Minimum Wage BC 2026 | Current Rate, Vancouver Wages & Upcoming Increase
The minimum wage in British Columbia will increase 40 cents on June 1, 2026 — rising to $18.25 per hour. (Government of British Columbia).
BC has the highest provincial minimum wage in Canada, adjusted annually based on the BC Consumer Price Index (CPI).
This guide explains the current minimum wage in BC, Vancouver-specific details, yearly increases, and what to do if your employer is paying you less.
✅ Quick Facts: BC Minimum Wage 2026
- Current General Minimum Wage: $17.85/hour
- Applies To: Most employees, including hourly, salaried, commission, and piece-rate workers
- Student/Youth Rate: No separate student wage — all workers receive the same rate
- Liquor Servers: No lower wage since 2021 — they receive the general rate
- Federal Minimum Wage (for federally regulated employers): $17.75/hour as of Apr. 1, 2025 (Federal Minimum Wage).
- BC increases rates annually on June 1, tied to CPI, as per Part 3, Section 16.2 of the Employment Standards Act.
Who Does BC’s Minimum Wage Apply To?
BC’s Employment Standards Act requires most employers to pay the minimum wage, including:
- Full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary employees
- Hourly, salaried, commission-based, or piece-rate workers
- Jobs in retail, restaurants, construction, call centres, delivery, hospitality, and more
Minimum Wage for BC Students and Liquor Servers
| Worker Category | Current Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General employees | $17.85/hour | Applies to all workers |
| Students (under 18) | $17.85/hour | No separate student wage |
| Liquor servers | $17.85/hour | Lower liquor server wage eliminated in 2021 |
| Salaried employees | Must average ≥ $17.85/hour | Salary ÷ hours worked |
| Federally regulated workers | $17.75/hour | Federal minimum wage (as of Apr. 1, 2025) |
| App-based ride-hailing/delivery service workers | $21.89 per hour of engaged time | Effective June. 1, 2026 |
What’s the Minimum Wage in Vancouver?
There’s no separate minimum wage for Vancouver. The general BC minimum wage of $17.85/hour applies across the province.
Paid Below Minimum Wage? Next Steps
If you’re a non-unionized employee in BC 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 BC if penalized or dismissed
- A claim for wrongful dismissal in BC or constructive dismissal, depending on circumstances
FAQs – Minimum Wage BC 2026
What’s the Minimum Wage in BC to Start 2026?
$17.85/hour.
What’s the Minimum Wage in Vancouver?
Currently, it’s $17.85/hour — same as the provincial rate.
Is the Minimum Wage Going Up in BC?
Yes. The minimum wage in BC is rising to $18.25 per hour on June 1, 2026.
Does BC Have a Student Minimum Wage?
No. All workers, including students and youth, must be paid at least $17.85/hour.
Does Minimum Wage Apply to Salaried Employees?
Yes. Your total pay ÷ total hours must equal at least $17.85/hour.
Speak to an Employment Lawyer
If your employer:
- Misclassifies you to avoid paying wage entitlements
- Penalizes or fires you for asking about wage rights
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 BC, 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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