Employment Law

Minimum Wage BC 2025: Everything You Need to Know

B.C. minimum wage, bc minimum wage

The general minimum wage in British Columbia is $17.85 per hour, effective June 1, 2025.

This increase from $17.40 per hour aims to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living.

Good news: BC’s lowest-paid workers will receive another wage increase on June 1, 2026. This follows updates made in spring 2024 to the province’s Employment Standards Act, which now mandates annual wage increases to keep pace with inflation. Read the government’s media release.

What is the Minimum Wage in BC?

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.

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Current Minimum Wage Rates in BC (2024-2025)

Minimum Wage Category Rate Effective Dates Next Scheduled Increase
General Minimum Wage $17.85 per hour Jun. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 Jun. 1, 2026
Liquor Servers $17.85 per hour Jun. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 Jun. 1, 2026
Live-in Camp Leaders $142.61 per day Jun. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 Jun. 1, 2026
Live-in Home Support Workers $133.05 per day Jun. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 Jun. 1, 2026
Resident Caretakers $1,069.36/month + $42.84 per suite (9-60 suites) / $3,642.51/month (61+ suites) Jun. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 Jun. 1, 2026

Note: Future increases will be announced by the BC government.


BC’s Minimum Wage Timeline (2020-2026)

Effective Date General Minimum Wage Rate
Jun. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 $17.85 per hour
Jun. 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025 $17.40 per hour
Jun. 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024 $16.75 per hour
Jun. 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023 $15.65 per hour
Jun. 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022 $15.20 per hour
Jun. 1, 2020 – May 31, 2023 $14.60 per hour
Jun. 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020 $13.85 per hour

 


Special Minimum Wage Categories in BC

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

  • Live-in Camp Leaders: $142.61 per day
  • Live-in Home Support Workers: $133.05 per day
  • Resident Caretakers:
    • $1,069.36/month + $42.84 per suite (9-60 suites)
    • $3,642.51/month (61+ suites)

Who is Exempt From Minimum Wage in BC?

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


Do Salaried Employees in BC 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 BC Minimum Wage

BC 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 BC, 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.

Severance can be up to 24 months’ pay in many cases. That’s why it’s important that you talk to an employment lawyer in Vancouver at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to get what you’re owed.

 

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What to do if Your Employer Isn’t Paying Your Wages

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


Additional Resources


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum wage in BC now?

As of June 1, 2025, BC’s minimum wage is $17.85 per hour.

What will the minimum wage be in BC in 2026?

The wage will increase on June 1, 2026 based on the year’s inflation rate.

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
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Fired After Asking for a Raise in BC

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