Amazon Boosts Starting Minimum Wage

Amazon will raise its minimum starting wage for U.S. full-time core operations employees to $20 an hour, a $1 increase the company says represents a $1.5 billion-plus investment in its workforce.

The pay increase takes effect Sept. 27 and applies to employees who sort, pack, and ship orders across Amazon’s fulfillment, sortation, and delivery network.

Average hourly pay will now approach $24, with average total compensation topping $32 an hour once benefits are included, according to the company.

Connecticut’s hourly minimum wage is currently $16.94—fourth highest in the country—and will increase 3.2% to $17.48 from Jan. 1, 2027.

Amazon’s minimum starting pay has climbed more than 17% over the past three years.

Alongside the wage increase, Amazon is rolling out a new employee grocery discount beginning Oct. 1, offering 10% off eligible items purchased online and 20% off in-store at Whole Foods Market.

The company also plans to launch a new banking benefit, Day 1 Financial, through First Tech Federal Credit Union later this year, with broader availability expected in 2027.

Amazon has a significant footprint in Connecticut, including fulfillment centers in Windsor and North Haven, a sorting center in Wallingford, a distribution center in Cromwell, and delivery stations in Bristol and elsewhere around the state.