Online retailer Amazon has invested $1.3 billion (£1.1 billion) into US customer fulfillment and transportation employees’ average hourly pay.
This investment brings average pay for those roles to more than $20.50 (£16.66) per hour, which is a 50% increase over five years. Some locations will offer up to $28 (£22.75) per hour.
As well as looking to hire 250,000 people in full-time, part-time, and seasonal fulfillment center and transportation roles across the US, Amazon has also continued to invest in its employee benefits this year. These include an emergency savings programme and a financial assistance pilot, which are available from day one of employment.
John Felton, senior vice president of Amazon’s worldwide operations, said: “The holiday season is always a special time at Amazon and we’re excited to hire 250,000 additional people this year to help serve customers across the country. Whether someone is looking for a short-term way to make extra money, or is hoping to take their first step toward a fulfilling and rewarding career at Amazon, there’s a role available for them.
“A fulfillment or transportation employee who starts with us today will see a 13% increase in pay over the next three years, likely more, including our annual wage investments, and that’s on top of offerings like prepaid college tuition with career choice and healthcare benefits from day one.”
Amazon provides employees with career advancement opportunities, anytime access to earned pay, health, vision and dental insurance from the first day of employment, a 401(k) pension with employer matched contributions, up to 20 weeks of paid pregnancy and parental leave for birth parents, with six weeks for eligible supporting parents, and its Resources for Living programme, which offers mental health and financial services and support for employees, their families and their households.
It also offers signing bonuses of between $1,000 and $3,000 (£812 and £2,437) in select locations, with employees earning between $17 and $28 (£13.81 and £22.75) per hour depending on position and location.