The increase will bump average pay for pack‑and‑ship staff to nearly $24 per hour, pushing total compensation above $32, including benefits, Amazon said.
The retailer also announced a suite of new perks. Employees will receive a 10% discount on eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online, and 20% off in Whole Foods physical stores, starting October 1. The savings can stack with existing Prime member discounts, Amazon spokesperson explained.
Amazon will also open a First Tech Federal Credit Union membership for qualified employees and their families later this year, offering low‑cost banking, no overdraft or monthly maintenance and no credit history required.
Earlier this year, Walmart expanded its 10% employee discount to nearly all grocery purchases online and in stores, though its hourly workers began at $14 and average wages hover around $18.50, Walmart said.
The wage hike comes as the company gears up for the busiest shopping period of the year, a move that could lift thousands of workers above the $18.50 average wage of Walmart employees, analysts say.
Amazon will roll out the grocery discount on October 1, with the first batch of credit‑union accounts opening later this year.