Atrium Health Navicent announced a significant investment in its Georgia workforce, raising minimum starting rate to $16, up 7%, effective Jan. 12. The increase recognizes teammates’ contributions to making communities better, while also strengthening the health system’s impact on the local economy.

The starting rate increases are part of a $764 million investment – up more than 35% from the year prior – in compensation programs across all of Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health Navicent is a part.

The move reflects an ongoing pledge to create and maintain one of the nation’s top workplaces by supporting the dedicated individuals who deliver compassionate care to patients and communities every day.

“The steadfast dedication and exceptional skill of our teammates are why our communities trust their care to us,” Atrium Health Georgia Market President Delvecchio Finley said. “Our teammates are the backbone of our organization, and by investing in their careers we can simultaneously recognize their contributions and attract and retain the talent necessary to improve the health outcomes of our patients.”

Increasing minimum starting rate for Georgia-based teammates by 7% is one part of a broader effort to care for the people who work tirelessly to keep local communities healthy. Atrium Health Navicent teammates will now earn at least $8.75 per hour more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

“We are committed to creating an environment where teammates feel valued, supported and empowered,” said Nakesha Lopez, chief people and culture officer at Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the nation. “Compensation is just one of the many ways we invest in, reward and recognize our devoted teammates. By prioritizing their well-being, we can continue to foster a positive work environment that values long-term growth and development while also setting new standards for excellence in health care delivery.”

In addition, the health system will continue investing in teammates’ career growth, offering market-competitive pay and annual merit increases, as well as incentive plan compensation and premium payments for shift workers and on-call workers.

Advocate Health in 2024 provided $29.5 million in educational assistance to more than 8,000 teammates and more than $253 million in annual merit increases.