Online retailer Amazon, which is expected to hire hundreds of additional workers in the Tri-Cities in the coming years, is looking to make its positions more appealing to potential employees. 

The company announced on Sept. 16 that it was raising pay across the board by $1 per hour, bringing its starting wage for even entry-level position requiring no experience to $20 per hour. The move will move the company’s average hourly wage to $24 per hour. 

Additionally, Amazon will provide some employees membership in a new banking program through First Tech Federal Credit Union and also provide a 10% discount to all employees buying groceries  through Amazon or Whole Foods. 

“We talk a lot about continuous improvement at Amazon – about always wanting to get better, even when things are going well,” said Udit Madan, senior vice president, worldwide operations, in a blog post. “I love that approach because it starts with listening to our customers and teammates, and then investing and inventing to make their experience even better. We do that in small ways throughout the year, then in big ways in moments like this. 

Amazon recently began operations at one of two warehouses it built in the Tri-Cities in 2021. One had remained dormant. Workers at the neighboring facility are now working in the building as the company prepares to renovate the other. Once that work is complete, the company has said it plans to hire up to 800 additional workers to operate it.