The holiday hiring season is underway in Columbus, with retailers, department stores and package delivery companies recruiting workers ahead of Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas. Local job listings show opportunities paying anywhere from $8.50 to $18.20 an hour, depending on the employer and position. Some jobs require little previous experience, making them potential options for students, retirees and residents looking to supplement their regular income.

A review of Columbus-area job advertisements on October 18 identified seasonal positions at major retailers, including Target, Kohl’s, JCPenney and Bath & Body Works. Package delivery company FedEx is also advertising seasonal warehouse positions with weekly pay and starting wages above those offered by several retailers. While most positions are temporary, some employers offer opportunities to pursue permanent employment after the holidays.

9 Columbus Employers Advertising Seasonal Jobs

1. FedEx — $17.70 to $18.20 an Hour

FedEx is advertising seasonal package handler positions in Columbus, with an hourly pay range of $17.70 to $18.20. Employees load, unload and sort packages in a physically demanding warehouse environment, and the company offers both part-time and full-time opportunities. FedEx says workers are paid weekly, with part-time shifts generally lasting three to six hours depending on package volume.

The company lists a Columbus worksite at 5220 Cargo Drive, while another seasonal listing identifies a facility in nearby Midland. Eligible employees may also receive tuition reimbursement and other benefits, making the positions worth considering for workers interested in longer-term employment. Applicants can review current openings through the official ⁠FedEx Careers website.

2. Target — Starting at $15.50 an Hour

Target is recruiting seasonal employees at its Columbus store at 1591 Bradley Park Drive. Available positions include early-morning stocking, cashiering, fulfillment, general merchandise and customer service. A local seasonal stocking advertisement lists starting pay at $15.50 per hour.

The early-morning stocking position begins as early as 4 a.m., making it a possible option for residents who prefer working before traditional business hours. Other seasonal assignments may require evening, weekend and holiday availability as shopping activity increases. Target also advertises employee discounts and benefits subject to eligibility requirements.

3. Bath & Body Works — $13 an Hour

Bath & Body Works is seeking seasonal retail sales associates at Columbus Park Crossing, advertising pay of $13 an hour. Employees assist shoppers, restock merchandise, maintain product displays and help customers find gifts during the busiest shopping weeks of the year. The position is part-time and emphasizes customer service rather than specialized technical experience.

The company advertises daily or weekly pay options and a 40% employee discount. Holiday associates may experience changing schedules as stores prepare for major shopping events and extended holiday hours. Residents interested in retail experience can apply through Bath & Body Works’ employment listings.

4. Kohl’s — Starting at $13 an Hour

Kohl’s is advertising seasonal retail sales associate positions in Columbus, with advertised starting compensation of $13 an hour. Employees assist customers, process purchases, organize merchandise and help maintain store operations during the holiday shopping season. The work can involve extended periods of standing and potentially busier evening and weekend shifts.

Department stores typically require additional staffing as shoppers purchase clothing, home goods and holiday gifts. Seasonal employees may gain experience in customer service, sales and retail operations that could be useful when applying for permanent positions. Applicants should confirm available hours and the expected duration of employment before accepting an offer.

5. Burlington — $13 an Hour

Burlington is recruiting part-time seasonal retail stocking associates in Columbus, offering $13 an hour. The position focuses on receiving merchandise, organizing products, stocking shelves and keeping the sales floor ready for customers. Unlike positions centered on cashiering, this job may appeal to applicants who prefer inventory and merchandise-handling responsibilities.

Stocking positions can be physically demanding because employees frequently move boxes, replenish displays and work in storage areas. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings or weekends depending on store needs. The position is advertised as seasonal, so applicants should not assume employment will continue after the holiday period.

6. JCPenney — $12 to $15 an Hour

JCPenney is advertising seasonal retail associate positions at Peachtree Mall, with hourly compensation ranging from $12 to $15. Employees assist shoppers, operate registers, maintain merchandise displays and help customers locate products during the holiday rush. The position offers an opportunity to gain retail experience in one of Columbus’s established shopping destinations.

The advertised pay range makes JCPenney competitive with several other seasonal retailers in the area. Actual compensation can depend on the position and qualifications, and applicants should verify the offered rate before accepting employment. Weekend and holiday availability may be particularly important as stores prepare for Black Friday and Christmas shopping.

7. Aéropostale — $8.50 to $10.63 an Hour

Aéropostale is advertising seasonal sales associate positions at Peachtree Mall, with pay ranging from $8.50 to $10.63 an hour. Employees help customers select merchandise, organize clothing displays and maintain the store’s appearance during busy shopping periods. The position may appeal to applicants seeking their first retail job or a limited-hours seasonal opportunity.

However, the advertised compensation is among the lowest identified in this review. Someone working 20 hours weekly at $10 an hour would earn approximately $200 before taxes and deductions. Applicants comparing offers should consider both the hourly wage and the number of shifts an employer can provide.

8. Palmetto Moon — Pay Not Disclosed

Palmetto Moon is advertising a seasonal part-time sales associate position in Columbus. The retailer specifically describes the opportunity as a way to earn additional holiday spending money and advertises flexible scheduling. Employees would help shoppers, support store operations and provide customer service during the holiday shopping season.

The job advertisement reviewed did not provide a specific hourly wage. Interested applicants should request compensation details and expected weekly hours during the application process. Comparing those details with other available offers can help determine whether a position meets a worker’s financial needs.

9. Walmart — Advertised Range of $14 to $27 an Hour

Walmart is advertising store stocking positions in Columbus with a broad pay range of $14 to $27 an hour. Employees replenish merchandise, organize shelves and help maintain inventory, responsibilities that become especially important during holiday shopping periods. The listings include part-time opportunities, although not every advertised stocking position is designated seasonal.

Walmart has also advertised seasonal team associate positions locally, making its employment website another place to check for holiday opportunities. The upper end of the advertised range should not be interpreted as the likely starting salary for a new employee. Applicants should verify whether a particular position is currently open, rather than a future opening, and confirm its actual starting rate.

Holiday Hiring Is Expected to Be More Competitive in 2026

Although seasonal opportunities are available locally, the national holiday hiring outlook is weaker than in previous years. Employment firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas projects retailers will add approximately 450,000 seasonal workers nationwide in 2026, compared with approximately 461,000 in 2025. If that projection holds, seasonal retail hiring would reach its lowest level since the financial crisis.

That trend could make early applications especially important for Columbus residents seeking temporary work. Retailers are increasingly relying on existing employees and more selective seasonal hiring rather than dramatically expanding their workforces before Christmas. Workers willing to accept early-morning, evening or weekend shifts may have more scheduling options than applicants with limited availability.

How Much Can Columbus Residents Earn?

For someone working 25 hours per week, a seasonal job paying $13 an hour would generate approximately $325 in weekly gross income. At $15.50 an hour, that increases to $387.50, while a position paying $18.20 would generate $455 before taxes. Over eight weeks, those earnings would total approximately $2,600, $3,100 and $3,640, respectively, assuming consistent hours.

Actual earnings will depend on scheduling, employment duration and available shifts. Seasonal jobs may also end shortly after Christmas or continue into January as businesses handle merchandise returns and inventory changes. Before accepting an offer, applicants should ask about guaranteed hours, scheduling expectations and opportunities for permanent employment.

Where to Apply

Residents interested in seasonal employment should begin with the employers’ official career websites and search specifically for Columbus, Georgia. Job advertisements on Indeed and other employment platforms can help identify openings, but employers may update or close listings without notice. Applicants should also be cautious of unsolicited recruitment messages requesting payments or sensitive financial information.

Columbus Times reviewed seasonal employment advertisements on October 18, 2026. The positions and wages described reflect publicly advertised information rather than independently confirmed hiring commitments, and availability may change after publication. Residents seeking additional income during the holidays are encouraged to compare wages, hours, transportation costs and employment duration before making a decision.