Amazon raises U.S. full-time core operations starting pay to $20/hour
Amazon announced that the minimum starting pay for U.S. full-time core operations employees will increase to $20 per hour, with average pay reaching nearly $24 per hour. When the value of benefits is factored in, average total compensation tops $32 per hour.
Employees will also receive an uncapped 10% discount on fresh groceries and everyday essentials bought online through Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market Online, plus a 20% discount for in‑store purchases at Whole Foods Market. A new lifetime banking benefit, Day 1 Financial, provides qualified workers and their families with fee‑free checking and savings accounts through First Tech Federal Credit Union, including surcharge‑free ATM access and credit‑building programs. Amazon continues to offer existing perks such as a free Prime membership, healthcare plans as low as $5 a week with $5 copays, and prepaid education assistance. Pay will rise automatically each year for the first three years of employment under an annual step plan.
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.
What we know
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’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.
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.
We also have an annual step plan where pay increases the first three years someone is with us, providing a clear path for how their pay can grow over time.