Amazon raises minimum starting hourly wage to $20 for U.S. full-time core operations employees

Amazon announced on Wednesday that it will increase the minimum starting hourly wage for its U.S. full-time core operations employees to $20, effective September 27. The $1-per-hour raise brings average pay to nearly $24 per hour, with total compensation exceeding $32 per hour including benefits. The company also introduced new benefits, including discounts on groceries at Amazon and Whole Foods, and access to low-cost banking services. These changes aim to attract and retain workers ahead of the holiday shopping season. In comparison, Walmart's starting pay for hourly store workers is $14, with higher wages for warehouse workers.