WINDSOR, CT — Eligible full-time employees at Amazon's Windsor operations will soon see the company's minimum starting pay rise to $20 an hour.
The $1-per-hour increase takes effect Sunday, Sept. 27, according to CT Insider. Amazon said average hourly pay for its full-time core operations employees will reach nearly $24.
The change has an outsized impact in Windsor, where Amazon operates three facilities and ranks among the town's largest employers. More than 6,000 people worked at the company's Windsor facilities as of late 2024, including more than 3,000 at the BDL4 fulfillment center on Kennedy Road.
Amazon did not provide a current Windsor employment count or say how many local workers will receive the raise.
A full-time employee earning $20 an hour would make $41,600 a year before overtime and benefits. At Amazon's new average of nearly $24 an hour, annual pay would approach $50,000.
The new national minimum will remain above Connecticut's minimum wage, which is currently $16.94 an hour and will increase to $17.48 on Jan. 1.
Amazon also announced new discounts beginning Oct. 1 for its U.S. employees. Workers will receive 20 percent off purchases made inside Whole Foods Market stores and 10 percent off eligible groceries and everyday items purchased through Amazon or Whole Foods Market online. The discounts will not have a spending cap.
The company is also rolling out a banking benefit through First Tech Federal Credit Union. Eligible employees and their families will have access to checking and savings accounts without overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees or minimum-balance requirements. That benefit will begin rolling out late this year and become broadly available in 2027.
Amazon said the new benefits are in addition to its existing health insurance, free Prime memberships, retirement plans and prepaid tuition program.
As Patch previously reported, more than 140 employees were recognized in August during Amazon's first Career Choice graduation ceremony at the BDL4 facility. The program provides eligible workers with up to $5,250 annually for college degrees and professional certifications.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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