February 24, 2026- Emory Healthcare announced it has increased its minimum wage to $19 per hour, effective February 1, the organization announced. The raise represents a $1.46 increase over the previous minimum and positions the health system well above the federal minimum wage.
The move is part of a broader effort to invest in the workforce, following more than $270 million in salary increases over the past two years. Emory Healthcare says the increase is aimed at recruiting and retaining staff while supporting high-quality patient care.
“Our team works extremely hard to showcase their talents to improve lives and provide hope to those we serve,” says Joon S. Lee, MD, executive vice president of Woodruff Health Sciences and CEO of Emory Healthcare. “We are proud to be a leader in setting a standard that contributes more than medicine, it’s a commitment to community.”
Alongside the wage boost, employees will continue to receive enhanced benefits, including affordable health care with no premium increases for 2026, expanded paid time off, bereavement leave, and holiday time. Annual pay reviews are also planned to ensure ongoing competitiveness in the job market.