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