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Amazon raises minimum starting pay for full-time core operations employees to $20/hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24/hour, and launches grocery discount and access to new lifetime banking benefits to make everyday life more affordable

Business Wire

Amazon invests more than $1.5 billion in higher pay for U.S. core operations employees, alongside new benefits designed to help teammates' money go further.

SEATTLE, September 16, 2026--Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced it is raising pay across the board for U.S. core operations employees, alongside new benefits. Minimum starting pay for U.S. full-time core operations roles—many of which require no prior experience—is increasing to $20/hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24/hour. Average total compensation exceeds $32/hour when you include the value of Amazon's industry-leading benefits package. Amazon is also providing access to a new lifetime banking benefit for employees called Day 1 Financial—a membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union that provides qualified employees and their families with high-quality, low-cost banking services they can keep for life. Amazon's also lowering the cost of groceries for employees, with an uncapped 10% off eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market Online, plus 20% off in-store at Whole Foods Market. These are on top of the benefits Amazon already offers, which include a free Prime membership for eligible employees, healthcare for as low as $5 a week with $5 copays, prepaid education programs, and much more.

The following is a blog post written by Udit Madan, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Operations.

Key takeaways

  • Minimum starting pay for U.S. full-time core operations roles—many of which require no prior experience—is increasing to $20/hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24/hour.

  • Average total compensation exceeds $32/hour when you include the value of Amazon's industry-leading benefits package.

  • Amazon is also providing access to a new lifetime banking benefit for employees called Day 1 Financial—a membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union that provides qualified employees and their families with high-quality, low-cost banking services they can keep for life.

  • Amazon's also lowering the cost of groceries for employees, with an uncapped 10% off eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market Online, plus 20% off in-store at Whole Foods Market.

  • These are on top of the benefits Amazon already offers, which include a free Prime membership for eligible employees, healthcare for as low as $5 a week with $5 copays, prepaid education programs, and much more.

I spend a lot of time talking with and listening to members of our team out in the field. I often hear that they appreciate a good paycheck, but also really value the full range of benefits that we offer—which together help them support their families and grow in the long run. So, each year, we look at that full picture—pay, benefits, and how we can continue to support them and their families through many different parts of their lives.

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