Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health is investing $776 million in workforce compensation in 2026, marking one of the largest single-year compensation increases in the system’s history.
Six things to know:
1. The nonprofit system will implement a unified $18.85 minimum starting wage across its six-state footprint, reflected on Jan. 30 paychecks, according to a Jan. 28 health system news release.
2. The increase applies to roles including environmental services technicians, food service assistants, and patient and equipment transporters.
3. Advocate Health has more than 165,000 employees and said the compensation strategy includes merit-based raises, pay range adjustments and structural investments to support retention.
“We are committed to offering compensation that honors the skill, dedication and compassion our teammates bring to their work every day,” Nakesha Lopez, executive vice president and chief people and culture officer, said in the release. “By investing in our people, while balancing strong financial stewardship, we’re able to attract and retain exceptional talent and ensure every teammate feels valued, supported and empowered to grow with us.”
4. As part of a broader benefits harmonization, Advocate Health also invested $840 million in retirement benefits and $1.8 billion in teammate health coverage for 2026. This includes a $40 million reinvestment to expand virtual care access, women’s health services and mental health support.
5. The system enhanced its education benefits to include upfront tuition assistance of $5,250 for full-time teammates and $2,625 for part-time employees, with up to $7,500 available for select nursing programs. It also offers a lifetime loan repayment benefit of up to $21,000 for full-time employees and $10,500 for part-time.
6. In 2025, the system provided nearly $29 million in tuition support to more than 16,500 employees and more than $12 million in loan repayment to 4,100 employees. Advocate Health also introduced a paid volunteer time off benefit of up to 12 hours per year.
Advocate Health operates 69 hospitals and more than 1,000 care locations.
