YORK, ALTOONA, MEDIA, Pa. – A number of states and local jurisdictions are raising their minimum wage in 2016, while some employers are already paying competitive rates well above the federal $7.25 per hour rate in the states they operate.

In the convenience and fuel retailing industry, Pennsylvania retailers including Rutter’s (York), Sheetz (Altoona) and Wawa (Media) are raising their pay rates to attract and maintain a superior workforce.

On November 30, 2015, Rutter’s increased wages for all team members to start at $10 an hour, much higher than the $7.25 minimum wage rate in Pennsylvania.

To further its commitment to offer employees a great place to work and a competitive total compensation package, Sheetz announced that it will invest more than $15 million to raise the wages of store employees across the company without cutting back on hours for full-time employees. 

“While other businesses in the industry might have to cut back on employee hours or new hires as a result of wage increases, Sheetz is working hard to provide full time hours to as many employees as possible, providing them with an opportunity to earn more and secure health benefits,” said Stephanie Doliveira, vice president of human resources at Sheetz.

Wawa also announced that it will raise its minimum hourly wage to $10, which spokesperson Lori Bruce told Philly.com was “well planned and communicated to our associates last year."

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 14 states began 2016 with higher minimum wages. Of those 14 states, 12 increased their rates through legislation passed in the 2014 or 2015 sessions, while two states automatically increased their rates based on the cost of living.

Currently, 29 states and Washington, D.C., have minimum wages above the federal rate of $7.25 per hour.