Bozeman Health to spend $25 million in employees wages as appreciation for their efforts

Bozeman, Montana – Bozeman Health is spending $25 million in its employees over the next five years in an effort to express appreciation for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the hospital.

The Bozeman Health board of directors took the decision with the full backing of the executive leaders.

The hospital is creating a new $17-an-hour minimum wage, which will go into effect on November 12, 2021. Approximately 800 employees will be affected, including those who are now earning less than the new minimum wage and those who are earning $17 an hour or slightly above.

“For more than 18 months, Bozeman Health has been actively engaged in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest Montana. Every one of our employees and providers has given so much in caring for our patients and our community,” today’s statement read.

“As Gallatin County’s largest employer, Bozeman Health was the first health system in Montana to increase minimum wage to $15 an hour, and we again believe we are the first health system in Montana to implement this higher minimum wage and are proud to do so. As a non-profit organization, Bozeman Health is committed to reinvesting back into programs, projects, people, and our community. Bozeman Health will utilize operational funds to make these investments in our employees possible while maintaining a commitment to providing affordable care to consumers and patients,” officials said in a press release.

“Bozeman Health has amazing employees who are dedicated to our mission of improving health and quality of life for the communities we live in and care for. We know that the pandemic, combined with the escalation in cost of living has affected our employees and we hope that this helps better care for our employees who do so much every day,” said John Hill, president, and CEO of Bozeman Health.

According to hospital officials, the change in pay policy would move the midpoint of the wage range from the market 50th percentile to the market 55th percentile, affecting about 1,500 employees.

As part of its overall pay strategy, Bozeman Health will continue to conduct yearly merit-based performance evaluations and make market adjustments as required.