Advocate Aurora Increases Minimum Wage For Hourly Workers To $18

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Food, housekeeping and environmental service team members earning minimum wage at Advocate Aurora hospitals and medical centers throughout Illinois and Wisconsin will soon be getting a raise.

Starting Dec. 5, full-time employees earning a current hourly wage of $15 will see their pay increased to $18. The increase amounts to roughhy $500 more per month on a pre-tax basis. The health care network says the raise is intended to recognize Advocate Aurora tem members’ crticial work, and to create social impact that dramatically improves the health and well-being of employees and their families.

“This decision reflects how much we value our team members, whose commitment has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially during these challenging times. It also reflects our commitment to being a great employer,” President and CEO Jim Skogsbergh said in a news release. “Establishing industry-leading compensation is one way to reward our team members for their tremendous contributions while helping more people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”

The 10,800 team members directly impacted by Advocate Aurora’s new minimum wage include those in food service and environmental services positions. An additional 20,000 team members who already make more than $18 an hour, including pharmacy technicians and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), will also receive raises, amounting to a $93 million investment through 2022.

The increase marks the system’s fourth minimum wage increase in less than three years. After gradually raising its starting wage from $11 an hour to $15 an hour, Advocate Aurora increased its minimum hourly rate to $13 in mid-2019, $14 in early 2020 and $15 at the beginning of this year. Advocate Aurora will use operational funds to pay for the additional investment in its team members.

“Our team members go above and beyond in service to our patients, communities and each other. It’s an honor to recognize them with wage increases, comprehensive benefits and career advancement programs,” Skogsbergh said. “Helping talented individuals establish lifetime opportunities and rewarding careers at Advocate Aurora is critical to delivering on our purpose of helping people live well.”