ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando is increasing its starting hourly wage to $15 an hour effective June 27, the resort announced Thursday.
What You Need To Know
- Universal Orlando will raise its starting wage next month
- The new starting rate of $15 an hour will take effect June 27
- Employees were sent an email about the pay increase
The new $15 starting rate, which will impact full-time and part-time hourly positions, is a $2 increase from the current rate of $13 an hour.
Universal said it will also increase starting rates for positions at the resort based on job requirements, including entry-level salaried roles.
"This is about taking care of both our current team members and those who will be joining the team," Universal Parks & Resorts Executive Vice President John Sprouls said in a statement. "We know a great guest experience begins with our team members — and we will continue to provide the best work experience we can."
Universal previously announced it would raise its starting pay to $15 an hour in time for the opening of its new Central Florida theme park, Epic Universe. However, the project was put on hold for several months due to uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. In March, Universal announced work on Epic Universe had resumed.
In a letter sent to employees before Thursday's announcement, Universal Orlando President Bill Davis thanked employees for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“From the moment we reopened, you remained focused on keeping our Guests and fellow Team Members safe,” Davis wrote. “You navigated through uncharted and sometimes difficult territory, both here at work and in your personal lives. All the while, you worked together to keep up with important adjustments and deliver extraordinary Guest experiences despite the circumstances. Thank you!”
With the starting wage increase, Universal is touting itself as the first major Orlando theme park to reach the $15 an hour milestone. In 2018, Disney World reached a deal with its workers union to raise starting pay to $15 an hour by fall 2021.
In November 2020, Florida voters passed Amendment 2, which raises the state's minimum wage from $8.56 per hour to $15 per hour over several years.
Universal is hiring for more than 2,000 workers for positions in a variety of areas across its resort, including attractions, aquatics, custodial, entrance operations, food service, culinary, merchandise, and more. Those interested in applying can visit universalorlandojobs.com.
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