Amazon increases starting pay, adds Whole Foods discount

Sept. 16 (UPI) — Amazon announced Wednesday that it is increasing minimum starting pay for full-time core operations roles in the United States to $20 an hour.

This marks a $1 increase in the starting pay. The company said pay has been raised “across the board,” with average pay now $24.

The move brings Amazon’s starting pay in line with Costco, which raised its starting pay to $20 an hour last year, The Guardian reported. It makes starting pay higher than at competitors Target, where pay starts at $15 an hour, and Walmart, at $14 an hour.

“We talk a lot about continuous improvement at Amazon — about always wanting to get better, even when things are going well,” said Udit Madan, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide operations, in a statement. “I love that approach because it starts with listening to our customers and teammates, and then investing and inventing to make their experience even better.

“We do that in small ways throughout the year, then in big ways in moments like this. I’m excited about how these investments work together to help our employees and their families continue to thrive for the long run.”

Amazon has about 1.1 million employees in the United States and is the second-largest private employer after Walmart.

The company also announced Wednesday that it is adding new grocery discounts for employees at Whole Foods Market, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market Online.

These discounts include 20% off in-store at Whole Foods Market and 10% off groceries and “everyday essentials” at the online retail sites.

Also announced Wednesday, Amazon will offer employees a benefit called Day 1 Financial, a membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union for banking services. The company said qualified employees, their spouses and children will have access to the memberships for life, even after they leave Amazon.