As one of the largest employers in the world, Amazon offers a wide variety of jobs with different pay structures. If you‘re considering working for the e-commerce giant, one of your top questions is likely, "Does Amazon pay weekly?" The answer is: it depends.
Amazon‘s pay schedules vary based on factors like job type, location, and time of year. Some employees, like those in certain states or special programs, do get paid every week. However, others receive their paychecks bi-weekly or even monthly.
To help you understand when and how you‘ll get paid at Amazon, we‘ve put together this comprehensive guide covering the company‘s different pay schedules. We‘ll break down the details for specific roles, share insider info on payment methods and bonus programs, and even look at what workers earn in the UK.
Whether you‘re eyeing a job in an Amazon warehouse, considering becoming a delivery partner, or curious about flexible options like Amazon Flex, here‘s what you need to know about when you‘ll get paid.
Table of Contents
- Amazon Warehouse Workers
- Amazon Delivery Service Partners
- Amazon Flex
- Amazon Fresh
- Pay Schedules by State
- Amazon Pay in the UK
- Seasonal Work at Amazon
- Other Pay and Benefits
- Conclusion
Amazon Warehouse Workers
Let‘s start with one of Amazon‘s most common jobs: warehouse team member. These employees work in Amazon‘s fulfillment and distribution centers, picking, packing, and shipping customer orders.
According to Amazon‘s hiring page, most warehouse workers are paid bi-weekly. This means they receive a paycheck every two weeks, typically on Fridays. Funds are deposited directly into the employee‘s bank account.
However, some fulfillment center staff are paid weekly due to staffing shortages in their area related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We‘ll discuss more on how location impacts pay frequency later in this guide.
Amazon Delivery Service Partners
Another prevalent role at Amazon is delivery driver. While some drivers are direct Amazon employees, many work for Delivery Service Partners. These third-party companies contract with Amazon to deliver packages to customers. They hire and manage teams of drivers to handle last-mile deliveries.
As a DSP driver, your pay schedule will depend on the company you work for, but most receive paychecks monthly. DSPs offer drivers a fixed monthly rate based on the number of vehicles and routes they have.
Here‘s a closer look at how DSP driver pay is typically structured, according to Amazon:
- Drivers receive a base monthly rate determined by the DSP‘s fleet size
- Routes are assigned a flat rate based on the estimated time and distance to complete them
- Drivers earn a per-package rate for each successful delivery
For DSP owners, Amazon estimates a startup cost of around $10,000 to cover things like hiring drivers, leasing vehicles, and purchasing uniforms. The company says owners can expect annual revenues of $1 million to $4.5 million and profits between $75,000 and $300,000 once their business is established.
"The DSP program has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to build and grow successful package delivery businesses. DSPs and their drivers are an integral part of what makes our deliveries great."
– Dave Clark, Former CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer
Amazon Flex
If you prefer a flexible schedule and earning extra cash in your spare time, Amazon Flex might be a good fit. Flex drivers are independent contractors who use their own vehicles to make deliveries for Amazon. Shifts are scheduled in blocks, typically lasting 3-6 hours.
With Amazon Flex, you‘re paid per delivery block rather than hourly. Rates vary by location but usually fall between $18 and $25 per hour. Payments are delivered via direct deposit twice per week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
To track your earnings, Amazon provides a Flex app where you can view a breakdown of your pay. Tips and supplemental earnings like fuel surcharges are added to your paycheck within 1-2 days after you complete a block.
One unique aspect of Flex is the ability to pick up additional blocks on short notice to boost your earnings. The app will alert you to available shifts based on delivery demand in your area. You can also set filters for times and locations you prefer.
Amazon Fresh
Another flexible earning opportunity at Amazon is working for Amazon Fresh, the company‘s grocery delivery service. Fresh associates work in a dedicated fulfillment center, picking and packing grocery orders for customers.
Like DSP drivers, most Fresh employees are paid bi-weekly. However, they also have the option to access their earnings sooner through Amazon‘s Anytime Pay program.
Now more than ever, our employees' health and well-being are our top priority. Amazon offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance starting on the first day, paid parental leave and more. Learn more about our response to COVID-19 here: https://t.co/5jypcPpkVH
— Amazon News (@amazonnews) April 3, 2020
With Anytime Pay, Fresh associates can transfer up to 70% of their earnings to a prepaid Visa card called Wisely Pay as soon as their shift ends. There are no fees, and the card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Workers also have the option to transfer their Anytime Pay funds directly to a personal bank account.
Pay Schedules by State
As mentioned earlier, where you work can impact how often you get paid at Amazon. Here‘s a state-by-state breakdown of some key locations:
Florida
Due to persistent hiring challenges during the pandemic, Amazon shifted to weekly pay for all hourly employees in Florida. The company made this change to attract more job applicants in a competitive labor market.
Prior to this switch, most Florida Amazon workers were paid bi-weekly. Weekly paychecks have provided much-needed financial stability and flexibility for employees in the Sunshine State.
Texas
Despite also facing pandemic-related staffing shortages, Amazon has kept its standard bi-weekly pay schedule for hourly workers in Texas.
However, the company has offered other incentives to boost hiring in the state, including sign-on bonuses of up to $1,000 for some positions. Full-time employees in Texas also have access to benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) match.
California
Amazon follows a bi-weekly pay schedule for its California workforce as well. Paychecks are direct deposited every other Friday, with the exact pay dates depending on your start date.
One exception is Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market employees in the state. These workers can opt into the Anytime Pay program described above to access their wages as soon as the next day.
Amazon Pay in the UK
Across the pond, pay periods look pretty similar for Amazon‘s UK employees. Most hourly workers, including those in fulfillment centers, receive their wages every two weeks. Paychecks are delivered via direct deposit on Fridays.
Pay rates vary based on role and location, but entry-level jobs typically start around £10.00 per hour (approximately $13.50 USD). London-area workers earn slightly more, with a minimum of £11.10 per hour, to account for the higher cost of living.
On top of base pay, Amazon UK offers a comprehensive benefits package valued at over £700 per year. This includes private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount.
The company also provides two innovative programs to support employees‘ long-term career growth:
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Career Choice Program – Prepays 95% of tuition and fees for nationally-recognized courses in high-demand fields.
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Career Skills – Offers free training to help hourly workers build abilities like communication, resume writing, and problem solving to further their career prospects.
"We are proud to offer our associates an industry-leading comprehensive approach to benefits and career support, including leading wages and support for wellbeing and development."
– Jonatan Gal, Amazon UK HR Director
Seasonal Work at Amazon
Amazon is known for dramatically ramping up its workforce during the busy holiday shopping season. The company hires over 100,000 temporary workers each year to handle the surge in online orders.
These seasonal employees typically earn the same pay rates as Amazon‘s permanent staff in similar roles. However, they usually aren‘t eligible for the same benefits and bonus programs.
Seasonal jobs are often a good way to get your foot in the door at Amazon. Many temporary workers end up transitioning to permanent positions after the holidays if they perform well.
Other Pay and Benefits at Amazon
In addition to competitive base pay, Amazon offers several other financial perks for its employees. Here are a couple key programs to be aware of:
Sign-On Bonuses
To attract talent in a tight job market, Amazon has been offering hefty sign-on bonuses for certain positions. Bonuses have ranged from $1,000 to $3,000 for some warehouse and delivery jobs.
These bonuses are typically paid out gradually over the course of the employee‘s first 90-180 days rather than as a lump sum. The extra cash can provide a nice cushion as you‘re getting started in a new job.
Anytime Pay
As noted in the Amazon Fresh section above, some hourly employees are eligible for Amazon‘s Anytime Pay program. This perk allows you to access up to 70% of your pay whenever you need it rather than waiting for payday.
Anytime Pay can be a lifesaver if unexpected expenses come up or you‘re trying to save for a big purchase. Just be aware that taking an advance will reduce the amount on your regular paycheck.
Conclusion
As you can see, the question of whether Amazon pays weekly has a nuanced answer. The company‘s pay schedule varies depending on your specific role and location.
DSP drivers and most warehouse workers can expect a twice-monthly paycheck. Those in Amazon‘s Flex and Fresh programs have the option to get paid more frequently. And certain states like Florida have moved to weekly pay for all hourly staff due to unique labor market conditions.
Regardless of your exact pay period, Amazon offers competitive wages and desirable benefits to attract top talent. Perks like sign-on bonuses, an employee stock purchase plan, and valuable skills development programs provide a big advantage over other retailers.
Of course, every job has its pros and cons. Working for a massive, fast-paced company like Amazon isn‘t for everyone. Be sure to carefully review the requirements and expectations for any role you‘re considering.
Hopefully this in-depth look at Amazon‘s pay schedules helps you make an educated decision about whether the company could be a good fit. For more insider insights on Amazon jobs and employer repuation, check out these articles:
- 10 Things to Know Before Working at Amazon
- Amazon Employee Benefits: Are They Worth It?
- Amazon‘s $15 Minimum Wage: How It‘s Impacting Workers
By doing thorough research, you‘ll be better prepared for a successful job search and fulfilling career, whether at Amazon or elsewhere. Best of luck on your employment journey!
