Amazon Area Manager - Explaining Amazon's Job Levels 

I just became a PA at my site. I'm 19 and am definitely proud of where I've gotten to. Although my new position has its perks, I miss being a tier 1 which may sound silly. I'm one who wants to learn and do everything, and being in a leadership role definitely restricts that. I find the hardest part is when having to staff somebody where I need them, I just have that urge of wanting to go out and do it too, not wanting to be in one place all the time. I said I'd give myself some time to really take in my position before even considering stepping down. But even if I did step down, I fear that I'll get looked down on for it for not having a legitimate reason besides not liking it.

Great explanation of the tier system. I definitely understand it a lot better now from u than when explained when I started awhile ago. First time watching your channel

Thanks for the informative video about an FC warehouse! I've been with Amazon for about a year and a half now, I work at a Nonsort Reverse Logistics site, and I was told the same information regarding Teir 2. However, I spoke with my building Site Leader of HR, and she informed me there are actually roles that fall under Teir 2. These roles include ambassador, problem solve, audit, IOL, and ISS. Teir 2 indirect roles are for associates who are wanting to advance from Teir 1 to Teir 3, or if they just want to advance their skill set. Teir 3 can also include Learning Trainer, Human Resources Associate, Safety, Hazmat, etc.; I hope this information was helpful!

Thanks for these videos! I got offered a graduate management job yesterday and wouldn’t have been able to do it without your help! Start Feb 22nd and am very excited!

Hey Grant! Thanks so much, ur all videos will help me on my Amazon journey. Thanks again for sharing with us

Tier 3 is not just a PA position, its also TOM Team (TA), ICQA, RME, Learning Trainer and Quality. Tier 4 is not just AM, its also TSS(Tom Support Specialist), TOM IT, Learning Coordinator. also tier 9 exist its the regional managers that oversees the local IXD, FC, SC and DSP Nodes.

Im reading all of your responses and all of them are CORRECT. Third week of training and cant wait to complete it so I can officially start!

Nice, simple break down... thank you 😊 💎

Hi Grant! I just found out I passed my AM interview and now I'm waiting for my official offer letter. Your videos have been really helpful throughout this process. I have a couple questions. When you're on a shift, who else are you working with besides the associates? Are there other L4 and up employees also on the floor? And have you been able to become friends with your coworkers? Thank you!

Hey Grant, really random but could you do a weekend vlog? Like a day in the life of the 3 or 4 days you have off? I’d think it would be informative/interesting to anyone who is iffy about moving to a new city for a job or something like this!

Just to correct you there, there is tier 2 in fulfillment centers and they're customers service reps. I'm not sure if all the fulfillment centers have that department but in one of them that i worked at had 2 ladies with small office and they were in charge of calling/receiving calls..etc

Hi Grant! How’s training going? I just started my second week of training on site as an Area Manager. Great videos and content!

Level 2 T3/L3 is also DSL delivery station liaison they respond to customers to find packages at a delivery station. There are some level 2 Hr administrator jobs too.

I'm still a tier 1 at a FC as a Picker. Just finished my 2 weeks of cross training which was a great experience for me to work at induct. But I really wanna work myself to PA one day. And the way I'm going looks good just have to put in a lot of work.. we all just got our raise which is great and in 2 months everyone will be getting a bonus check for $500 for Pt & $1000 to Ft which is amazing. I love working at Amazon 100%.

Thanks for the video! I am a data analyst considering a switch to operations and will start a PT MBA program in the fall. Which level would be the best for me, if I were to start today? I would assume between levels 4-6

Hi Grant, thanks for making these videos. I have a quick question, are you in a FC of delivery station and what is the difference in being an AM in FC vs DS?

Hello, Grant! Thank you for posting all your videos. It helps me to understand how to work at FCs. I would like to know what kinds of skills or software should I prepare to deal with data driven management as an Area manager. I’m really appreciate with your help in advance.

I have an upcoming EA interview and I came to find out those are L4/L5. Is that similar to tier?

If someone had an associates degree in business admin, how high of a position could they get hired into?

I think a lot of people are here trying to find out what you have to do in order to move up the ladder and get a different color vest. Well, at least that’s how it is at my location…🤷🏽‍♀️…I work at the Distribution Center in Fayetteville, NC…we stow, pick, and prepare the mail for the drivers…a 19-year-old kid who was there for three months he’s already a learning ambassador, he trained me…he has the green and blue vest I believe and I’ve been there about two months and I’m 40 years old and I’m definitely not trying to work hard lol! I see that the people with the red operations vests just Walk around bossing people around and they don’t even do anything! I’m trying to get their status and I have a business degree, so how can I use that in order to move up the ladder? Or maybe even move into HR?

I just earned my Ambassador vest! Ready to go even higher

It doesn't make sense to skip a level despite what the company says. There's a reason for it not to be published similar to their naming conventions of facilities. Every now and then you'll find a facility's name, acronym, or nomenclature sequence # skipped somewhere. But I'll go on a tangent so that's another conversation. About L2: it is more commonly understood to be considered Learning Ambassadors or LAs...rather unofficially. (Some people may even equate that to being part of a team like safety or part of the Loss Prevention Committee or ISS and so on. But I digress). LAs function as Leads or colloquially Lead Assistants to the PAs aka Process Assistants who in turn function similar to assistants to managers, particularly Area Managers as you stated. L5 managers can also be viewed as Sr (Area) Managers while L4 can be at times considered Jr. Managers. Both are officially known as Area Managers. About L3 & below: people often confuse Level 3s as Tier 3s or Level 1s as Tier 1s and so forth interchangeably. Tiers (can also) describe your tenure within the company, despite your Level. For example, if you've been there for at least a year or a year ½, roughly speaking, that is “the next *tier* up”. A Level focuses more on your position within the company. Sometimes happenings within Amazon exceeds research. One has to be in the company or know knowledgeable Amazonians or (former/current/internal/external) customers to really understand the nuances. However, that doesn't necessarily apply to you since you're part of the culture. More to the point, someone can be a Tier 3 being in the company for at least 2 years but still be at Level 1. Reasons vary but a common reason is that being Tier 3 with less responsibilities but more time within the company pays more than a Level 3 with more responsibilities with less time within the company. A con to that could be a slow progression to leadership roles for the Tier 1 associate vs the Level 3 associate. Also, if a Tier 3 (but still Lv. 1) decides after so many years to finally move up to a Level 3 position successfully, in many cases, their pay will be slightly reduced to start at that position's (L3's) pay rate instead of what they could make as a tenured Tier 3 employee. Communication around affected employees, indicated that there were a number of upset tenured Tier 3 associates who became Level 3 PAs but weren't previously aware of this. For best results, put your bids in early for progression up the chain of command. And don't just only settle for the next step up. Go for several levels up instead to compensate, etc. Like Jalen Pappe in the comments. And he's only 19 too! Yet he misses -Tier 1- Level 1 for honorable or legitimate reasons, he's even more proud of his accomplishment of being a -Tier 3- Level 3. Note: a Level 9 would be considered the Director level(s) or the _report to_ , from the GM, also known as Regional Managers in a more traditional sense. Additionally, there seem to be site locations where there are no Senior Ops Managers but only Operations Managers instead. That may or may not be the reasons for those site's GMs to be an L7 instead of an L8.

At our station L4s are old ladies or kids out of college they push a lot to PAs who often knows and does actual work. L5s are super lazy barely work 10 hrs and get 3 days off. There’s no incentive to work hard as L3 because there’s no bonus hitting metrics just free lunch once in a while.

Great breakdown dude, keep up the good work. Don’t mind me if I’m critical on some material but we are coworkers. Is amazon ok with you making these videos?

What is the different between area manager and team manager

Great info! Thank you

Hello Grant. Thank you so much for your video and it was really useful for me. I am about to start my new graduate role as a L4 Area Manager next year, and have two questions which I would like you to give me some comments on if your time allows. ①Though it is going to be my first ever full time job after my undergraduate degree, my job description includes people management. What could be one way to communicate with my team members who could be older than me and have much more know-hows at the site? ②What kind of career paths are possible or common among L4 AMs, other than changing role through internal transfer? If you have any idea or know somebody who did so, please share me some cases. Thank you so much for reading til the end despite its length !

Hi Grant! Great content! I am about to begin my role as a L4 Area Manager, and I was wondering if it was possible to move from an Area Manager towards the corporate side of Amazon? Thank you!

In the UK it's different... I am a PG on receive and get same as T1... There is a T3 called shift lead. No extra for critical roles either

What tips do you have for me if u want to start as level 12?

Question about work culture and promotions. Does Amazon promote from the 4/5 to 6 or are they outside hires? Is there a competitive spirit among 4/5s to get promoted or is there a healthy spirit of cooperation?

Nice break down thanks!

thank you for this!!

Will SQL be helpful to an L4 Area Manager?

Hello Grant, Ive read online that Amazon Area Managers are very desirable for recruiters of other companies. Have you experienced anything like this?

What level is regional management? Usually you have someone from "regional" doing a site visit. What level are they?

Hey Grant! Thanks for the great videos. Quick question..... is a shift lead like a PA???? OR is this a newer roll that was needed for amazon fresh stores? Any idea????

hey grant! kind of a weird question but I just got hired as an L5 in Wallingford CT. I was wondering i there was any way we could chime some time, i watch a lot of your videos and had a few questions as i’m going through academy at the moment. let me know!

Hey Grant! Thanks so much for all your vidoes, they'v helped on my amazon journey a lot! I was wondering if you know the differences between area manager and transporation area manager? In terms of levels, salary, shifts, and respoonsibilities. Thank you in advance.

Level 2 is the customer service reps at the Amazon Call Centers

Hello Grant, Can you do a video specially about Process Assistant? Meaning what time they have to be to their shift or what to wear. When do they take their breaks? What meetings are they allow to attend. The starting pay and do they get raises. Thanks so much!

Hey Grant, I just signed my onboarding employment documents as an L5 employee. I was wondering what to expect next, or if I’m done until my start date (about two weeks from now). Your videos have been super helpful, I’ve just been in limbo since my signing day (Nov) to my start date (April). Any info will help!

Hi, I just got an interview for the position of a shift manager next week. Is this the same as an area manager? If not, what tier is it and what are the tasks?

is area manager at amazon harder than being a supervisor?

I have a bachelor degree, is it possible to jump from being a packer to area manager?

awesome man. Can you tell me about your vacation days? How many weeks or days a year do you get vacation time off?

If you choose a part-time shift initially when you apply, is it possible to add shift later when you've started work?

Hey Grant! Thanks for the explanation! I'm guessing an MBA is more so recommended past L5/L6? Also, I think another video topic could be about career paths perhaps? Particularly after being an area manager or if one does not climb the ladder. I know some transition into operation roles in other companies with the Amazon name carrying weight, some go into project management. With the high turnover for area managers, would be interesting to hear your insight on this if you have come across any relevant info. Cheers.

What about level 1 loss prevention?

Hey, I’m a picker, packer and stating collate training this week; an you give me any tips for collate?

Hey grant, I wanted to ask how long did it take for your back ground check to get results in?

Is the AM role the same as the Shift Manager Role? Shift manager is a L4, but my title isn't AM

I could totally picture you talking at 3 in the morning, with an echo in the warehouse lol

My husband is starting as an area manager in TX February 15th! When would he receive his first paycheck as he as salary?

Hello quick question! I recently got an application for an afm. Is that a tier 1 position? Is the pay usually the same?

Hey Grant! Question - How soon before your start day you will know your schedule? Is there any negotiation? For example, I have to have a Saturday off due to my other job which is only one day job and I don’t one to quit it.... is there any way I can request that day off?

What does trainers do ??

Hi Grant, please how does promotions happen? Do you have to find the opening and apply or it's awarded to you based on performance? Also, how long does it take to get promoted?

Do you know what level a “Delivery Station Liaison” position is?

Grant Anderson I have been with Amazon for 4 years coming on my 5th year at amazon as a tier 1 and I am hoping to get to into the Amazon Technical Academy I hope I get in after all of the admission process is done.

Grant what levels would the Loss Prevention Specialist/Site Lead and Loss Prevention Manager hold?

do area managers & operations managers wear the same vests? i've seen pa vests, hr vests, etc. but i don't know the identifier for the am.

Would it be possible to link any sources which back up your claims, tried to find sources backing up how many levels there are

Hey Grant quick question... How was your Amazon background check? Did they contact previous employers and schools? Did they have you do a drug test? Did you have to interview? I'm about to start mine in 2 weeks and don't really know what to expect as this will be my first job at a multinational.

To progress from level 1 just remember to constantly kiss your pa's and am's butt. On the rare occasion an ops manager steps out onto the floor, smile constantly and dive in there, you really gotta get that nose brown.

Hii I did work at Amazon ( delivery station) for approximately about one year. After that I leave my job due to some personal reasons. Now I again started work amazon FC as a stower. Could you please help how can I apply for process assistant.

Are these level for evwry department in amazon? Like for picking, sowing or dock??

How difficult was the “Know the Plan” exam?

As a PA, I encountered a fellow on the OB shipdock w/o proper PPE (His Reflective Vest). He was an Lv. 10 Regional Manager. - I did notice the red ring of tenure around his badge - But I figured "Well he should have known, right?" None the less I heard about it later. Rather, was questioned "Did you talk to that guy?! What did you say? You told him to... HAHAHAAA"" But Mr. Jassy just visited out site. At least this time I knew who I was dealing with LOL

Just started my first week!

Hi Grant, how is the salary range for L4 Area Manager in Amazon?

How many Area managers can there be? In my fulfillment center if you head to floor 3. There is 3 or 4 at least. Why so many?

Whats the pay scale for all the levels? Do you even get much more for being a PA level and Mgr. levels? Or is it just pennies more?

Would the L3 be considered Lead Fulfillment Associates?

What is grand overlord supreme manager

I'm working in Amazon as l3 in a different team. I want to switch to operations. How can I do that?

Final level interview for becoming a loss prevention specialist. Level 4 I believe.

Hey bro, amazing job. I’m interviewing for a roll called Team Lead. I’m not really sure where this fits inside this explanations you have provided. I hope you can help me out. Cheers!

There any difference between Area manager and full time assistant managers ?

Grant are you in a AR sort location?Great videos.

Hi, where is the difference bewegen l4 and l5 because both is area manager

Do L5s get put on overnight shift?

What happens if you have a bachelor's degree or higher can you be in a higher level

Hey Grant. What’s the difference between a level 4 and a level 5 manager in regards to 1. Responsibilities and 2. Salary. I’ll be starting in April and not sure how to tell if I’m 4 or 5 (employment letter isn’t clear)

As a area manager how have you met the production requirements or what ever your L6 has set for you?

Hi Grant. I have a quick question. The wording in my offer is quite confusing. How are the Amazon Restricted Stock Units paid out? Is it only after 1 year of working that I start getting them? Or do they start to vest immediately after my first day? Thanks in advance,

If you are a operation manager in other company, can you apply at Amazon for that position?

Hello Grant, Is, there hard to move up from tier one associate to area manager, and maybe I can apply for AM if I have two years experiences. In addition, can I also move up to HR or learning team. thank you

What is the difference between L5 Area Manager and an L4 Area Manager please?

So sorry, I applied for area manager in dubai a month ago but still I didn't heard back from them, how long will take if they accept me they should be an interview plz give more information plz

I work at the Amazon delivery station. The work there is beyond brutal. They make one person each pick and stow multiple aisles at one time which is impossible. Why does Amazon make us do this? It is totally unfair how they set that up as some sort of standard policy we have to follow. That's messed up. We be struggling to keep up with the work load when we are short on help.

Hi, where do you think Shift Managers falls into ?

What about learning and safety?

What is the pay for area managers?

Safety is also level 4/5 we are just outside of operations and building leadership

Is it miserable being anything tier 3 or higher?

How can i level up? Im level 1 trying to be a PA

Grant!!! Where did you go??

What's the pay levels

Hey Grant, do u have any idea how much does a sr level operation manager earn??? And also how many years does it take to become one😅😂