One of Missouri's largest employers is boosting its minimum wage, one of several steps the company is taking to attract new employees, and retain and promote current employees.

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In a letter to U.S. associates, Walmart president and CEO John Furner announced the company was implementing four new ways to invest in their employees. The first and most notable is a wage increase for employees and a new minimum wage for new hires.

Furner wrote the higher wages include, "A mixture of associates’ regular annual increases and targeted investments in starting rates for thousands of stores, to ensure we have attractive pay in the markets we operate." Furner went on to say the raises will bring  U.S. average hourly wage to more than $17.50.

CNN reports that the retail giant will raise its minimum wage from $12 to $14 an hour. CNN asserts that in many areas of the country where states have not adopted higher minimum wage laws, Walmart's starting wage often serves as the local minimum wage. This includes Missouri, where the minimum wage is currently $12 an hour.

Additionally, Furner's letter to employees talks about adding an Auto Care Center team lead and elevating the ACC tech position, both of which will offer higher pay.  Adding new college degrees and certificates to the company's Live Better U education program which is intended to equip associates with skills to unlock new career opportunities with Walmart. Finally, the company is expanding its associate-to-driver program, which pays for supply chain associates to get their CDL so they can drive for Walmart. Store associates will now be eligible for the program as well.

Walmart is one of Missouri's largest employers. Walmart says they employ over 45,000 Missourians in 150 stores across the state.

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