New Minimum Wage for Duke

TO:  Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and Managers
FROM:  Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President, Administration
RE:  New Minimum Wage for Duke

Effective July 1, 2018, Duke University and Health System will increase its minimum wage to $14 per hour for all eligible staff , and on July 1, 2019, the minimum wage at Duke will increase to $15 per hour,  more than twice the current federal and state minimum wage of $7.25

The new rates will apply to all regular University and Health System staff (those eligible staff working at least 20 hours week/36 weeks per year). Duke projects the increases over the next two years will increase pay rates for more than 2,300 staff. Positions that are covered under a collective bargaining agreement will be addressed under the provision of the contract.

Duke, the largest private employer in Durham, has increased its minimum wage several times in recent years, including moving to $13 per hour in 2017 and from $10.91 to $12 per hour 2015. The minimum wage adjustments will represent a 37 percent increase since 2015.

The new minimum wage, combined with the area’s low cost of living and our comprehensive benefits plan that includes health insurance, retirement, paid time off and financial security benefits, reflects Duke’s commitment to being a leading employer in the area of total compensation.

The change will also apply to contractors who employ individuals working on Duke’s campus.  All contractors will be expected to move their full-time employees on campus to the new Duke minimum wage according to the same schedule.

Duke University and Health System reviews all pay ranges annually, including its minimum wage, relative to the local and national markets and makes adjustments as necessary.