Remember that year you swore you’d never again be broke in January because of December spending? Yeah, me too.
Every holiday season the same thing happens: gifts pile up, credit card bills loom, and suddenly “I’ll figure it out later” doesn’t feel so clever anymore. The good news? This year the seasonal job market is actually pretty hot, even if the overall economy feels a little shaky. Companies are scrambling to hire right now, and some of the roles might genuinely surprise you.
I’ve been digging into the latest hiring trends, and the numbers are kind of wild – job searches for seasonal work literally tripled from September to October and then doubled again by November. That tells me two things: people want extra cash, and employers still need bodies on the ground before the holiday chaos peaks.
The Top 10 Seasonal Jobs Actually Hiring This Minute
Let’s cut straight to it. Here are the roles seeing the biggest surge in openings right now, based on real-time job board data from November.
1. Delivery Driver – The Obvious King
If you have a valid license and can lift boxes, congratulations – you’re already qualified for the hottest seasonal gig on the planet. The explosion in online shopping hasn’t slowed down, and companies are desperate for drivers who can start tomorrow.
Pay varies wildly by company (some offer $20–$30 an hour plus tips), and many places will even rent you a van if you don’t have one. The trade-off? You’ll be busy, and weather can be rough. But I know people who cleared $6,000–$8,000 in six weeks doing this. Worth considering if you don’t mind a little hustle.
2. Warehouse Worker – Where the Packages Actually Live
Before that box reaches the delivery driver, someone has to pick it, pack it, and load it. That’s you. Shifts are often 10–12 hours, but the overtime pay is real, and a lot of warehouses are offering sign-on bonuses just for showing up to orientation.
In my experience, this is the gig people either love or hate – no gray area. If you like staying active and don’t mind early mornings or night shifts, the money can be stupid good.
3. Beauty Consultant – Yes, Really
Here’s one that catches everyone off guard. Department stores and beauty chains are staffing up heavily because everyone wants to look amazing for holiday parties, family photos, and New Year’s Eve. If you know your contour from your highlighter, you can walk into some pretty decent hourly rates plus commission and free products.
“I made more in gratuities and commission in December than I did the entire fall semester working retail.”
– Former college student turned holiday makeup artist
4. Customer Service Representative – Work From Your Couch
Not everything seasonal has to involve freezing your fingers off. Big retailers and delivery companies are hiring remote customer service reps like crazy. You take calls or chats from home, help people track packages, process returns, whatever. Many places pay $17–$22 an hour and let you set your own schedule around the holidays.
Perfect if you want holiday cash without leaving the house – or changing out of pajamas.
5. Materials Handler – The Slightly Fancier Warehouse Job
Think forklift certification and slightly better pay than standard warehouse work. A lot of distribution centers promote from within during peak season, so if you’re looking for something that could turn permanent, start here.
6. Tax Accountant – The One Nobody Sees Coming
Tax season starts ramping up in January, which means accounting firms are hiring seasonal tax preparers right now to train before the madness hits. If you have any bookkeeping or accounting background (even just a community-college class), you can make $30–$60 an hour helping people get ready for April.
Honestly, this one is my favorite sleeper pick. The work is intense but short-term, and the paycheck is usually the best on this list.
7. Technical Support Specialist – Geek Squad on Steroids
Everyone buys new gadgets for Christmas. Everyone immediately needs help setting them up. Stores and third-party support companies hire armies of tech-savvy seasonal workers to rescue panicked parents on December 26th. If you can explain Wi-Fi to your grandma, you’re overqualified.
8. Retail Sales Specialist – Still a Thing
Yes, retail hiring is slower than past years, but certain chains (think electronics, toys, luxury) are still bringing on extra hands. The real money is often in commission-based roles – sell big-ticket items and your December bonus can be life-changing.
9. Sales Representative – B2B Holiday Rush
Companies that sell to other companies (wholesale gifts, corporate holiday baskets, etc.) see a massive spike this time of year. Many hire short-term sales reps to close year-end deals. If you’re good on the phone and don’t mind cold calling, the commissions can be ridiculous.
10. Photographer – Capture the Memories
Families want Christmas card photos. Malls want Santa pictures. Department stores want lifestyle shots for social media. If you have a decent camera and basic editing skills, you can book yourself solid through New Year’s.
How to Actually Land One of These Jobs Before They’re Gone
Good news: it’s not too late, but the window is closing fast. Here’s what actually works right now:
- Tailor your resume for every application. Pull keywords straight from the job description – applicant tracking systems are brutal during peak season.
- Apply directly on company career pages, not just big job boards. Many seasonal roles never make it to the public boards.
- Walk in if it’s retail or warehouse. Bring a resume, dress nicely, ask for the hiring manager. Old-school still works.
- Be upfront about your availability. Nothing kills an offer faster than finding out Christmas Eve you suddenly “can’t work.”
- Highlight any customer-facing experience, even if it was five years ago. Soft skills matter more than you think.
One trick I’ve seen work wonders: add a short “Holiday Availability” section to your resume. Literally write out the exact dates and hours you can work. Managers love clarity.
The Hidden Bonus: Turning Seasonal Into Permanent
Here’s something most people miss – a huge percentage of seasonal hires get offered full-time roles if they crush it. I’ve watched friends go from “just need Christmas money” to “got health insurance in February” more times than I can count.
Want to maximize your chances? Show up early, learn names, ask smart questions, and offer to help other departments when it’s slow. Managers remember the person who volunteers to stay late when a truck is behind schedule.
“The best hire seasonal with the hope some will turn into long-term rockstars. Be that person.”
– Hiring manager at a major distribution center
Bottom line: this holiday season isn’t just about surviving the spending spree. It can be the launchpad for extra income now and potentially something way bigger later.
So maybe this is the year you finally keep that January promise to yourself. Pick one role that doesn’t make you want to cry, apply today, and watch how fast the right opportunity shows up when you’re actually looking.
The packages aren’t going to deliver themselves. Might as well be you cashing the check.
