---
title: These Employees Got a $100,000 Christmas Bonus
description: Everyone at Hilcorp received a $100,000 Christmas bonus — including the receptionist. Most of us aren't that lucky.
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published: '2015-12-17T19:16:08.000Z'
modified: '2024-05-16T10:44:32.000Z'
section: Career Advice
tags:
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> **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/).

![Stack of money](https://img.money.com/2014/06/140618_money_gen_7.jpg)

Employees of this Houston company are having a very merry holiday season. Everyone at Hilcorp — all 1,381 employees — received a $100,000 Christmas bonus, [according to KDFW](http://www.fox4news.com/news/texas/56590692-story). "It’s just a true gift," receptionist Amanda Thompson told the station.

Hilcorp is a privately-held oil and gas company that was named one of [Fortune's 100 Best Places to Work](http://fortune.com/best-companies/hilcorp-20/) this year. Massive holiday bonuses aren't entirely new for Hilcorp employees — five years ago, workers reportedly got to choose between a $50,000 car or a $35,000 check.

Most of us aren't that lucky. According to a [survey by Accounting Principals](http://blog.accountingprincipals.com/holiday-bonus-survey/), the average company bonus is $858. Only 21% of bonuses are $1,000 or more, and 15% of bonuses are less than $100.

That said, if you get any kind of bonus — more or less than $100,000 — count yourself blessed. Only 67% of companies plan to give bonuses this year.

### **For more:**

-   The Foolproof Way to Make Sure You Land a Big Raise This Year
-   [Making a Friend in HR Can Help Your Career](https://money.com/friend-hr-human-resources-career-trajectory/)
-   The Surprising Reason Your Salary Isn’t Growing
-   [Help! My Recruiter Lied to Me About My Company Bonus!](https://money.com/help-recruiter-lied-company-bonus/)

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