Amazon lists 125,000 new jobs in U.S. with average pay of $18 per hour

Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Online retailer Amazon announced Tuesday that it has 125,000 new job openings in hundreds of U.S. cities and towns with an average starting wage of $18 per hour.

Many of the jobs are in fulfilling Amazon orders and delivery transportation.

The company said some of the jobs in certain locations will pay $22.50 per hour -- which is equivalent to about $46,000 per year for a full-time employee.

"The company also provides full-time employees with comprehensive benefits from day one, worth an additional $3.50 per hour," Amazon said in a statement. "They include health, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k) with 50% company match, up to 20 weeks paid parental leave."

The new openings are in addition to the 40,000 the company listed earlier this month for corporate and technology posts.

Amazon also said it's offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus in some locations.

Amazon said it's opened more than 250 fulfillment centers, sorting centers and delivery stations in 2021. Many are in Arizona, where the company plans to hire 7,500 workers.

The company announced last week that it will begin paying full college tuition for qualifying employees beginning in January.