Alberta Minimum Wage 2024: Everything You Need to Know

The general minimum wage in Alberta is currently $15.00 per hour, a rate that has remained unchanged since October 1, 2018. Alberta was the first province in Canada to reach the $15 per hour mark, but there have been no increases since then.

What Is the Minimum Wage in Alberta?

Minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay rate that employers in Alberta can legally pay to their employees. It applies to most provincially regulated workers, whether they are full-time, part-time, or hourly—except for students under the age of 18.

Current Minimum Wage Rates in Alberta (2024)

Is the Minimum Wage in Alberta Going Up in 2024?

No. The Alberta government has not announced any plans to increase the minimum wage in 2024. The rate has remained at $15.00 per hour since October 1, 2018. Despite rising living costs, there have been no adjustments, leading some to criticize the lack of action as “heartless”.

Alberta’s Minimum Wage Timeline (2015-2024)

Special Minimum Wage Categories in Alberta

While the general minimum wage applies to most workers, Alberta has special rates for certain categories:

Student Minimum Wage (Under 18)

• Rate: $13.00 per hour (for up to 28 hours per week during the school year)
• Over 28 Hours: Students must be paid the general minimum wage of $15.00 per hour for hours exceeding 28 in a week.
• Effective Since: June 26, 2019

Weekly Minimum Wage

• Rate: $598 per week
• Applicable To: Certain professions, including architects, accountants, engineers, geoscientists, commissioned salespeople, lawyers, and healthcare professionals like dentists and chiropractors.

Domestic Employees

Staff Who Live With Their Employer:

• Rate: $2,848 per month
• Details:
  • Entitled to the full monthly wage regardless of hours worked.
  • Pro-rated wages allowed for part-time schedules.
  • Employers can deduct up to $4.41 per night for lodging and $3.35 per consumed meal.

Staff Who Do Not Live With Their Employer:

• Rate: $15.00 per hour
• Details:
  • Can deduct up to $3.35 for each meal consumed.
  • Not entitled to overtime pay or limited work hours.

Does Alberta Plan to Increase Its Minimum Wage?

As of now, there are no announced plans to increase Alberta’s minimum wage. The rate has remained unchanged since 2018, and unlike some other provinces, Alberta’s minimum wage is not tied to inflation.

SEE ALSO
• Are Alberta employers required to give pay raises?
• Fired after asking for a raise in Alberta

Who Is Exempt from Minimum Wage in Alberta?

Certain employees are exempt from minimum wage laws:

• Municipal police officers
• Real estate brokers
• Securities and insurance salespeople paid entirely by commission
• Students in government-approved work experience programs
• Post-secondary academic staff
• Camp counselors at non-profit organizations
• Film extras

For a complete list, refer to the Government of Alberta’s Employment Standards.

Do Salaried Employees Receive Minimum Wage?

Yes. Salaried employees in Alberta must be paid at least the minimum wage for the hours they work. Employers are required to ensure that an employee’s salary meets or exceeds what they would earn at the minimum wage rate.

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Fired from a Minimum Wage Job? Know Your Rights

All non-unionized employees in Alberta, including those earning minimum wage, are entitled to full severance pay if they are terminated without cause. This applies to both full-time and part-time workers.

LEARN MORE
• Severance Pay in Alberta
• Wrongful Dismissal in Alberta
• Use the Alberta Severance Pay Calculator

Minimum Wage for Short Periods of Work in Alberta

Three-Hour Minimum Pay Rule

Employees who are required to work but work less than three hours must be paid for at least three hours at the minimum wage rate.

Two-Hour Minimum Compensation

Certain employees are entitled to at least two hours of pay at minimum wage:

• School bus drivers
• Home care workers
• Adolescents (13 to 15 years old) on school days
• Part-time recreation or athletic program staff

Calculating Wages for Commissioned Employees

To ensure commissioned employees earn at least minimum wage:

1. Calculate Total Earnings: Sum of wages for the pay period.
2. Calculate Average Hourly Rate: Total earnings divided by hours worked.
3. Compare with Minimum Wage: If below $15.00 per hour, employer must top up pay.

What to Do If Your Employer Isn’t Paying Your Wages

If your employer fails to pay your wages:

• File a Complaint: With Employment Standards.
• Consult an Employment Lawyer: You may have grounds for a constructive dismissal claim. An Alberta employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can review your situation and determine if you have been terminated, and how much severance you are owed.

Additional Resources

• Statutory Holidays: Dates and entitlements in Alberta, B.C., and Ontario
• Minimum Wage Guides: Information for Federal, B.C., and Ontario workers
• CPP Payment Dates: Canada Pension Plan Payment Schedule
• Vacation Entitlements: Vacation Time and Vacation Pay in Alberta
• Minimum Legal Working Age: Regulations in Alberta, B.C., and Ontario

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Wage in Alberta Now?

As of 2024, the minimum wage in Alberta remains at $15.00 per hour.

Is Alberta’s Minimum Wage Tied to Inflation?

No. Unlike some other provinces (e.g. British Columbia), Alberta’s minimum wage is not automatically adjusted based on inflation.

Are Employers Required to Give Pay Raises Beyond Minimum Wage Increases?

Employers are not legally required to provide pay raises beyond complying with minimum wage laws. However, many employers offer raises based on performance or tenure.

READ MORE
• Are Alberta Employers Required to Give Pay Raises?
• Fired After Asking for a Raise in Alberta