Minimum Wage B.C. 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The general minimum wage in British Columbia is $17.40 per hour, effective June 1, 2024.

This increase from $16.75 per hour aims to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living.

What is the minimum wage in B.C.?

Minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay rate that an employer can legally pay their employees in British Columbia.

It applies to most provincially regulated workers, whether they are full-time, part-time, or hourly. This includes bartenders and alcohol servers.

READ MORE
• Are B.C. businesses required to give pay raises?
• Statutory holidays in British Columbia

Current minimum wage rates in British Columbia (2024-2025)

Note: Future increases will be announced by the B.C. government.

B.C.’s minimum wage timeline (2020-2026)

Special minimum wage categories in B.C.

While the general minimum wage applies to most workers, there are special rates for specific roles:

• Live-in Camp Leaders: $138.93 per day
• Live-in Home Support Workers: $129.62 per day
• Resident Caretakers:
  • $1,041.80/month + $41.74 per suite (9-60 suites)
  • $3,548.63/month (61+ suites)

Who is exempt from minimum wage in B.C.?

Sone jobs and industries are not covered by provincial minimum wage laws, including:

• Federally regulated employees, such as those in industries like airlines, banks, and broadcasting, who follow the federal minimum wage.
• Certain professions outlined in the B.C. Employment Standards Act.

Do salaried employees in B.C. receive minimum wage?

Yes. Even salaried workers must be paid at least the minimum wage for all hours worked. Employers are required to ensure salaries meet or exceed minimum wage levels.

Changes to B.C. minimum wage

B.C. adjusts its minimum wage every every June 1, and starting in 2024, these increases are tied to inflation. Annual increases are now law, giving workers more predictability and helping wages keep pace with the cost of living.

Does minimum wage apply if I’m paid on commission?

Yes. If you work on commission and your earnings don’t equal minimum wage for your hours worked, your employer must top up your pay to ensure it does.

Fired from a minimum wage job?

If you’re a non-unionized employee in B.C., including those earning minimum wage, you are likely owed full severance pay if you’re let go without cause. Both full-time and part-time workers are protected.

LEARN MORE
• Severance Pay in B.C.
• Understanding Wrongful Dismissal in B.C.
• Use the B.C. Severance Pay Calculator

What to do if your employer isn’t paying your wages

B.C. law requires employers to pay wages at least twice per month. If you haven’t been paid:

• File a complaint with the Employment Standards Branch.
• Speak to a B.C. employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to explore whether you’re owed severance pay due to constructive dismissal.

Additional Resources

• Statutory Holidays in B.C.
• Minimum Wage in Alberta
• Minimum Wage in Ontario
• Federal Minimum Wage
• CPP Payment Dates
• Vacation Time and Vacation Pay in B.C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum wage in B.C. now?

As of June 1, 2024, B.C.’s minimum wage is $17.40 per hour.

What will the minimum wage be in B.C. in 2025?

The wage will increase to $17.85 per hour on June 1, 2025, following a 2.6% increase tied to inflation.

Are employers required to give pay raises beyond minimum wage increases?

No. Employers must follow minimum wage laws but aren’t legally required to provide raises beyond that. Raises for performance or tenure are typically at their discretion.

READ MORE
• Pay Raises: What B.C. Employees Need to Know
• Fired After Asking for a Raise in B.C.