SeaWorld raising starting pay at Orlando theme parks

ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld is raising the starting pay rate at its three Florida theme parks.

Company officials said Wednesday it would raise the starting wage for hourly workers to $11 an hour from $10 an hour.

The pay increase takes effect Monday.

The wage hike affects only the theme park company’s Orlando parks — SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove.

A spokeswoman says the company is always evaluating pay rates and adjusting them to stay competitive.

In September, union workers at Walt Disney World approved a contract raising the starting minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next three years.

Last month, Universal Orlando Resort said starting pay for workers will increase to $12 an hour by February.

Of the three theme park resorts, only Disney World is unionized.