Amazon will hire more than 7,000 seasonal employees across Canada while increasing hourly wages to an average of $24.50 and introducing free Prime memberships for frontline workers, the company announced Thursday.
The wage increase, up from $23.50 in 2024, brings the minimum annual salary for full-time frontline employees to $50,960, according to Amazon. The company said it is investing more than $110 million in additional pay for eligible customer fulfilment and transportation employees this year.
The seasonal hiring will run from October through December, with positions available at fulfilment centres, sortation centres and delivery stations across the country, according to the company. Roles include stowing, picking, packing, sorting and shipping customer orders.
Guaranteed wage increases over time
Amazon said eligible hourly full- and part-time employees receive planned pay increases every six months until their 24-month anniversary through the company’s step plan compensation model. Workers receive another increase at month 36, according to the company.
“By creating thousands of new seasonal roles and investing in compensation and workplace benefits, we’re providing meaningful employment opportunities that can lead to long-term careers at Amazon,” said Chuck Cummings, director of customer fulfilment at Amazon Canada.
Prime membership added to benefits package
Starting by the end of 2025, eligible frontline employees will receive Prime memberships at no cost after 90 days of employment, according to Amazon. The benefit includes fast and free delivery, access to Prime Day and other shopping events, Prime Video streaming, Amazon Music Prime, Prime Reading, Prime Gaming, Amazon Photos and a free DashPass membership.
The company said full-time employees receive extended health, dental and vision benefits from day one, including coverage for massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, physiotherapy, vision care and prescription drugs. Other benefits include an RRSP savings plan and financial, mental and physical health resources, according to Amazon.
Education funding available after 90 days
Employees with at least 90 days of tenure are eligible for the Career Choice program, through which Amazon pre-pays 100 per cent of tuition, up to a yearly maximum, toward certificates or diplomas in qualified fields including truck driving, data analytics and cybersecurity, according to the company. Eighteen Canadian educational institutions partner with the program, including Sheridan College, Algonquin College, Western Community College and the Toronto Truck Driving School.
“Many of Amazon’s current leaders began in entry-level seasonal roles and found opportunities to advance within the company,” said Cassandra Radovich, general manager at an Amazon fulfilment centre in Hamilton, Ont.
Job seekers can find open positions at hiring.amazon.ca throughout the holiday season, according to the company.
