Amazon said on Wednesday it will raise the minimum starting wage for eligible full-time U.S. core operations employees by $1 to $20 an hour as part of an investment of more than $1.5 billion in higher pay. The company said the move will lift average hourly pay for those employees to nearly $24, while average total compensation, including benefits, will exceed $32 an hour. Starting October 1, employees will receive an uncapped 10% discount on eligible groceries and everyday essentials purchased through Amazon and Whole Foods Market online, as well as 20% off eligible in-store Whole Foods purchases, which can be combined with existing Prime member discounts. Amazon also said it will begin rolling out access to Day 1 Financial, a banking benefit provided through First Tech Federal Credit Union, with qualified employees, spouses, and children eligible for membership for life, including after an employee leaves Amazon; the rollout begins late in 2026 and becomes broadly available in 2027. The company said its minimum starting pay has risen more than 17% over the past three years.
Amazon.com IncAmazon is investing over $1.5B to raise US operations minimum starting wage to $20/hr plus added grocery discounts and banking benefits.
First Tech Federal Credit Union will provide the Day 1 Financial banking benefit to Amazon employees, expanding its membership base.
