Copyright MassLive

The holiday season is certainly one of the busiest times of the year — from traveling and feasting, to buying gifts and coming together with family — the season calls for much planning ahead. And Amazon is doing just that. The company is gearing up to hire 5,000 seasonal positions across Massachusetts as part of a national effort to hire 350,000 employees in time for the holidays. Read more: Amazon Prime members will soon receive money from ‘historic’ $2.5B settlement “Our continued investment in Massachusetts reflects Amazon’s long-term commitment to the Commonwealth,” Jonathan Greeley, head of economic development for Amazon in New England said in a statement obtained by MassLive. “As we create 5,500 seasonal positions and continue investing in competitive wages, we’re proud to be part of Massachusetts’ economic landscape, where we’ve invested $28.9 billion since 2010.” The seasonal positions will be distributed across the state, with 2,000 jobs in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metropolitan area, 1,000 jobs in the Worcester metropolitan area, and 2,500 positions throughout other parts of Massachusetts. Roles will offer an average wage of more than $19 per hour and flexible scheduling options. According to Amazon, the total compensation now averages more than $30 per hour when including elected benefits, with employees who have three or more years of service eligible for pay increases up to 35%. Read more: Iconic toy company opens dozens of stores ahead of the holidays — will your state get one? Employees have the option of joining the company’s healthcare plans which start at $5 a week and offer a Career Choice program that pre-pays tuition at eight Massachusetts institutions including Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology and several University of Massachusetts campuses. In Massachusetts, Amazon operates nine fulfillment centers, 16 delivery stations, and 32 Whole Foods Market locations. Since 2010, the company has invested $28.9 billion in Massachusetts and contributed $27.1 billion to the state’s gross domestic product. More Business News Amid a tough year for biotech, these Mass. companies just raised $1B Mass. hotel to lay off all staff and close — then be replaced by 300 apartments MGM Springfield says September gambling rose over year before Mark your calendars: Starbucks confirms the return of Red Cup Day Beloved Mexican restaurant chain reopens after 20 years: ‘This one’s for you’