Virginia Tech has raised the university’s minimum starting wage to $15 an hour for full- and part-time, benefits-eligible employees.
The change in It took effect Aug. 25 and affects about 160 workers who previously made less than $15 an hour. In addition, other staff received salary increases to align with the university’s new staff pay structure.
“To support Virginia Tech’s vision and strategic plan, the university is investing nearly $300,000 to raise the minimum starting wage for our employees to $15 an hour,” said Vice President of Human Resources Brian Gary. “This investment in our current and future workforce will help Virginia Tech remain competitive regionally and nationally and address the changing market demands of all employers.”
The increase follows steps the university has taken over the past several years, including raising the minimum wage for employees to $12 an hour in 2019, approving and paying a salary supplement from 2020-22 that employees can use to offset out-of-pocket expenses such as parking and child care, and the university’s Board of Visitors in 2021 and 2022. Approved a 5 percent merit program for faculty and staff.
While this change does not affect employees holding hourly salaried positions, in September 2021 the university will increase the hourly wage for all dining, housekeeping and grounds positions by $15 per hour. students and the entire Virginia Tech community. This change affects approximately 700 employees.
“Pay is part of our focus on providing strong overall compensation for all employees,” Geary said. “The University will continue to use pay and benefits, primarily and optionally in conjunction with other services, as development opportunities to support the personal and professional growth of staff over the long term.”
