Amazon is one of the biggest employers in the world — with over 1.5 million workers globally. And if there’s one thing that helps Amazon attract and retain talent (besides the paycheck), it’s their PTO (Paid Time Off) and vacation policy.
In today’s fast-paced work culture, PTO isn’t just a perk — it’s a necessity. In fact, a Pew Research survey revealed that about 46% of U.S. workers don’t even use all of their available PTO — often because they feel guilty or worry about falling behind at work.
Amazon’s PTO policy is designed to support employees’ well-being and offer them time to rest, recharge, or handle personal matters — all without worrying about losing income.
Let’s break down how Amazon’s PTO policy works and what makes it stand out.
What Exactly is PTO?
In simple words, PTO (Paid Time Off) means you can take time away from work — whether it’s for vacation, personal reasons, or even sick days — and still get paid.
Different companies have their own rules about how PTO is earned and used, but the basic idea stays the same: time off, with pay.
Key Features of PTO
Here’s what typically comes under a company’s PTO policy:
Paid Leave
Employees can take days off without losing money from their paycheck.
Types of PTO
Companies usually combine vacation days, personal days, and sick leave under one PTO umbrella — making it easier to manage.
How PTO is Earned
PTO can either:
Accrue over time (based on hours worked)
Be allotted upfront (a set number of days given at the start of the year)
Unlimited PTO
Some companies (mostly in tech) offer unlimited PTO — but employees still need manager approval.
Amazon PTO Policy: How It Works
Amazon offers PTO based on your job type — whether you’re a full-time, part-time, or seasonal employee — and how long you’ve been with the company.
Vacation Days for Full-Time Employees
Years Worked Vacation Days Earned Per Year
- 1st Year -10 Days
- 2nd – 5th Year-15 Days
- 6+ Years – 20 Days
Part-time and reduced-time employees earn PTO based on the number of hours they work, so naturally, their vacation days are fewer.
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Personal Time Off at Amazon
In addition to vacation days, Amazon offers personal time — which starts accruing from your first paycheck and continues throughout the year.
For example:
Full-time employees can earn 3 to 6 personal days per year, depending on their employment status.
Paid Holidays at Amazon
Amazon employees also get 7 paid holidays each year:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
In some states like California, employees may get extra paid holidays like the day after Thanksgiving or an additional day around Christmas.
What About Sick Leave?
Amazon allows employees to use their PTO for sick days. You don’t need a doctor’s note for short-term sickness (up to 7 days), making it easy to rest and recover without extra stress.
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PTO Accrual System at Amazon
Amazon uses an accrual method — meaning the more you work, the more PTO you earn.
For Full-Time Employees:
- Years Worked Total PTO Days (Vacation + Personal Time)
- 1st Year 16 Days (10 Vacation + 6 Personal)
- 2nd – 5th Year 21 Days (15 Vacation + 6 Personal)
- 6+ Years 26 Days (20 Vacation + 6 Personal)
- California-Specific PTO Policy
- In California, PTO rules are slightly different:
Years Worked Vacation Days Floating Holidays
- 1st Year 15 Days 3 Floating Days
- 6+ Years 25 Days 3 Floating Days
California employees don’t get separate personal days — but they do receive floating holidays to use as needed.
What Happens to Unused PTO?
Amazon’s policy on unused PTO depends on the type:
Vacation Time
If you leave the company (resign or get terminated), Amazon will pay out any unused vacation days in your final paycheck.
Personal Time Off
Unused personal time usually won’t be paid out when you leave.
How Amazon’s PTO Policy Compares to Other Tech Giants
Company PTO Policy Highlights
- Amazon Up to 26 PTO days + 7 paid holidays. Accrual based on hours worked.
- Apple 12 PTO days for new hires, increasing to 15. Extra paid holidays during festive periods.
- Microsoft Unlimited PTO for salaried employees. 10 paid U.S. holidays. Hourly employees have a different structure.
Conclusion
Amazon’s PTO policy is competitive, especially for a company of its size. It offers a balanced mix of vacation time, personal days, and paid holidays — designed to promote work-life balance for its employees.
Of course, like with any company, the real challenge lies in actually using your PTO without feeling guilty or stressed about work piling up. But with increasing awareness around mental health and workplace wellness, PTO is becoming more important than ever.
If you work at Amazon (or are planning to), understanding the PTO policy can help you plan your time off better and avoid burnout.
