Amazon Raises US Operations Workers’ Pay by $1 Per Hour

Amazon is increasing pay for its US core operations workers, including fulfilment centre employees and delivery drivers, and adding new financial and shopping benefits.

The company said it is raising the minimum starting wage for eligible workers to $20 per hour and increasing average hourly pay to nearly $24. Amazon said the increase adds $1 per hour, with total compensation, including benefits, reaching more than $32 per hour.

The company announced the changes through its employee benefits update.

New benefits for workers

Along with higher wages, Amazon is adding access to Day 1 Financial, membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union, and new grocery discounts.

Employees will receive a 20% discount on in-store Whole Foods Market purchases and a 10% discount on grocery orders placed through Amazon online services. Amazon already offers benefits including Prime memberships, education programs, and healthcare coverage.

Mixed reactions from employees

Amazon said the pay increase represents an investment of more than $1.5 billion. However, some workers have expressed mixed reactions, particularly about the Whole Foods discount.

Discussions among Amazon fulfilment centre employees on Reddit included criticism that the discount may not significantly reduce grocery costs.

The wage increase comes as Amazon continues expanding benefits and compensation programs for its large US hourly workforce.