Amazon raises starting pay to $20 an hour and adds Whole Foods discount

Amazon has announced an increase in its US minimum starting wage to $20 per hour, bringing the company's average hourly pay to $24. This adjustment represents a $1 increase for entry-level roles, aligning Amazon's compensation with competitors like Costco. In addition to the wage hike, the company is introducing new employee benefits, including a 10% discount on fresh groceries and essentials via Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market Online, as well as a 20% discount for in-store purchases at Whole Foods. Udit Madan, senior vice-president of worldwide operations, stated that these investments are part of the company's commitment to continuous improvement and supporting employee well-being. With approximately 1.1 million US employees, Amazon remains the second-largest private employer in the country, trailing only Walmart, which currently maintains a lower starting wage.