Amazon Raises U.S. Starting Pay by $1 to $20, Adds Grocery and Banking Benefits

Amazon is raising its U.S. starting pay by $1 to $20 an hour for eligible full-time core operations employees, while also adding grocery discounts and a new lifetime banking benefit. The company announced the changes on September 16, 2026, saying the pay investment exceeds $1.5 billion. Amazon's announcement is the primary source for the changes.

Amazon starting pay rises to $20 an hour

The new $20 hourly minimum applies across the U.S. to full-time core operations roles, many of which do not require prior experience. Amazon says the average hourly wage for these employees will reach nearly $24, while average total compensation exceeds $32 an hour when the value of benefits is included.

The company says the increase is $1 an hour for eligible employees. Amazon also has an annual step plan that increases pay during an employee's first three years.

New banking benefit is rolling out

Amazon is also introducing Day 1 Financial, a lifetime banking benefit provided through First Tech Federal Credit Union. Qualified employees, spouses, and children can keep access to the benefit even after an employee leaves Amazon.

• No overdraft or monthly maintenance fees on standard checking and savings accounts.
• No account minimums and no credit history required to open checking and savings accounts.
• Access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs and up to $300 a year in out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement.
• Mobile and online banking, direct deposit, and credit-building programs.
• Access to credit cards, auto loans, and home loans for people who qualify.

Amazon says Day 1 Financial will begin rolling out in late 2026 and become broadly available in 2027.

Grocery discounts start October 1

Starting October 1, every Amazon employee in the U.S. will get a new grocery discount. Employees will receive an uncapped 10% discount on eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials purchased on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online.

The in-store discount at Whole Foods Market will be 20%, including the hot bar and salad bar. Amazon says employees can combine the discount with existing Prime member discounts.

What changes for Amazon employees

The new benefits add to Amazon's existing employee package, which includes healthcare from day one for regular full-time employees, free Prime membership for eligible employees, Career Choice education benefits, a 401(k) company match, paid parental leave, and flexible time off.

The changes are focused on Amazon's U.S. workforce and are separate from the company's consumer products and services. For more on Amazon's recent business moves, see our coverage of Amazon's Luna cloud gaming expansion and Amazon Mechanical Turk's closure to new customers.