The Amazon Whole Foods investment will put more than $230 million into employee pay and benefits over the next year. Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) said the program covers Whole Foods Market team members in the United States.
Hourly workers are scheduled to receive a pay increase beginning September 28. The company said the average total compensation for a Whole Foods store employee will exceed $29 an hour when elected benefits are included.
Amazon Whole Foods Investment Expands Benefits and Education
Starting January 1, 2027, eligible U.S. employees will gain access to a broader group of Amazon benefits covering health, family and financial support. Later in 2027, Whole Foods workers are also expected to become eligible for Career Choice, which prepays tuition for selected degrees, certificates and skills programs.
Amazon detailed the changes in an official workplace announcement. Actual compensation will vary by role, location, hours worked and the benefits selected by each employee.
The Amazon Whole Foods investment comes as large retailers compete for workers while managing labor costs and food-price pressure. Investors will watch whether improved retention and productivity offset the additional expense across the grocery business.
