Amazon raises U.S. minimum wage to $20 and expands employee benefits

Amazon has announced significant wage increases and expanded benefits for its operations workforce in the United States and Canada.

In the U.S., the company is raising the minimum starting hourly wage for eligible full-time core operations employees by $1, bringing it to $20 per hour. This move brings Amazon's entry-level pay in line with Costco, while remaining higher than starting wages at Walmart ($14) and Target ($15). The company stated that the average total compensation, including benefits, will exceed $32 per hour.

New employee benefits in the U.S. include a 20% discount on in-store purchases at Whole Foods Market and a 10% discount on eligible groceries and essentials through Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online. Additionally, Amazon is introducing ‘Day 1 Financial,’ a program providing qualified employees and their families lifetime access to low-cost banking services via First Tech Federal Credit Union.

In Canada, Amazon is increasing the average hourly base wage by $1 to $26.27, representing a 4% year-over-year increase. This change, effective September 27, also includes a 10% discount on online grocery and daily essential purchases for eligible Canadian employees starting October 1.