Amazon Announces $20 Minimum Starting Pay for U.S. Operations Workers

Amazon announced September 16, 2026 it will raise minimum starting pay for full-time U.S. core operations employees to $20 per hour. Eligible workers receive $1 per hour more, lifting average pay to nearly $24. The company puts the investment at over $1.5 billion, with average total compensation including benefits exceeding $32 per hour.