Ontario Minimum Wage 2025: What You’re Owed and When It Increases

As of October 1, 2024, the general minimum wage in Ontario is $17.20 per hour. The rate applies to most non-unionized employees, including full-time, part-time, and hourly workers.

On October 1, 2025, the minimum wage will rise again to $17.60 per hour, following an annual review tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation data. These adjustments help offset the rising cost of living across the province.

What’s In This Guide

What is the Minimum Wage in Ontario?

The minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay rate that an employer can legally pay most employees in Ontario. It applies to:

• Full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary workers
• Employees paid hourly, salary, commission, or piece rate
• Most provincially regulated employees

Employers must ensure that total compensation meets or exceeds the applicable minimum wage — even for workers not paid hourly.

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Ontario Minimum Wage Rates (2024-2026)

The minimum wage in Ontario is reviewed every year, with new rates typically taking effect on October 1.

Here are the current and upcoming rates for each worker category:

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Who Does Ontario’s Minimum Wage Apply To?

Minimum wage rules apply to the majority of non-unionized employees in Ontario, including:

• Full-time, part-time, temporary, or casual workers
• Hourly, salaried, commission-based, or piece-rate workers
• Employees in retail, hospitality, restaurants, construction, and more

If you’re working for a provincially regulated business, your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage — no matter how your hours or wages are structured.

Common Jobs That Must Meet Minimum Wage

Ontario minimum wage applies to roles like:

• Servers and bartenders
• Retail associates
• Administrative staff
• Delivery drivers
• Construction workers
• Grocery store clerks
• Call centre reps

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Who Is Exempt from Minimum Wage in Ontario?

While most employees in Ontario must be paid at least the minimum wage, there are some specific exemptions under the Employment Standards Act (ESA).

These include:

• Federally regulated workers: Employees working for federally regulated employers like airlines, banks, telecommunications, and postal services follow federal wage rules, not Ontario’s.
• Students in work experience programs: This includes unpaid co-op placements or internships through secondary or post-secondary schools.
• Participants in community programs: Such as those working under the Ontario Works Act.
• Elected officials and political appointees: Including judges, MPs, MPPs, and union leaders.
• Inmates and young offenders: Engaged in rehabilitative work programs.
• Certain major junior hockey players: If they meet ESA exemption criteria.

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Not Being Paid Ontario’s Minimum Wage? Here’s What You Can Do

If you’re a non-unionized employee in Ontario and you’re being paid less than the legal minimum wage, or your employer has failed to increase your pay after a scheduled rate change, you have options.

You may be entitled to:

• Back pay for unpaid wages
• Full severance pay if you’re let go or penalized
• A claim for wrongful dismissal or constructive dismissal, depending on the circumstances

Employers sometimes misclassify workers or rely on exemptions that don’t apply. If this happens, you could recover thousands of dollars in compensation.

When To Contact an Employment Lawyer

Speak to an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP if your employer has:

• Paid you less than the current minimum wage
• Misclassified your job to avoid wage rules
• Fired you after you asked about your rights

READ MORE
• Are Ontario businesses required to give pay raises?
• Statutory holidays in Ontario

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Ontario Minimum Wage History: 2020 to 2026

The minimum wage in Ontario typically increases every October 1, based on inflation and economic trends. Here’s a look at how rates have changed in recent years — and what’s coming next.

General Minimum Wage by Year

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Why Does Ontario Adjust Minimum Wage Every Year?

The Ontario government reviews the minimum wage annually, with new rates typically taking effect on October 1. These changes are tied to:

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Ontario
• Inflation and cost-of-living trends
• Consultation with workers, employers, and economists

New rates are usually announced by April 1, giving businesses time to prepare.

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Is Ontario’s Minimum Wage a Living Wage?

No. While Ontario’s minimum wage is $17.20/hour, the living wage — what’s actually needed to cover the cost of housing, food, and basic necessities — is much higher in most parts of the province.

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.

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Does Minimum Wage Apply to Salaried Employees in Ontario?

Yes. Even if you’re paid a salary instead of hourly wages, your employer must ensure your effective hourly rate meets or exceeds the minimum wage.

To stay compliant with the law, your total weekly pay divided by the total hours worked must result in at least $17.20/hour (as of October 1, 2024).

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Explore More Ontario Employment Resources

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

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Ontario Minimum Wage FAQ

What Is the Minimum Wage in Ontario Right Now?

As of October 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Ontario is $17.20 per hour for most workers.

What Will Ontario’s Minimum Wage Be In 2025?

On October 1, 2025, the minimum wage will increase to $17.60 per hour, based on inflation and cost-of-living data.

Do Students Get the Same Minimum Wage in Ontario?

No. The student minimum wage is $16.15/hour (as of October 1, 2024), for students under 18 working 28 hours/week or less during the school term or holidays.

Does Minimum Wage Apply to Salaried or Commission Employees?

Yes. If your total pay divided by hours worked equals less than minimum wage, your employer may owe you back pay — even if you’re on salary, commission, or flat rate.

Can I Be Fired If Ask To Be Paid Minimum Wage?

You can’t legally be fired for asserting your right to minimum wage. If you are, it qualifies as wrongful dismissal or reprisal, and you are entitled to full severance pay.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer if You’re Paid Below Minimum Wage

If you’re a non-unionized employee in Ontario and your employer has:

• Misclassified your role to avoid paying minimum wage
• Fired you after you asked to be paid fairly

You are entitled to full Ontario severance pay (up to 24 months’ compensation) through a constructive dismissal or wrongful dismissal claim.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped thousands of employees in Ontario recover unpaid wages and severance. Our employment lawyers can explain your legal options — with no cost unless we win for many termination cases.

• 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
• 💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
• ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
• ⭐ 2,283 5-star Google reviews across Ontario (4.8 average)
• 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.

Contact us now to find out what you’re owed. Book your consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.