Amazon is raising minimum starting pay for US full-time core operations employees to $20 an hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24 an hour, as part of more than $1.5 billion in higher pay for those workers. Average total compensation exceeds $32 an hour when the value of Amazon's benefits package is included, and the company said its minimum starting pay has risen more than 17% over the past three years. The company is also giving employees access to a new lifetime banking benefit called Day 1 Financial, a membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union offering qualified employees and their families low-cost banking services they can keep for life, with access beginning to roll out in late 2026 and becoming broadly available in 2027. Starting October 1, 2026, every US Amazon employee will receive an uncapped 10% discount on eligible groceries and everyday essentials on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online, plus an uncapped 20% off in-store at Whole Foods Market. The new benefits sit on top of existing offerings that include a free Prime membership for eligible employees, healthcare for as low as $5 a week with $5 copays, and prepaid education programs.
Amazon.com IncAmazon is spending over $1.5 billion on higher pay and new benefits for US operations staff, a labor-cost/margin event.
Amazon is giving employees access to a new lifetime banking benefit through First Tech Federal Credit Union, adding members.
