Working at Amazon: What You Should Know Before Applying

Amazon is one of the largest employers in the United States, with over a million workers. The company operates warehouses, corporate offices, delivery services, and tech divisions across the country.

Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon began as an online bookstore before expanding into the world’s largest e-commerce platform. Today, it plays a key role in everyday life.

Workers at Amazon hold diverse roles, from warehouse associates to delivery drivers, corporate analysts, and software engineers. Opportunities are available for people with different educational and professional backgrounds nationwide.

With strong pay, benefits, and rapid hiring processes, Amazon jobs remain among the most accessible opportunities in the US labor market. Many applicants receive offers within days.

The Upsides of Getting an Amazon Job

Amazon is a popular employer for people seeking steady paychecks and benefits without lengthy hiring delays. The company emphasizes accessibility, creating opportunities for first-time workers as well as those pursuing long-term careers.

🟡 High pay rates: Amazon pays hourly wages up to $20 depending on region, offering one of the strongest starting salaries among entry-level jobs.

🟡 Healthcare included: Workers gain medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one, providing a valuable benefit often missing in comparable entry-level employment opportunities.

🟡 Fast hiring process: Applicants can be hired quickly after applying online, allowing them to start earning money in less than two weeks.

🟡 Flexible schedules: Day, night, weekend, and part-time shifts make it easier for employees to balance work with school, family, or secondary jobs effectively.

🟡 Career advancement: With programs like Career Choice, Amazon supports training and education, helping workers move into higher-paying or specialized roles inside and outside the company.

The Downsides You Should Consider First

While many people benefit from Amazon jobs, some aspects may not fit everyone. Understanding the challenges is essential before committing to the hiring process and accepting an offer.

🔴 Physically demanding: Warehouse jobs involve standing, lifting, and repetitive movements for long hours, which can be exhausting for some employees over time.

🔴 Strict performance targets: Amazon monitors productivity closely, meaning workers must meet efficiency standards, which may add pressure and create a stressful workplace environment.

🔴 Shift variability: Although flexible, schedules may change based on operational demand, making it difficult for workers needing strict, consistent working hours each week.

🔴 Limited breaks: Some warehouse employees report limited time for rest during shifts, especially during peak seasons, which may affect comfort and energy levels.

🔴 High turnover rates: Amazon experiences frequent employee turnover, partly due to demanding conditions, which suggests not all workers remain satisfied with long-term employment.

Requirements to Apply for an Amazon Job

Amazon maintains accessible hiring standards compared with other major companies. Applicants can start the process online and quickly move to orientation, but certain conditions must be met beforehand.

🔹 Minimum age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify for most warehouse and delivery positions available within Amazon operations.

🔹 Legal eligibility: Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States, including proper documentation verifying citizenship, residency, or valid work permits.

🔹 Education level: A high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred but not mandatory for warehouse roles; many entry-level jobs require no experience.

🔹 Physical ability: Applicants must handle standing, walking, and lifting packages up to 49 pounds regularly, ensuring they can safely perform essential warehouse duties.

🔹 Background checks: Amazon may require candidates to pass screenings, which can include criminal background checks or drug tests, depending on state and federal regulations.

Conclusion: Is Target a Better Alternative?

Target also provides strong job opportunities, with hourly pay, store discounts, and healthcare for employees. It can be an attractive alternative for many candidates.

Unlike Amazon warehouses, Target stores often require less physically demanding work, making them more accessible for people seeking customer service roles instead of logistical positions.

For readers curious about Target jobs, a complete review is available. Exploring all options before applying ensures you find the right career fit.