Amazon will invest more than $230m over the coming year in pay increases and broader benefits for more than 100,000 US Whole Foods Market team members.
The company said the new health, family and financial benefits will begin on 1 January 2027, when US Whole Foods Market team members will gain access to Amazon’s benefits package.
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Eligible full-time team members will be able to use health plans starting at $5 a week, with $5 copays for primary care and behavioural health, alongside a One Medical membership.
The plans also include fertility and speciality care.
Amazon said the total value of benefits available to a full-time team member is rising by more than 75%.
The updated package also includes company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance from day one, fertility and family-building care, and cancer support and care navigation for those enrolled in an Amazon medical plan.
Paid parental leave is being increased to up to 20 weeks for birthing parents and up to six weeks for supporting and adoptive parents.
Nearly 20,000 part-time team members working 20 or more hours a week will receive dental and vision coverage, as well as free basic life insurance, according to the company.
Amazon also said that from 28 September 2026, hourly store team members will receive a pay rise through an annual pay-progression model based on time in role rather than performance reviews.
It said this will lift the average store team member’s wage to more than $21 an hour, while total compensation, including benefits, will exceed $29 an hour.
As of next year, Whole Foods Market team members will also be given access to Career Choice, Amazon’s education benefit that prepays tuition for college, skills training and certifications.
Last month, Amazon was sued by the US Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general across 22 states over alleged hidden price hikes.
