RICHMOND — Walmart is making a $2.7 billion investment over two years in its U.S. workforce to raise wages, provide better training and increase scheduling choice and flexibility.

By February, the new full-time average hourly wage in Virginia will be $13.16 an hour and $10.50 an hour for part-time associates, according to a company press release.

According to Walmart spokesman Brian Nick, Walmart supercenters, such as the one in Farmville, typically employ about 300 full- and part-time employees.

“As part of this commitment, the company is investing nearly $62 million, resulting in 42,100 additional raises for associates in Virginia.”

According to the release, over the past year Walmart has increased wages in three phases beginning in April by moving its starting rate to at least $9 an hour. In July, the company increased wages for more than 100,000 associates in specialized positions, like wireless or deli associate and department managers.

“The company is starting to see a return on its investments. Since the first phase of pay raises went into effect, Walmart’s customer experience scores and associate engagement numbers have increased,” the release stated.