Just five days after the Mercy Health System announced it’s raising its minimum hourly wage to $15.00 across its four-state network, CoxHealth Systems says it’s minimum hourly rate will be $15.25 starting in October.
In a news release, Cox says in addition to greater compensation, this change carries a call to arms for the region. More people are needed to help meet the dramatic increase in demand for care, both spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of anticipated future growth throughout the region.
CoxHealth President and CEO Steve Edwards says “we recognize health care can often mean long hours and difficult work, and that is is not for everyone. But it is also a place where one can fulfill a higher calling, and have a sense of purpose and mission in service to humanity.”
The news release states the change represents the health system’s largest starting wage adjustments in its history, impacting 6,500 employees Of those workers, 5,000 are entry level positions, and 1,500 are colleagues up the career ladder.
Cox’s total investment is $25.5 million, and all employees who earn less than $15.25 per hour will automatically increase to the new rate.
The pay increase will be effective in October, and employees who are affected by the change will be notified in the coming days.