Ontario Minimum Wage 2026: Complete Employee Guide

On Oct. 1, 2026. Ontario’s minimum wage will increase 35 cents to $17.95 an hour. (Government of Ontario)

The new rate applies to most non-unionized employees in the province, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried workers.

Wage 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’s minimum wage is governed by the ESA, and disputes about pay often overlap with broader employment law issues, including misclassification and unpaid wages.

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 businesses (retail, hospitality, construction, admin, call centres, etc.)

Who’s 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 $18.15/hour as of April 1, 2026)
• 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

Paid Below Minimum Wage? Next Steps

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 fired — which may also amount to wrongful dismissal under Ontario law.

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 Oct. 1
• Helps ensure workers’ wages keep pace with inflation

Minimum Wage vs. Living Wage

• Minimum Wage (as of Oct. 1, 2025): $17.60/hour
• Living Wage: $27.20/hour (Ontario Living Wage Network)
• Minimum wage isn’t a living wage — many employees earning minimum wage still live below the poverty line.

FAQs About Ontario Minimum Wage

What’s the Minimum Wage in Ontario?

Currently, it’s $17.60 per hour (general). However, it’s set to increase by 35 cents to $17.95 per hour on Oct. 1, 2026.

Do Students in Ontario Get the Same Minimum Wage?

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

Does Minimum Wage Apply to Salaried Employees in Ontario?

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

Can Ontarians be Fired for Asking About Minimum Wage?

No. If you’re dismissed for asserting your rights, it may qualify as wrongful dismissal or reprisal under the ESA.

If you’re terminated after raising pay concerns, speaking with an employment lawyer in Toronto or Ottawa can help determine whether your dismissal was illegal and what compensation you’re owed.

Additional 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