Amazon invests $230 million in Whole Foods wages and perks

Amazon announced that it is investing $230 million into higher pay and broader benefits for more than 100,000 Whole Foods employees in the United States. Starting 28 September, hourly workers will receive a pay raise that lifts the average store wage above $21 an hour. When factoring in the expanded perk package, average total compensation will rise to around $29 hourly.

The company, which acquired the supermarket chain in 2017, said the overall value of benefits for full-time staff will increase by more than 75%. Beginning 1 January 2027, U.S. store workers will gain access to healthcare options starting at $5 weekly with $5 copays for primary and behavioral care. Roughly 20,000 team members working at least 20 hours a week will also qualify for dental, vision, and basic life insurance, alongside newly added fertility and specialty care coverage.

Amazon is also introducing its Career Choice education benefit to Whole Foods next year, which prepays tuition for college, certifications, and skills training. More than 300,000 Amazon employees have taken part in that program since 2012. Additionally, every hourly store worker will receive a free Amazon Prime membership, which normally retails at $139 each year.

Jason Buechel, vice president of Amazon Worldwide Grocery, explained that the changes reflect direct feedback gathered during annual store visits across the country. The retailer previously started apprenticeship programs in 2023, training more than 2,150 workers in artisan food roles like butchering and baking, with up to 300 employees joining each quarter.