Ontario Minimum Wage 2025 | New Rates Effective October 1

On October 1, 2025, Ontario’s minimum wage increased to $17.60 per hour (Government of Ontario). The new rate applies to most non-unionized employees, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried workers.

These increases are tied to Ontario’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) under section 23.1 of the Employment Standards Act (ESA), which requires annual adjustments.

Ontario Minimum Wage Rates (2024-2026)

See more information through Ontario’s Minimum Wage Guide.

What Does Ontario’s Minimum Wage Apply To?

• Full-time, part-time, or casual workers
• Employees paid by hourly, salary, commission, or piece rate
• Most provincially regulated businesss (retail, hospitality, construction, admin, call centres, etc.)

Who Is Exempt from Minimum Wage in Ontario?

Some categories do not qualify under the ESA, including:

• Federally regulated workers (banks, airlines, telecom, postal services — covered by the federal minimum wage, now $17.75/hour as of April 1, 2025) (Government of Canada – Federal Minimum Wage)
• Students in unpaid co-op or work placements
• Certain community program participants
• Elected officials, judges, MPs, MPPs
• Inmates and young offenders in work programs
• Some major junior hockey players under ESA exemptions

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 Ontario if penalized or dismissed
• A claim for wrongful dismissal or constructive dismissal, depending on circumstances

Ontario Minimum Wage History (2020-2026)

Why Ontario Adjusts the Minimum Wage Each Year

The Ontario government ties increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect cost-of-living changes.

• Rates are announced by April 1 each year
• Increases take effect October 1
• Helps ensure workers’ wages keep pace with inflation

Minimum Wage vs. Living Wage

• Minimum Wage (2025): $17.60/hour
• Living Wage (Toronto, 2023): $25.05/hour
• Minimum wage is not a living wage — many employees earning minimum wage still live below the poverty line.

According to the Ontario Living Wage Network, the living wage in the Greater Toronto Area is $25.05/hour (as of 2023). Other regions report similar gaps.

FAQs About Ontario Minimum Wage 2025

What’s the Minimum Wage in Ontario in 2025?

$17.60 per hour (general), effective October 1, 2025.

Do Students Get the Same Minimum Wage?

No. Students under 18 working 28 hours/week or less earn $16.60/hour

Does It Apply to Salaried Employees?

Yes. Salaried employees must earn at least the equivalent of minimum wage when dividing salary by hours worked.

Can I Be Fired For Asking About Minimum Wage?

No. If you are dismissed for asserting your rights, it may qualify as wrongful dismsisal or reprisal in Ontario under the ESA.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer

If your employer:

• Misclassified your role to avoid wage laws
• Fires you for asking to be paid fairly

You are entitled to 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
• ⭐ 2,283 5-star Google reviews across Ontario (4.8 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 Ontario, from holidays and vacation to working age rules.

• 📅 Statutory Holidays in Ontario: See upcoming dates and pay entitlements
• 🌴 Vacation Rights: Vacation time and vacation pay explained
• 🧒 Minimum Legal Working Age: Find out when teens can start working
• 💵 Minimum Wage Tools: Compare with Canada-wide minimum wage rates
• 🧾 CPP Payment Dates: Check when your CPP arrives