Minimum wage rates vary significantly across Canada. Here are the current 2025 rates for every province and territory, plus what each rate means for your annual income before and after tax.
| Province/Territory | Hourly Rate | Annual (40h/52w) | Est. Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $17.20 | $35,776 | ~$29,500 |
| British Columbia | $17.40 | $36,192 | ~$29,900 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | $31,200 | ~$26,400 |
| Quebec | $16.10 | $33,488 | ~$27,300 |
| Manitoba | $15.80 | $32,864 | ~$27,100 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.00 | $31,200 | ~$26,400 |
| Nova Scotia | $15.70 | $32,656 | ~$27,000 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | $32,552 | ~$26,900 |
| PEI | $16.00 | $33,280 | ~$27,500 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $15.60 | $32,448 | ~$26,800 |
| Northwest Territories | $16.05 | $33,384 | ~$27,100 |
| Yukon | $17.59 | $36,587 | ~$30,000 |
| Nunavut | $19.00 | $39,520 | ~$32,100 |
Take-home estimates are approximate, assuming single, no additional deductions, Ontario/similar provincial rate applied.
As of 2025, Nunavut has the highest minimum wage at $19.00/hour, though the cost of living in northern territories is substantially higher. Among the most populous provinces, BC leads at $17.40, slightly ahead of Ontario at $17.20.
The living wage — what workers actually need to cover basic costs — is estimated at $23–$26/hour in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Minimum wage in most provinces falls significantly short of this, particularly in high-cost urban centres. The living wage varies by city based on housing, childcare, and transportation costs.
Most provinces index minimum wage increases to inflation (CPI) and review annually. Ontario has committed to annual increases. BC and Manitoba also have scheduled reviews. Minimum wage changes typically take effect in October or January of each year.
Alberta maintains a student minimum wage of $13.00/hour for workers under 18 who work less than 28 hours per week. Some other provinces also have student or liquor server rates. Most provinces have eliminated separate "student" rates and apply a single minimum wage.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAIn most provinces, tips are on top of minimum wage — employers cannot use tips to reduce hourly pay to below minimum. Ontario and BC have clear rules protecting tip pooling arrangements and prohibiting employers from keeping tips.