Amazon increases starting hourly wage for full-time operations employees by $1 to $20

NEW YORK (AP) — Online behemoth Amazon said it's increasing the starting hourly wage for its U.S. full-time operations employees like warehouse workers by $1 to $20. With the increase, the average wage will be nearly $24 an hour, with average total compensation of more than $32 an hour including the value of its benefits package, according to Amazon's announcement Wednesday. The pay increase is effective starting Sept. 27, the retailer said. Amazon also said Wednesday that employees will receive new benefits like a 10% discount on eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market online as well as 20% off at Whole Foods physical stores.