Top Hourly Seasonal Jobs for 2025 and Holiday Hiring Forecast

Alexis Miller
Nov 19
4 min read

The 2025 holiday employment landscape presents a marked reversal from recent years, with job seekers facing intensified competition for a limited pool of seasonal opportunities.

Recent labor market insights find that searches for seasonal employment have surged 27% year-over-year, reaching levels 50% higher than 2023. Yet seasonal job postings have grown by a modest 2.7% over the same period, creating a significant imbalance between labor supply and demand.

This mismatch means more people are looking for holiday work, but there are fewer positions to go around. For many job seekers, that could translate to more applications, longer wait times, and a tougher time landing that coveted holiday gig.

A Shift in the Labor Market

The shift reflects broader economic headwinds. Employers who are 'urgently hiring' has reduced since late 2021, plummeting by 8%, indicating reduced employer desperation and a more cautious approach to staffing.

In addition, businesses appear optimistic heading into the holiday season. Consumer spending has remained solid, and GDP growth continues to hold steady. Data suggests that while companies aren’t expanding their hiring efforts dramatically, they’re also not pulling back. The result is a cautious, competitive seasonal hiring environment, or one that favors preparedness and early action.

Job Seekers Are Starting Earlier

If you’ve been seeing “Now Hiring for the Holidays” signs earlier this year, you’re not imagining things. Job seekers have responded to tightening conditions by initiating searches earlier than in previous years. Historically, searches for holiday jobs ramped up in late October and peaked in November. But this year, activity began climbing as early as September, signaling that workers are trying to get a head start on what they know will be a tight market.

This behavioral shift places a premium on timing and flexibility. Candidates willing to accommodate varied schedules and consider multiple job categories are better positioned to secure employment before peak competition arrives.

Retail Dominates, But Other Sectors Offer Alternatives

Retail continues to anchor the seasonal employment market, accounting for 63% of all postings. Sales associates, cashiers, and stockers remain essential to managing heightened foot traffic during the shopping season.

However, opportunities extend well beyond store floors. Logistics companies, e-commerce fulfillment centers, hospitality venues, and customer service operations all scale up operations to meet year-end demand. Major employers including Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and national grocery chains typically hire thousands of temporary workers to support shipping and distribution networks.

Seasonal Jobs for 2025

While opportunities vary by region and industry, certain roles consistently emerge as seasonal hiring priorities.

Top Hourly Seasonal Jobs for 2025

The seasonal job market encompasses a diverse array of roles. Here is our list of some of the top seasonal jobs for 2025, specifically for the hourly working employee:

Retail Sales Associate – The most common seasonal role by far. These workers help customers, restock merchandise, and keep stores organized during the shopping rush. Many positions offer employee discounts and flexible shifts.
Customer Service Representative – Whether in-person, over the phone, or through chat, these roles help handle order inquiries and returns. Great for people who enjoy problem-solving and communication.
Fulfillment or Warehouse Associate – E-commerce is booming, and warehouses need help picking, packing, and shipping orders. Expect physically demanding but fast-paced work.
Delivery Driver – From big-box deliveries to food and beverage drop-offs, drivers are in high demand during peak shipping months. A clean driving record and flexible hours are key.
Gift Wrapper – Retailers and department stores often bring on additional help to beautifully wrap holiday purchases. It’s a creative role that keeps spirits bright (and customers happy).
Bartender or Server – Restaurants, hotels, and event venues need extra staff as parties, banquets, and end-of-year celebrations ramp up. These jobs often include tips and lively atmospheres.
Line Cook or Prep Cook – Resorts, catering services, and restaurants add staff for the busy dining season. Experience helps, but many kitchens train on the job.
Grocery Clerk or Personal Gift Shopper – Retailers and online stores hire seasonal shoppers to help busy customers find the perfect gifts. A keen sense of style and attention to detail go a long way. Plus, as families stock up for big meals, grocery stores hire seasonal staff to bag, restock, or fulfill pickup orders.
Barista – Coffee chains and bakeries expand hours and staff to handle longer lines and gift-card rushes. Expect early mornings and busy weekends.
Tour Guide – Tourist destinations see an uptick in visitors over the holidays. Outgoing personalities and local knowledge are a plus.
Social Media Assistant – Brands launch countless campaigns during the holidays and often hire temporary staff to help manage content and customer engagement.
Security Guard – The holidays bring crowds, and with them the need for additional on-site security at malls, warehouses, and event venues.
Event Staff or Caterer – The holiday party circuit is back. Venues need servers, bussers, and event coordinators for one-off shifts that often pay above average hourly rates.
Parking Attendant or Valet – With events and shopping centers busier than ever, parking services see heavy seasonal demand, especially in urban areas.
Cleaner / Janitorial Staff – Retailers, hotels, and event spaces add seasonal cleaning crews to handle extra foot traffic and maintain safety standards.

Why Seasonal Jobs Still Matter

Seasonal employment offers benefits that transcend immediate compensation. These positions provide schedule flexibility particularly valuable to students, parents, and retirees. They also serve as audition periods for both workers and employers, with strong performers often retained for permanent roles.

The experience and professional connections gained through seasonal work can facilitate industry transitions or career exploration. For job seekers navigating an uncertain market, these temporary positions represent both financial support and strategic career development opportunities.

Navigating a Competitive Holiday Environment

The current landscape favors proactive job seekers. Early applications, geographic flexibility, and willingness to consider diverse roles can improve placement odds. Community-focused and specialized platforms for hourly work, like Juvo Jobs, can yield results where broader job sites prove saturated.

While the 2025 holiday hiring season presents challenges absent from recent years, opportunities remain for candidates who approach the market with preparation and adaptability. Whether you’re looking for extra cash, new connections, or a pathway to a permanent role, the opportunities are out there... you just have to move fast to grab them.

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