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You’ve probably done some shopping on Amazon or taken advantage of their streaming service, but did you also know that you can work from home with Amazon? In fact, the company often has hundreds of open Amazon jobs, which range from customer support associates to software development engineers.
While finding the right gig and applying for it can be challenging, my in-depth guide below will walk you through everything you should know about Amazon work from home jobs.
What Kind of Work-From-Home Positions Does Amazon Offer?
I mentioned a few positions above, but those are only the tip of the iceberg — Amazon’s job selection is quite extensive. Keep in mind that there may not be openings for every position that I reference below. Amazon’s job board can change daily, so you may need to check back later if you don’t see any of these gigs currently listed for your location.
Customer Support Associate
If you’ve ever called about an Amazon package that got lost in the mail or arrived late, chances are that you’ve talked to a customer support associate. These Amazon jobs are located across the globe, from the United States to the Philippines. Even if you’ll be working from home, Amazon offers openings by location, so you may have to be in the right state or country to get the job.
As an associate, your primary job will be to resolve post-sales problems or even expedite orders that are currently en route. Amazon supplies a lot of the software for you, so applicants really only need two things to get started: a high-speed internet connection and a phone line.
While you should get at least 18 hours a week as an associate, it’s easy to get more hours, especially if it’s around the holiday season.
Amazon usually has a lot of openings for support associates, though these positions can fill quickly. They’re usually seasonal too, with most of these Amazon jobs showing up around the holiday season. But, if you prove that you can handle the fast-paced environment, it could become a permanent position, too.
Pay
Although Amazon doesn’t advertise its salary for support associates, some estimates have put the starting hourly rate around $12 to $14 for reps located in the United States. The guaranteed hourly wage is a perk for a lot of people, as well as the potential benefits it could come with.
Keep in mind that seasonal associates get at least 18 hours a week, but many of them end up working 30 hours or more.
Benefits
Customer support associates who are full-time can get vision and dental insurance and start building a 401(k) and racking up vacation and paid time off. But even seasonal employees who are with the company long enough and work more than 20 hours a week can gain access to health coverage and get some paid time off.
Qualifications
The qualifications for customer support associates are pretty lax. As long as you live in the area where the opening is, you’re more than 18 years old, and you have a high school diploma, you should qualify. Amazon will also expect that you can speak English – if not fluently, then very close to fluent.
Also see: Do you need a diploma to work at Amazon?
Is Travel Needed?
Customer support associates are fully remote and no travel is required, even to a specific office.
Amazon Flex Driver
Amazon delivery jobs might not seem like work-from-home gigs, but they can be. With companies like Uber and Lyft around, it was only a matter of time before Amazon came up with its own delivery service, Flex. As a Flex driver, you’ll “be your own boss” delivering Amazon packages or goods to nearby businesses or residences (maybe even hauling those “critical supplies” we all order late at night and then kind of regret the next day).
Although this can depend on location, Amazon Flex drivers make four kinds of deliveries. You either pick up packages from an Amazon delivery station, haul groceries and household items from delivery stations, pick up orders from select stores, or make instant offers.
Also see: Best jobs like Amazon Flex
Pay
Amazon estimates that their delivery drivers make around $18 to $25/hour, but that rate can depend on how many deliveries you can make and what kind of tips you receive. Amazon makes a minimum contribution to each delivery you make (at least $15 to $19 an hour), but the rest of your earnings depend on tips. Fortunately, drivers do keep 100% of their tips.
A lot of people use Amazon Flex as a part-time gig, but making it a full-time source of income is tricky. Hours or deliveries are not guaranteed, and you can’t control what kind of tips you receive. However, drivers currently receive direct deposits twice a week, which makes this a convenient gig for earning money fast.
An important caveat is that Amazon also won’t reimburse you for any mileage, parking, or tolls that you may have to deal with.
Benefits
As an independent contractor, you won’t receive health insurance or paid time off. Much like Uber or Lyft, you can work whenever you want, and sign off whenever you want. What Amazon does promise is that all U.S. drivers (besides NY drivers) will receive this car insurance when they sign up:
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
- Uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage
- Auto liability coverage
This coverage is in addition to any car insurance that you may already have.
Qualifications
Since Amazon handles different types of deliveries, there are a couple of qualifications for drivers. Prime Now orders can go in any kind of car, but if you’re delivering packages from Amazon, you’ll need at least a mid-size 4-door sedan or SUV. Pickup trucks or motorcycles don’t currently qualify.
For using the app and navigation, you will need a smartphone, too. You will need to be located in the U.S., and not all areas or states currently offer Amazon Flex as a service. But, if Flex isn’t active where you live, you can always contact Amazon to see if Flex is going to be available in your area soon.
Is Travel Needed?
While I’d technically list Amazon Flex as a work-from-home job, you’ll be spending more time on other people’s doorsteps than at your house! Travel will be necessary to pick up and drop off packages, but you shouldn’t need to report to any headquarters or office.
Mechanical Turk (mTurk)
Ask someone about working virtually for Amazon, and they may suggest that you sign up for Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk). This is a marketplace that allows people to complete simple virtual tasks that require human intelligence. This could be anything from transcribing an audio recording, identifying objects in a photo, or even researching data. Most virtual tasks don’t require any previous knowledge of what you’ll have to do.
mTurk is an appealing gig for a lot of people looking to work from home: It’s entry-level, has tons of flexibility, and the hiring process is incredibly simple. As long as you fit the few qualifications, you can become a mTurk worker. However, all those perks also come with a downside: It doesn’t pay a lot, and you’re not guaranteed any work or hours. In fact, the number of tasks that you can complete a day is limited.
As a result, I’d say that mTurk is better for picking up a little extra pocket change on the side, but you shouldn’t count on it being a full-time (or even part-time) job. If you’ve never done remote work before, but you want to see if you like it, mTurk might not be a bad first gig.
Pay
Since the tasks don’t require a ton of time commitment, the pay as a mTurk worker is low. You’re paid by the task, but some estimates suggest that the average worker only makes $2/hour. Only a small percentage of workers are able to make more than minimum wage, and that’s with a lot more time commitment.
That pay also depends on how often you’re able to secure higher-paying tasks, and how fast you can work.
Benefits
Since mTurk workers fall under the category of “independent contractors,” you shouldn’t expect this job to come with any health insurance, vacation time, or paid time off. However, some people may consider having “no set hours” to be a benefit of being a mTurk worker. It’s a gig that you can work on while you sit in the waiting room or you’re waiting for the commercial break to be over.
Qualifications
Regardless of your education or experience, all mTurk needs to know is your name, where you live, and your email address. Once your application is accepted, you will need to provide tax and bank information for payments, but that’s it.
Is Travel Needed?
mTurk is 100% remote. Whether you live in the United States or Australia, you can virtually complete your mTurk tasks.
Sales & Advertising
If you’ve already got a little bit of a background in sales or advertising, you might want to head straight for an account management or sales specialist gig. Unlike customer support associates, these Amazon jobs from home usually aren’t entry-level and will require a degree or equal experience in the field.
A customer solutions manager, for instance, has to oversee virtual teams, handle technical projects, and even provide IT guidance to customers. Account managers, however, handle the accounts of different businesses and even government customers. While many of these sound like “in-house” Amazon jobs, you usually don’t need to leave your home for them.
These positions fill up a little less quickly, mostly because they come with a longer list of qualifications, and they’re long-term. In fact, there are very few Amazon part-time jobs in the sales and advertising sector.
Pay
Salaries for these positions can vary depending on experience level and exact responsibilities. Some of our estimates (not from Amazon directly) put the salary of a customer solutions manager at around $141,000 a year, and that’s not including stock or cash bonuses you may get throughout the year.
While it can change based on the accounts they’re overseeing, some estimates put the salary for an account manager at anywhere from $45,000 to $80,000 a year. If you’ve got a title like “Senior Account Manager,” you can expect even more of a salary bump.
Benefits
Sales and advertising Amazon online jobs don’t skimp on the benefits. Along with health insurance, you can contribute to a 401(k) or Roth 401(k), get guaranteed vacation time, and earn paid (and unpaid) time off.
Qualifications
Even Amazon remote jobs like account management will require some prior experience (usually five years or more), and almost all of these jobs prefer that you have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Having a technical background or being bilingual isn’t a hard requirement, but it could give you an edge.
Is Travel Needed?
These jobs are mostly virtual, though Amazon does specify that “moderate travel should be expected” for many of its sales jobs.
Human Resources
You don’t need a long commute or an office to work in HR. Amazon’s extensive list of HR opportunities includes everything from an operations assistant to an HR investigator. The daily to-do-list of an operations assistant can look a lot like a customer support associate’s – except you’re trying to resolve problems with management teams, not customers. While it might require some travel, much of this work can be done remotely.
Amazon also lists its HR investigator positions as a work-from-home job. You’ll be conducting investigations about nearby field offices, which might require some travel, but not all the time. An HR investigator, like most of Amazon’s HR openings, is a full-time gig.
You may occasionally see a seasonal job pop up on the jobs website – like an HR Contact Center Manager. These employees provide assistance to Amazon employees, and someone has to be on the clock at all times. Managers oversee a team of HR employees and may have to give additional support.
You might need some experience to work in Amazon’s HR department, but once you’re there, you’ll be getting a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a global business.
Pay
Estimates put the average salary of an HR investigator at almost $60,000 with perks like cash or stock bonuses throughout the year. If you become a “Senior HR Investigator,” you can make even more than that.
If you don’t think you’d excel at detective work, maybe becoming an HR assistant is more of your thing. The average salary is around $53,000, but these employees also don’t get a lot of bonuses.
Benefits
Full-time HR jobs like being an Investigator or HR assistant come with all the benefits you’d expect: health insurance coverage, vacation time, PTO, and even some unpaid time off.
Qualifications
If you’ve already got a Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a couple of years of experience in the field, you may be all set. For instance, HR Investigators will need a history of conducting fieldwork and even employee interviews.
Any HR job, whether you’re a Contact Manager or an assistant, will need to be proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
Is Travel Needed?
Amazon doesn’t specify how much travel their HR jobs include, but if you’re applying to be an Investigator, you’ll probably need to spend some time in the field. Other positions, like being an assistant or manager, might be almost fully remote.
Technical Writer
If you think you’re up to the task, you can always put your writing skills to the test by becoming a technical writer with Amazon. These positions aren’t as common, and they may require in-depth knowledge of technical subjects, like quantum computing.
Amazon doesn’t necessarily expect their writers to be experts or have degrees in these technical subjects, but they do want fast learners. Since you’ll be working closely with engineering teams or other technical personnel, you should have plenty of opportunities to learn.
Pay
Amazon expects a lot from their technical writers, which is why you’ll find salary estimates close to $100,000, including hefty bonuses. Your exact pay rate may depend on what subject you’ll be writing about, and whether you’re just starting or are a senior technical writer.
Benefits
Full-time technical writers can get access to health insurance, retirement plans, vacation time, and PTO.
Qualifications
Starting off, Amazon does require that their technical writers have a Bachelor’s degree and some prior experience writing for a technical audience. If you already have a lot of technical knowledge or even a degree in technology, you’ll be ahead of the game.
Is Travel Needed?
Some travel may be needed, but you can primarily work from home as a technical writer.
Software Development Engineer
Interested in how Amazon technology like Alexa or Amazon Echo works? Well, if you’ve got a background in software development, you may be able to apply as a software engineer. Software engineers have two major responsibilities: Although they’re focused on improving and building on current software, they can also experiment with new concepts or ideas.
You’ll most likely be part of a bigger team, so you’ll have to communicate and collaborate with others, but you won’t have to sit in a stuffy boardroom or office to do so. You’re probably less likely to see software engineer jobs pop up as often as customer support associates or account managers, but there are openings from time to time.
Pay
Average salary estimates put software engineers at around $117,000, with plenty of wiggle room for experience levels, cash bonuses, and even commission sharing.
Benefits
Not only can software engineers get perks like cash bonuses or some commission sharing, but they also get health insurance, a 401(k), and plenty of vacation and PTO.
Qualifications
The average software development engineer needs about two years of non-internship experience, a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, and in-depth knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, and more. Amazon does prefer that you’ve worked on a tech team before or that you have a Master’s degree.
Is Travel Needed?
There should be very little travel (if any) as a software engineer. Amazon also doesn’t specify which state or region you need to be in. Many of these positions only ask that you be located in the U.S. or the U.K.
Solution Architect
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has solution architect openings from time to time. With this position, you’ll be working closely on a variety of new Amazon technologies and collaborating with other technical teams or architects.
Compared with some other Amazon jobs, this one provides less structure, which can be a pro or con for some people. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for experimentation or brainstorming, but building a routine from home may be challenging.
Keep in mind that if you have the technical background for this one, you’ll probably want to familiarize yourself with a lot of AWS technology off the bat. But, since it requires quite a bit of experience, this is the kind of position you don’t have to worry about someone else filling right away. Chances are, it’ll sit on Amazon’s job board for weeks or even months before the right candidate comes along.
Pay
If you can snag the gig, solution architects can bring home around $140,000 a year — without adding in stock or cash bonuses that you may rack up.
Benefits
Being a solution architect comes with a full range of benefits: You’ll get health care, a retirement plan, vacation time, PTO, and even life insurance if you want it.
Qualifications
Along with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or math, you’ll also need at least 10 years of enterprise IT experience. Amazon also wants some of that experience to be with hands-on software development, systems architecture, or cloud computing.
Is Travel Needed?
With this job, you’ll need to travel about 30% of the time.
Other Remote Amazon Jobs That You May See
I’ve already outlined some of the more common positions that you’ll see pop up on Amazon’s remote job board, but other positions I came across included:
- Remote Security Consultant
- Internal Communications Manager
- Public Relations Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Portfolio Manager
- Data Analytics Intern
- UX Designer
- Solar Construction Manager
- Facilities and Real Estate Operational Manager
As far as open positions go, Amazon has all their bases covered – even virtually.
How to Find “Virtual Location” Jobs Near You
So, you’re interested in one of Amazon’s work-from-home gigs, but how do you find listings in your area? For that, you’ll need to navigate through Amazon’s “Virtual Location” job board. Sorting by location is usually the easiest way to find positions you want, rather than trying to sift through hundreds of opportunities at once. Be sure to also narrow search results down with the “Work From Home” category.
Once you’re looking at Amazon virtual jobs, you can begin filtering jobs by the city or country you live in. Unsurprisingly, a large portion of Amazon’s open positions are for people who live in the U.S. – but there are some listings for Great Britain (GBR), Italy, and even Costa Rica.
Even if you’re in the U.S., Amazon continues to filter jobs by the state you live in. States like California or New York usually have the bulk of open positions.
While I’d probably recommend sorting by location, you can also sort by specific positions, full-time, part-time, or seasonal, or categories like “Human Resources,” or “Sales & Advertising,” if there’s a niche you’re interested in.
How to Apply for a Work-From-Home Amazon Job
Applying for a work-from-home Amazon job, whether it’s for customer service or software development, is fairly straightforward. Just head to the company’s job page, and once you’ve clicked on the listing you’re interested in, click on “Apply Now.”
Quick tip: Before you apply, make sure you have a cover letter and a resume handy. Almost all positions will require at least a resume, if not a cover letter, too. Even applying for a customer support position will usually require a cover letter that details why you’re such a great candidate.
After getting that resume and creating that cover letter, here are your next steps (including what information you’ll need to apply for most virtual location jobs):
- Once you click on “Apply Now” link, Amazon will ask you to create a separate account so that you can manage your application and check on its progress (for high-volume jobs, you may first have to check a box to make sure you’ve read the job description).
- Next, you’ll need to upload your resume and cover letter to the site.
- Then, fill out contact information, including your email, where you live, and your phone number.
- Depending on the job, Amazon may ask you if you’re willing to relocate. High-volume jobs, like customer support associates, shouldn’t have to answer this question. But positions like software engineers where some travel is required may have to.
- Amazon will then inquire about your work eligibility to figure out if you’ve ever been employed by Amazon before. Other questions include whether you’re legally eligible to start working immediately or if you’re a former employee of the government.
- Finally, most online applications end with self-identification forms about your gender, ethnic background, disability, and veteran status. Since Amazon is an equal opportunity employer, your answers to these questions shouldn’t affect how likely you are to get the job.
- Finally, the last step is to hit submit and wait for Amazon to reach out!
Applying for an Amazon work-from-home job doesn’t come with a ton of extra steps, and as long as you’ve got all your documentation ready, you may be able to complete the application within minutes.
And with online applications, you can always log back on and check on the process of your application. More technical jobs might require further steps, like a virtual interview process, to make sure you’re qualified.
Keep in mind that the steps above only cover jobs that you find through the virtual locations job board. mTurk workers and Flex drivers go through their own application processes, which I’ll get into below.
Applying for mTurk
Becoming an mTurk worker is probably the easiest remote Amazon job to get and there’s no need to dig out that resume or drum up a cover letter. As long as you verify your email address, give your name, and where you live, you can create an account. Amazon still has to approve your account, which could take up to 30 days.
Once you’ve got the email that your account is approved, you can begin filling out banking and payment information — and then get started!
Applying to be a Flex Driver
If you’ve already worked with a company like Uber or Lyft, the application process for Amazon Flex isn’t much different. But first, you’ll want to make sure you live in one of the communities where Amazon is actively recruiting for its Flex workforce, or you’ll be wasting your time. Amazon still lets you download the app even if your city isn’t listed; you just can’t work yet.
But, if you’re somewhere with Flex opportunities, here’s what happens next:
- You’ll download the Flex app and create an account (or use an existing account).
- During account creation, you’ll have to upload a photo of yourself and your driver’s license. It’s also worth noting that the information you provide during the account setup will be used to make sure you pass a background check.
- Amazon will take you through the training process, which is a bunch of videos that highlight how to work as a Flex driver.
- You can set your delivery preferences next.
- Plug in payment and tax information so that Amazon knows where to send your paycheck.
- Select the nearest service area where you’ll pick up and deliver packages.
- Finally, start working by scheduling your first delivery block!
Final Notes about Amazon-Work-From-Home Jobs
The world of Amazon work-from-home jobs is vast and there are tons of ways to earn money — whether you have a high school diploma or a Ph.D., there’s a little something for everyone. While there are plenty of technical roles out there, many people who work from home with Amazon end up as a customer service associate, a Flex driver, or a mTurk worker.
Flex drivers and mTurk aren’t bad for part-time gigs or quick cash, but a customer service associate role can be a full-time job. You may have to start as a seasonal worker, but as long as you prove that you can meet attendance requirements and complete your hours, you could stay on for much longer.
If you think Amazon might be the right company for your remote work, don’t feel discouraged about a lack of opportunities — because job openings are constantly changing, and if you don’t find the right gig now, you can always check back at a later date.
