Amazon is one of the largest employers in the United States and offers a variety of shift options for its warehouse workers. The third shift, often called the overnight or graveyard shift, is a less popular but essential part of Amazon’s 24/7 operations. In this article, we will explore how much Amazon pays its third shift workers, including base pay, shift differentials, bonuses, and benefits. With over 1 million employees globally, Amazon’s compensation packages impact a significant number of workers. Understanding third shift pay at Amazon provides insight into the company’s compensation strategy and approach to hourly workers.
What is third shift at Amazon?
Amazon defines third shift as working overnight between the hours of approximately 10:00 pm and 6:30 am. At its fulfillment and sortation centers, this shift is critical to receiving inventory, processing orders, and loading trucks for deliveries during the daytime. Employees working third shift are often tasked with stocking, picking, packing, shipping, receiving, unloading trucks, and general warehouse duties. It can be a challenging shift due to the late-night hours but is also incentivized due to its undesirability for most people. Amazon relies on third shift workers to keep its warehouses operating 24 hours a day.
Amazon’s base pay for third shift
Amazon’s base pay for third shift workers starts at around $18 per hour, though it can vary slightly by location. This base rate tends to be $2-3 per hour higher than the regular dayside shifts. The increased base pay accounts for the less desirable overnight working hours that disrupt sleep schedules and proper rest.
In addition to the base rate differences, third shift workers may also qualify for hourly shift differential pay of $1-2 per hour. This brings the total pay to approximately $19-20 per hour. The shift differentials provide additional compensation for the inconvenience of working overnight.
Based on the base and shift pay alone, a full-time 40 hour per week third shift Amazon employee would earn around $780-$800 per week or $40,000-$42,000 per year. Of course, workers may log overtime hours, which are paid at time-and-a-half rates, to further increase their earnings. The increased hourly pay for third shift makes it one of the better paying roles in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
Bonuses
In addition to base pay and shift differentials, Amazon offers hourly employees a variety of bonuses and incentives that can supplement third shift earnings.
Sign-on bonuses up to $3,000 are commonly offered for third shift workers in high demand. These provide a helpful financial boost when starting at Amazon. The company also pays regular productivity and attendance bonuses of $100-$300 to full-time employees who meet certain performance goals related to fulfilling workload and minimal time off.
Peak seasonal bonuses are also paid out during especially busy periods such as Prime Day, Black Friday, and the winter holidays. These can range from an extra $100-$500 depending on hours worked over a certain time period.
While not guaranteed, the bonuses can add substantial extra earnings on top of regular pay. The combination of base pay, shift differentials, overtime, and bonuses make third shift an relatively lucrative option compared to dayside shifts.
Benefits
Amazon offers the same comprehensive benefits package to all hourly employees regardless of shift. This includes:
– Health, dental, and vision insurance
– 401(k) retirement savings plan
– Employee stock purchase plan
– 20 weeks paid parental leave
– Flexible vacation and medical leave
– Employee assistance program
– Tuition assistance for career education (up to $5,250 per year)
– Discounts at Whole Foods Market
The benefits are valuable for full-time third shift workers looking for health coverage and retirement savings opportunities. Workers on third shift enjoy the same perks and will be equally eligible for the benefits as long as they meet the requirements.
How does third shift pay compare to first and second shifts?
Compared to the standard dayside first shift (around 6:00am to 2:30pm) and second shift (2:30pm to 10:30pm), third shift is compensated at a premium hourly rate and extra shift differentials.
Here is an overview of the pay structure:
| Shift | Hours | Base Pay | Shift Differential | Total Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Shift | ~6am-2:30pm | $15/hour | $0 | $15/hour |
| Second Shift | ~2:30pm-10:30pm | $17/hour | $1/hour | $18/hour |
| Third Shift | ~10pm-6:30am | $18/hour | $2/hour | $20/hour |
As the table illustrates, third shift receives a $3/hour base pay premium over first shift. Second shift earns $2 more per hour than first. With the shift differentials, third shift earns around $5/hour more than first shift.
This pay differential compensates overnight workers for their time and recognizes the challenge of working overnights. It serves as an incentive to attract and retain third shift employees.
The premium third shift pay enables full-time workers to earn approximately $10,000 more in base salary than first shift, in addition to greater overtime, bonus, and benefit opportunities. For hourly warehouse workers, third shift at Amazon represents a lucrative employment option.
Regional differences in third shift pay
Amazon adjusts third shift pay based on the local job market. In areas with higher costs of living or more competition for overnight workers, third shift pay scales higher.
For example, here is a comparison of approximate third shift base pay across different metro regions:
– Los Angeles, CA – $19/hour
– New York City metro – $21/hour
– Dallas/Fort Worth, TX – $17/hour
– Atlanta, GA – $16/hour
– Detroit, MI – $18/hour
Major cities with talent shortages may pay $3-5 per hour above baseline third shift rates. Less populated regions may stick closer to the minimum $18 per hour base.
In addition to base pay, shift differentials and bonuses also scale higher in regions with higher costs of living. Overall compensation packages can be 20-30% greater in high cost of living cities for all shifts.
While regional salaries fluctuate, third shift consistently earns a premium over standard daytime shifts in all locations.
Qualifications and requirements
Amazon has minimum requirements for third shift workers, though no prior experience is necessary for most warehouse positions. Basic qualifications include:
– At least 18 years old
– High school diploma or equivalent
– Ability to work overnight 10pm-6:30am
– Ability to stand and walk for 10-12 hours
– Lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
– Pass a background check
– Pass pre-employment drug screening
Ideal candidates are diligent, safety-focused, comfortable with repetitive tasks, and able to work quietly at night. All third shift workers receive extensive paid training to learn Amazon’s processes, technology, safety policies, and workplace culture. It’s an opportunity to gain in-demand logistics and warehouse skills.
The minimal qualifications make third shift jobs accessible for most people looking for work. The premium payscale attracts applicants who may not otherwise consider overnight work.
How to apply for third shift at Amazon
To apply for third shift, visit Amazon’s job site at www.amazon.jobs. Browse openings by selecting Hourly Fulfillment & Distribution Roles and filter by third shift or night shift.
From there you can see available positions by location. Common third shift opportunities include:
– Warehouse associate
– Fulfillment clerk
– Inventory control specialist
– Process assistant
– Loader/unloader
– Pick, pack, and ship associate
Select View Details on any job that interests you. You can submit your online application which includes work history and basic personal details. Many locations also allow you to instantly schedule an in-person appointment for new hire orientation and paperwork.
The application process is quick and Amazon often conducts next-day interviews. New hires can start within 1-2 weeks of applying. The high demand for overnight workers means Amazon aims to hire third shift roles swiftly.
You may also consider speaking directly with an Amazon hiring manager at your desired location. Ask about third shift opportunities and get your questions answered. With frequent turnover in overnight roles, walk-in applicants are welcomed.
Pros of working third shift at Amazon
Working third shift at Amazon has some unique advantages:
– Higher pay – Base rates of around $18/hour plus $1-2 shift differentials
– Plentiful overtime – Increased earnings for any hours over 40 per week
– Benefits – Health insurance, 401(k), stock options, and paid leave for full-time
– Bonuses – Sign-on, seasonal, and performance incentives
– Career advancement – Opportunity to move up into management roles
– Tuition assistance – Can help pay for career education in in-demand fields
– Set schedule – Work the same 10pm-6:30am shift each week
– Less management oversight – More autonomy during overnight hours
– Fixed weekends – Always off Saturday and Sunday nights
For those who don’t mind overnight hours, third shift provides great pay, benefits, and advancement opportunities within Amazon. Workers can take advantage of the extra incentives and fewer hours with management on-site. It can be a good fit for those seeking a steady paycheck with weekends off.
Cons of working third shift at Amazon
The most significant downsides of third shift include:
– Sleep disruption – Working overnight interferes with getting normal rest.
– Health effects – Higher risk of fatigue, lack of energy, and mood changes.
– Social life impact – Harder to see friends and family working weekends.
– Childcare challenges – Most daycare/school options require dayside hours.
– Public transit limitations – Buses and subways often have reduced overnight service.
– Safety concerns – Leaving the warehouse very late at night presents risks.
– Turnover rates – Many workers quit within 1-2 years due to overnight hardships.
– Advancement limitations – Moving into manager roles usually requires switching shifts.
The overnight hours create work-life balance challenges and can be unsustainable long-term for some people. Amazon’s strenuous warehouse conditions are amplified when trying to work without normal rest. Third shift has tradeoffs that make it tough despite higher incentives.
Conclusion
Working third shift for Amazon offers hourly workers the chance to earn premium wages, bonuses, and benefits for overnight warehouse work. Base pay starts at around $18 per hour with an additional $1-2 per hour shift differential. Regional salaries can be even higher in major cities like Los Angeles and New York.
Compared to standard daytime shifts, third shift workers take home around $5 more per hour at minimum. The thousands in extra dollars per year compensate for disruptive overnight hours. Amazon uses lucrative pay and incentives to attract and retain third shift employees.
Candidates need only a high school education, ability to lift packages, and flexibility to work overnights. Benefits like healthcare and 401(k) plans provide security. There is opportunity to advance into management roles.
The downsides primarily revolve around the challenges of overnight schedules. Health, sleep, childcare and other impacts should be considered before pursuing third shift work.
Overall, Amazon’s third shift incomes afford an above average blue collar compensation package. Workers who thrive in a 24/7 logistics environment can prosper if they succeed in the late-night warehouse setting. It provides full-time work or supplemental income for those able to adapt to graveyard shifts.
