Amazon raises US core operations starting pay to $20 an hour, costing over $1.5B

Amazon raised the minimum starting pay for full-time US core operations employees by $1 to $20 an hour, announced September 16, 2026. Amazon says it is a more than $1.5 billion investment, with average pay reaching nearly $24 an hour and total compensation above $32 an hour. AP reported the raise takes effect September 27, and Amazon added a 10% grocery discount and a banking benefit for employees.

• Minimum starting pay: $20/hour, up $1; average pay nearly $24/hour
• Total compensation including benefits: more than $32/hour
• Investment: more than $1.5B, per Amazon
• Effective September 27, per AP; grocery discount from October 1