UPS Is Hiring 100,000 Holiday Workers (2026): What San Antonians Should Know

UPS just announced 100,000 seasonal jobs — and San Antonio is hiring

UPS announced on October 7, 2026 that it is hiring 100,000 seasonal employees across hundreds of U.S. locations for the holiday peak season. If you live in San Antonio and need work — or extra income before the holidays — this is one of the biggest single hiring pushes of the year. Applying is completely free, the digital application takes about 25 minutes, and UPS says many applicants get a job offer in under 7 minutes, with nearly 80% of seasonal roles requiring no interview at all.

This guide covers the roles, the pay, how to apply from San Antonio, and free local resources if you need help while you job-hunt.

What the jobs pay

UPS describes the pay as competitive with flexible shifts — and reports put pay at as much as $30 an hour for certain positions and locations. The roles being filled include:

• Package handlers — sorting and loading packages in UPS facilities (the most openings, no driver’s license needed)
• Delivery drivers — driving UPS trucks on local routes
• Driver helpers — riding along and helping drivers on busy routes
• Tractor-trailer drivers — for CDL holders

Seasonal work can also become permanent: nearly 35,000 holiday-season workers earned permanent positions last year. And the long-term upside is real — a full-time UPS package delivery driver makes an average of $95,000 per year, plus about $50,000 in health, wellness, and pension benefits. Seasonal employees can also earn up to $1,300 toward college expenses.

Who should apply

• Anyone 18 or older looking for seasonal income — most handler and helper roles do not require a driver’s license
• Licensed drivers — delivery driver roles pay more and are the fastest path to a permanent driving career
• CDL holders — tractor-trailer seasonal roles
• Students and second-job seekers — flexible shifts fit around school or another job

Package handler work is physical — lifting, bending, and being on your feet. If that is a concern, driver helper and driving roles are worth a look instead.

How to apply from San Antonio in 4 steps

1. Go to jobs-ups.com — the official UPS jobs site. Never pay anyone to apply for you; the real application is free.
2. Search “San Antonio, TX” in the location field to see local openings across UPS facilities in the area.
3. Complete the digital application — about 25 minutes. Have your ID, work history, and availability handy. Most seasonal roles skip the interview entirely.
4. Watch for your offer — UPS says many applicants receive a job offer in under 7 minutes after applying. Check your email and texts.

Apply early. Seasonal roles fill on a rolling basis, and last year’s hiring reached similar numbers — waiting until November means fewer openings to choose from.

Free help while you job-hunt in San Antonio

• Free Job Training Programs in San Antonio — free certifications and career training, including options that do not require a degree.
• WIOA Career Services — Workforce Solutions Alamo — free career counseling, training funds, and job placement help. Call (210) 438-0581.
• Texas Unemployment Benefits (TWC) — if you are between jobs, you may qualify for weekly benefits while you search. Call 1-800-939-6631.
• How to Apply for SNAP in San Antonio — monthly grocery support while your income is low.
• Free English (ESL) & Citizenship Classes in San Antonio (2026) — free adult education that pairs with any career plan.
• 2-1-1 Texas — free, confidential referrals to local help of every kind, 24/7.

Get Your Free Benefits Guide — Apply for Me

Frequently asked questions

Is it really free to apply?
Yes. The official application at jobs-ups.com is completely free. Never pay anyone who offers to “get you in” at UPS — that is a scam.

Do I need a driver’s license?
Not for package handler or most warehouse roles. You will need one (plus a clean driving record) for delivery driver positions, and a CDL for tractor-trailer roles.

How long does seasonal work last?
Typically through the holiday peak — late November into January — but UPS hired nearly 35,000 seasonal workers into permanent roles last year.

Can seasonal workers get benefits?
Seasonal roles come with competitive pay and flexible shifts; permanent UPS roles add the full package (health, wellness, pension). Seasonal employees can also earn up to $1,300 toward college expenses.

What if I need help with bills while I wait for my first paycheck?
Check the free resources above — SNAP for groceries, 2-1-1 for local referrals, and our Apply for Me program for a personalized guide to every program you may qualify for.