How Much is the Minimum Hourly Wage in Canada by Province?

If you are looking for a job in Canada and still unsure which province to pick if there are multiple options available, here’s a guide that you can use for choosing your work destination.

Of course, the final wages you will receive could depend on a number of factors, including the type of work you do and your position in the company, but here are the minimum hourly wages in Canada according to province.

Photo credit: Emerald Consultant

The highest minimum hourly wage for workers in Canada can be found in Alberta. Effective October 1, 2018, the minimum wage a worker can earn in an hour is pegged at $15. The higher wages are often the reason why many workers choose Alberta over the other provinces. Of course, the higher availability of jobs in the area is also a good reason why the province is often on top of everyone’s list.

Next on the top is Ontario. Effective January 1, 2018, the minimum hourly wage in Ontario is $14. According to Pinoy-OFW, the number is also expected to rise because starting in 2020, the minimum wage rates could increase annually beginning on October 1 of each year.

Meanwhile, the lowest minimum hourly rates are in Nova Scotia; the province only offers workers a minimum hourly pay of $11. However, this is soon set to change. By April 1, 2019, the minimum hourly wage for inexperienced employees will rise to $11.05 and it will be $11.55 for experienced employees. Then, the minimum hourly rate will also increase by $0.55 in the next 2 years.

Photo credit: More Visas

Here’s a list of minimum hourly wages in Canada by province, arrange from highest to lowest:

  • Alberta – $15.00
  • Ontario – $14.00
  • Northwest Territories – $13.46
  • Nuvanut – $13.00
  • British Columbia – $12.65
  • Quebec – $12.00
  • Prince Edward Island – $11.55
  • Yukon – $11.51
  • Manitoba – $11.35
  • New Brunswick – $11.25
  • Newfoundland & Labrador – $11.15
  • Saskatchewan – $11.06
  • Nova Scotia – $11.00