Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Amazon Raises U.S. Starting Wage to $20 Ahead of Holidays
Amazon is giving some of its U.S. workers a pay increase.
Their minimum starting pay will become $20 for every hour they work.
The change begins on September 27.
These workers help pack and ship orders.
Amazon says their average pay will be almost $24 per hour.
Their benefits could bring average total compensation to more than $32 per hour.
Workers will also get discounts on some groceries and everyday items.
Amazon is comparing its pay and benefits with those offered by Walmart.
Amazon is raising the minimum starting wage for U.S. full-time core operations employees to $20 an hour.
The $1-per-hour increase takes effect September 27, ahead of the holiday shopping season.
Average hourly pay will reach nearly $24, while average total compensation will exceed $32 including benefits.
Employees will receive new grocery and essentials discounts at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market starting October 1.
Amazon will later give qualified employees and their families access to First Tech Federal Credit Union services.
- Who
- Amazon and its U.S. full-time core operations employees.
- What
- Amazon is raising the minimum starting wage to $20 per hour and adding employee benefits.
- When
- The wage increase begins September 27; grocery discounts begin October 1, and credit-union access starts later this year.
- Where
- The changes apply to employees in the United States, including purchases through Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- Why
- Amazon said the wage increase comes ahead of the crucial holiday shopping season.
- New minimum starting wage
- $20 per hour for U.S. full-time core operations employees
- Effective date
- September 27
- Average employee pay
- Nearly $24 per hour
- Average total compensation
- More than $32 per hour, including benefits
- Grocery discount
- 10% on eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials online; 20% at Whole Foods physical stores
- Discount start date
- October 1
- Credit union benefit
- Qualified employees and families can access First Tech Federal Credit Union membership later this year