Minimum Wage Alberta 2026: Current Rate, History & What’s Next
The minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour. Unlike other provinces that adjust rates annually, the province has left its minimum wage unchanged since Oct. 1, 2018 (Government of Alberta).
This guide explains the current minimum wage in Alberta, whether it will increase in 2026, 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 2026
- General Minimum Wage: $15.00/hour
- 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 (2015-2026)
| 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
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) |
Is Minimum Wage Going Up in Alberta in 2026?
- Alberta hasn’t announced any minimum wage increase for 2026
- 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 is Alberta Keeping Min Wage at $15/Hour?
- 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)
Paid Below Minimum Wage? Next Steps
If you’re a non-unionized employee in Alberta and your employer is paying less than the legal minimum wage, you may be entitled to:
- Back pay for unpaid wages
- Full severance pay in Alberta if penalized or dismissed
- A claim for wrongful dismissal in Alberta or constructive dismissal, depending on circumstances
Alberta Minimum Wage History
| Year | General Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $15.00/hour (unclear if a wage increase will take place) |
| 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.
FAQs – Minimum Wage Alberta 2026
What’s the Minimum Wage in Alberta to Start 2026?
$15.00/hour.
Will Alberta Increase the Minimum Wage in 2026?
No increase is currently scheduled for 2026. Minimum wage has been frozen since 2018 due to government policy on employer costs.
Does Minimum Wage in Alberta Apply to Salaried Employees?
Yes — your weekly salary divided by hours worked must equal at least $15.00/hour.
I’m Under 18, Am I Entitled to Less Money?
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.
We have:
- 👥 Helped 50,000 clients across Canada
- 💰 Secured millions in severance payouts
- ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases quickly through negotiation or mediation
- 📱 Free Termination Consultations — in many, but not all, cases
- ⭐ 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews across Canada (4.7 average)
- 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms (Globe and Mail)
📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or book online.
Learn more about your workplace rights in Alberta, from holidays and vacation to working age rules.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
More about Lior SamfiruRelated Posts
“Impossible Position”: Cloudhead Games Slashing 70% of Staff in 2026
The latest information on the workforce reduction and key resources for affected non-unionized employees in Canada.
Cloudhead Games Layoffs: Severance Rights & Employee Guide
Cloudhead Games is axing 70% of its staff in 2026. Understand your severance rights in Canada and how we can help.
Pay Transparency Act Ontario: What the 2026 Rules Mean for Employees
Ontario’s Pay Transparency Act is in force. Learn how salary disclosure rules work in 2026 and the rights job seekers have.