sales associates, stockroom and order pickup.
- Customer service: phone, chat and email support, sometimes remote.
- Hospitality and events: restaurants, hotels and venues during the party season.
What does seasonal work pay?
Pay varies widely by employer, role and state. By law, employers must pay at least your state or local minimum wage, which is often higher than the federal minimum. For context, Amazon said last year that its seasonal employees averaged more than $19 an hour. The rate on each job listing is the figure that counts, so check it before you apply.
How to apply early and stand out
- Apply now, not in December. With fewer openings forecast, early applicants have the advantage.
- Use official careers pages. Large employers post seasonal roles on their own sites. Search “seasonal” or “holiday” plus your city.
- Apply to several employers. Different employers have different timelines, so a few applications improve your odds.
- Offer flexible availability. Weekends, evenings and the last two weeks of December are hardest to staff.
- Choose close locations. Short travel makes you more reliable and saves money.
- Prepare documents. You will need to show that you are authorized to work in the United States.
- Follow up. Respond quickly to emails and texts, and check your spam folder.
Can a seasonal job become permanent?
Sometimes. Employers such as Amazon and UPS have said that some seasonal workers move into longer-term jobs. There is no guarantee, but showing up on time, doing the job well and telling your manager you want to stay all help.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until a company announces its numbers. Many hire before they publish figures.
- Applying through third-party sites that ask for a fee.
- Giving limited availability and then being turned down for scheduling.
- Ignoring state or local rules on minimum wage and hours, especially for workers under 18.
Watch out for fake job offers
- A real employer never asks you to pay for training, uniforms, equipment or background checks.
- Do not share your Social Security number, bank details or ID copies before you have a verified offer.
- Apply only through the employer’s official careers site, and type the address yourself instead of following links in messages.
- Be wary of offers that promise high pay for little work, or that move you to a private chat app.
- If you think you have been targeted, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to apply for holiday jobs?
No. Many employers hire from October through December, but earlier is better, especially in a tight year.
Do I need experience?
Many seasonal roles do not require it, but check each listing.
Will I get benefits?
It depends on the employer and role. Check the listing and ask during onboarding.
Can teenagers apply?
Many employers hire workers aged 16 and 17, with limits on hours and duties set by law, but each employer sets its own minimum age.
Related: Amazon Seasonal Jobs 2026 and UPS Seasonal Jobs 2026. Confirm details on each employer’s official careers page before you apply.