Atrium Health Navicent has announced a raise in its minimum starting wage for eligible employees in Georgia to $18.85 per hour, an increase of $2.85 per hour or 17.8%. This adjustment will be reflected in paychecks issued on January 30.
The change is part of Advocate Health’s broader initiative to set a unified minimum wage across its six-state service area, which includes Georgia. Advocate Health, the parent organization of Atrium Health Navicent, plans to invest $776 million in additional compensation for 2026. The aim is to promote workforce stability and create more career opportunities within the organization.
“Increasing our minimum starting rate by $2.85 per hour — almost $6,000 more per year for a full-time teammate — is a meaningful change for those who make our mission possible,” said Delvecchio Finley, president of Atrium Health’s Georgia market. “Our teammates deserve compensation that reflects the skill, compassion and consistency they bring to their work every day. Investing in their financial well‑being is essential to sustaining a strong workforce that delivers trusted care in Macon and throughout the region.”
Since joining Advocate Health in 2019, Atrium Health Navicent has increased its entry-level wages by 160%. Employees now earn at least $11.60 more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, resulting in over $24,000 more annually for full-time workers compared to federal minimum wage earners.
Advocate Health’s compensation framework includes not only the new minimum wage but also annual merit planning and pay-range adjustments based on employee feedback and market conditions. There are also investments in pay structures and base pay increases intended to support employee retention.
“Our patients and our teammates are at the center of every decision we make,” said Nakesha Lopez, executive vice president and chief people and culture officer at Advocate Health. “This minimum wage increase provides a solid foundation for every teammate, no matter where they begin. By continuing to align pay and career opportunities across our enterprise, we’re creating a future where teammates can grow with confidence and purpose.”
Advocate Health uses third-party consultants and national surveys to ensure its compensation rates remain competitive with industry standards.
Atrium Health Navicent serves central and south Georgia with care across 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities. It is part of Advocate Health, which operates hospitals under various names including Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama; Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin; and Wake Forest University School of Medicine as its academic core.
The Macon County Chamber of Commerce focuses on advancing economic vitality and supporting workforce development initiatives locally through networking events, advocacy efforts, resources for businesses, tourism support programs, educational projects, community engagement activities, business connections events, economic development programs, as well as marking over a century of contributions since its founding in 1914 according to information from its official website.
