Sentara Healthcare achieves $15 starting wage merit pay raises

Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Healthcare is taking a leadership position in the communities we serve by achieving a $15 per hour minimum starting wage eight months sooner than promised. Sentara announced in late 2019 that it would incrementally increase its starting wage to $15 by January 2022, but recently chose to accelerate the process. This starting wage is more than twice the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. A robust benefits package adds additional value to a position with Sentara and reflects the company's appreciation of all its employees' contributions in all occupations and disciplines.

"At Sentara, we strive to attract, retain and engage a diverse workforce committed to our mission to improve health every day," says Becky Sawyer, Sentara's Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. "We know our people are our future."

In addition to the accelerated starting wage, Sentara is investing an additional $43 million in our team members through across-the-board 3% merit pay increases and market adjustments.

These enhancements in pay are in addition to a Gift of Gratitude ranging from $750 to $1,500 for most employees, recognizing their dedication and professionalism throughout the pandemic.

The increases will take effect in May and benefit more than 90 percent of Sentara's 28,300 employees.