Amazon invests more than USD 1.5 billion to raise US core operations minimum starting pay to USD 20 an hour

(AWP Alliance News) - Amazon will invest more than USD 1.5 billion to raise pay for U.S. full-time core operations employees, lifting the minimum starting wage to USD 20 an hour. Average hourly pay will reach nearly USD 24, with average total compensation above USD 32 an hour when benefits are included.

The company will roll out a new lifetime banking benefit, Day 1 Financial, through First Tech Federal Credit Union starting in late 2026, with broad availability in 2027. It will also launch an employee grocery discount from Oct. 1, 2026, offering 10% off eligible items online, with 20% off in-store at Whole Foods Market.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260916964007/en/

Disclaimer: This news brief was created using generative artificial intelligence. Amazon.com Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via Business Wire on September 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.