Walmart raised its starting hourly wage to $11 in 2018.
The company announced the increase on January 11, 2018, saying it would apply to hourly associates in Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club, supply-chain operations, e-commerce and the home office. The new rate took effect with the February 17, 2018, pay cycle.
The raise followed the passage of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and was announced alongside expanded maternity and parental leave and a one-time bonus of up to $1,000 for eligible employees. Walmart said the change affected more than one million associates.
A common mix-up is confusing the announcement year with the effective date: both fall in 2018, but the wage became effective in February rather than immediately in January. The $11 figure was also a starting rate, not a universal wage for every Walmart employee; pay could vary by role, location and experience.