Amazon announces hourly wage hikes: Here's how much

Published September 17, 2026 6:44 AM PDT

Amazon is increasing the minimum hourly wage for its operations workers and offering new employee discounts on eligible groceries. 

The company announced the pay hike on Wednesday. 

Amazon pay raises

By the numbers:

The new minimum wage for what the company calls core operations workers – like people who pack and ship orders – will be $20. That brings the average pay for these employees to nearly $24 per hour. The average total compensation will be more than $32 an hour with benefits, the company said. 

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Amazon also said Wednesday that employees will receive a 10% discount on eligible groceries and other essentials at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online, plus 20% off at Whole Foods physical stores. The discount can be combined with existing Prime member discounts. 

When will Amazon’s pay raise take effect? 

Timeline:

The pay increase is effective starting Sept. 27, the retailer said. The new employee discounts will be available to every Amazon employee in the U.S. starting Oct. 1, the company said.

Amazon’s low-cost banking for employees, family members

Big picture view:

Amazon also said it’s rolling out access to qualified employees and their families for a membership in First Tech Federal Credit Union that provides low-cost banking services they can keep for life. Employees can access accounts with no overdraft or monthly maintenance. The company said no credit history is required to open a checking and savings account.

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That new benefit will start later this year.

The Source: This report includes information from Amazon and The Associated Press.

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