Employment Law

Minimum Wage Alberta 2025: Current Rate, History & What’s Next

A photo of Boxcar Social in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo: Patrick Tomasso / Unsplash)

The minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour — and it has not changed since October 1, 2018 (Government of Alberta). Unlike other provinces that adjust rates annually, Alberta’s minimum wage remains frozen.

This guide explains the current minimum wage in Alberta, whether it will increase in 2025, how it applies to students and salaried employees, and what options you have if your employer pays less than the legal minimum.

✅ Quick Facts: Alberta Minimum Wage 2025

  • General Minimum Wage: $15.00/hour (in effect since Oct. 1, 2018)
  • Applies to: Most employees, whether hourly, salaried, commission, or piece-rate
  • Student/Youth Wage: Eliminated in 2019 (all workers get $15.00/hour)
  • Alberta is the only province without annual CPI-linked increases

Alberta Minimum Wage Rates (2015-2025)

Effective Date General Minimum Wage Notes
Oct 1, 2018 – Present $15.00/hour No increase since 2018
Oct 1, 2017 – Sep 30, 2018 $13.60/hour
Oct 1, 2016 – Sep 30, 2017 $12.20/hour
Oct 1, 2015 – Sep 30, 2016 $11.20/hour

Who Does Alberta’s Minimum Wage Apply To?

The Employment Standards Code requires most employers in Alberta to pay at least $15.00/hour, including:

  • Full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary employee
  • Workers paid by salary, hourly, commission, or piece-rate
  • Employees in industries such as retail, hospitality, construction, delivery, call centres, and more
⚠️ Employers must ensure that your total compensation divided by hours worked meets or exceeds $15.00/hour — even if you’re paid on commission or salary.

Minimum Wage in Alberta for Students and Under 18

Worker Category Current Rate Notes
General employees $15.00/hour Unchanged since 2018
Students (under 18, ≤ 28 hrs/week) $15.00/hour Student wage category eliminated in 2019
Salaried employees Must average ≥ $15.00/hour Salary ÷ hours worked
Federally regulated workers $17.75/hour Federal minimum wage (as of Apr. 1, 2025)
ℹ️ Alberta no longer has a separate “student minimum wage.” All workers — regardless of age — are entitled to the same $15.00/hour minimum.

Is Minimum Wage Going Up in Alberta in 2025?

  • Alberta has not announced any minimum wage increase for 2025
  • The rate has been frozen at $15.00/hour since 2018
  • Other provinces (like Ontario at $17.60/hour and BC at $17.40/hour in 2025) now surpass Alberta (Minimum Wage Ontario, Minimum Wage BC)
  • Worker advocates argue the freeze leaves Albertans behind on cost of living, while the government has cited concerns about added costs for employers

Why Isn’t Alberta Increasing Minimum Wage?

  • Alberta does not link wage increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Alberta.
  • The government has focused on “economic competitiveness” as a reason to keep wages frozen.
  • As a result, Alberta has gone from one of the highest provincial minimum wages in 2018 to one of the lowest in 2025. (Global News)

What To Do If You’re Paid Below Minimum Wage

If you’re a non-unionized employee and your employer is paying less than the legal minimum wage, you may be entitled to:


Alberta Minimum Wage History

Year General Minimum Wage
2025 $15.00/hour
2024 $15.00/hour
2023 $15.00/hour
2022 $15.00/hour
2021 $15.00/hour
2020 $15.00/hour
2019 $15.00/hour
2018 $15.00/hour (introduced)

Alberta vs. Federal Minimum Wage

  • Alberta: $15.00/hour (unchanged since 2018)
  • Federal: $17.75/hour (as of April 1, 2025)

Workers in federally regulated industries (banks, airlines, telecom, postal services, interprovincial trucking) are entitled to the higher of the two rates.

ℹ️ Federally regulated? See our Federal Minimum Wage guide.

FAQs – Minimum Wage Alberta 2025

What is the Minimum Wage in Alberta in 2025?

$15.00/hour.

What is the Minimum Wage in Alberta in 2024?

$15.00/hour (no change).

When Will Alberta Increase Minimum Wage?

No increase is currently scheduled.

Why Is Alberta Not Increasing Minimum Wage?

The rate has been frozen since 2018 due to government policy on employer costs.

Does Minimum Wage Apply to Salaried Employees?

Yes — your weekly salary divided by hours worked must equal at least $15.00/hour.

Can I Be Paid Less If I’m Under 18?

No. Since 2019, students and youth must be paid the same $15.00/hour minimum.


Speak to an Employment Lawyer

If your employer:

  • Misclassifies you as exempt
  • Fires you for asking about wage rights or to be paid fairly

You are entitled to back pay and full severance pay — up to 24 months’ compensation.

🛡️ Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped over 50,000 clients across Canada, recovering millions in compensation. If your employer isn’t following wage laws, speak with an employment lawyer in Calgary residents trust to protect your income and your rights.

We have:

  • 👥 Helped 50,000 clients across Canada
  • 💰 Secured millions in severance payouts
  • ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases quickly through negotiation or mediation
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📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or book online.

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