Mud Bay’s wages and benefits are strong in comparison to similar companies.
Inflation spiked in 2021 and 2022 and has been above average since then. Seattle was an expensive place to live before, and it’s more expensive now. That’s a fact.
On the other hand, out of the 25 largest cities in the U.S, Seattle has the highest minimum wage ($21.30) compared to its cost of living. Seattle is the seventh most expensive place to live out of the largest 25 cities, but it also has the highest minimum wage of all of these cities—almost $8 per hour above the 25-city average.
Seattle’s high—and annually increasing—minimum wage is the reason that the gap between Mud Bay’s starting pay and Seattle’s minimum wage has become smaller in recent years. Even so, Mud Bay’s average store wages for non-manager Muddies ($22.47 in King Co. and $22.60 in Snohomish Co.) are still 5-6% higher than Seattle’s minimum wage.
A partial list of Mud Bay’s benefits
Compensation benefits
Staff discount: Muddies get a 40% discount on everything they buy from Mud Bay.
Employee ownership: Through our ESOP, Muddies have received $5.3M of Mud Bay stock (10+%) at zero cost. To date, ex-Muddies have been paid $1.7 million for stock they were given simply by showing up for work.
Early wage access: Muddies have access to part of their wages before their paycheck hits.
401(k) match: Mud Bay fully matches the first 1% of wages and 50% matches the next 5% of wages contributed to retirement.
Health and wellness
Employee Assistance Program: Every Muddy has access to confidential mental health, legal and financial counseling support.
Insurance: Muddies working more than 30 hours/week are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance.
Healthy Activity: Mud Bay reimburses Muddies up to $50 a year for the cost of one health-oriented activity.
Gym Membership: Muddies can join local gyms for a discounted rate.
Telehealth: Muddies with medical insurance can access free telehealth appointments for wellness visits, emergencies and other medical needs.
Time off
Paid Time Off (PTO): Every Muddy earns PTO (70 hours/year for Muddies who work 40 hours/week), providing flexibility for vacation, personal time or illness.
Bereavement Leave: Muddies can receive paid leave after the loss of a loved one, including the loss of a pet.
My Values, My Action: Mud Bay will pay Muddies for a day of volunteering or other community action.
Jury Duty: Muddies can get paid for scheduled hours spent on a jury.
Pet benefits
Vetser Veterinary: Muddies get free, unlimited virtual appointments and chats for veterinary checkups and emergencies.
Pet Insurance: Muddies can buy pet insurance at a discounted rate.