The Jackson Laboratory announced Tuesday that it has adopted a new minimum wage for front-line workers of $15 per hour.

The decision affects about 800 of the Bar Harbor-based nonprofit research organization’s workforce, or about 43 percent of its staff, according to a news release from Jackson Lab.

The total increase in payroll will be $3.8 million annually.

“JAX has long recognized that employees are its greatest asset and is proud to be a leader in recognizing and rewarding hourly workers,” said Charles Hewett, the lab’s chief operating officer, in the statement. “This increase in wage scales rewards their improved productivity and increased contribution to the laboratory’s success.”

The bulk of the affected employees work in animal care and positions supporting the laboratory’s research, administration and operations.