Employers in British Columbia don’t have to give employees annual pay raises. There is no law requiring a salary increase after one year of employment or an automatic raise to keep up with inflation.
However, your employer must honour pay increases promised in your employment contract and can’t deny raises for discriminatory reasons.
Here’s when you’re entitled to a raise, whether your employer can give some employees more money than others, and what happens if a promised increase isn’t paid.
💡 Quick Answer: Annual raises aren’t mandatory in BC. However, employers must honour agreed pay increases and follow minimum wage and human rights laws.
On This Page
- Are Annual Raises Required?
- When Must Employers Give Raises?
- Different Raises for Employees
- Promised Pay Raises
- Pay Raises & Pay Cuts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Are Annual Pay Raises Mandatory in BC?
No. BC employers aren’t legally required to give employees a raise every year.
Your employer can decide whether to increase your salary or hourly wage based on performance, experience, company finances or other business considerations.
Working for the same company for several years doesn’t automatically entitle you to a raise.
However, your employment contract or workplace agreement may promise regular increases. Your employer must honour those commitments.
When Must an Employer Give You a Pay Raise in BC?
An employer must increase your pay when:
- Your contract promises a raise: Your employer agreed to an increase on a specific date or after meeting certain conditions.
- Your workplace agreement requires one: An applicable collective agreement or binding pay arrangement provides for an increase.
- Minimum wage increases: Your employer must pay at least the new legal minimum if your current rate falls below it.
For current hourly rates and scheduled increases, see our BC Minimum Wage guide.
Can an Employer Give Some Employees Raises but Not Others?
Yes. Employers can give different pay raises to different employees. They don’t have to increase everyone’s wages equally.
For example, an employer can give larger raises based on:
- Job performance
- Experience or seniority
- Additional responsibilities
- Promotions or changes in position
But employers can’t deny a raise because of discrimination.
For example, refusing a pay increase because an employee is pregnant, older or has a disability can violate the BC Human Rights Code.
What If Your Employer Promised a Raise but Didn’t Give It?
If your employer agreed to a pay increase and fails to provide it, you can have a claim for the money owed.
For example, your employment contract might promise a $5,000 salary increase after your first year. If you meet the conditions, your employer must honour that agreement.
Keep copies of your employment contract, emails and messages confirming the raise.
If your employer refuses to pay an increase you’ve earned, see our guide to unpaid wages in BC.
Can Your Employer Cut Your Pay Instead of Giving You a Raise?
A major reduction in your salary, hourly wage or commissions can be constructive dismissal. You could be entitled to severance pay in BC even if your employer hasn’t formally fired you.
Don’t resign or accept a major pay cut before checking your rights.
Read more about pay reductions in BC and constructive dismissal.
Pay Raises BC: Frequently Asked Questions
Are You Entitled to a Raise After One Year in BC?
No. Completing one year of employment doesn’t automatically entitle you to a raise. Your employment agreement may provide one.
Do Employers Have to Give Raises for Inflation?
No. BC employers don’t have to provide annual cost-of-living raises unless required by an applicable agreement.
Can Your Employer Refuse a Raise After a Promotion?
A promotion doesn’t automatically guarantee higher pay. However, your employer must honour any salary increase agreed to as part of the promotion.
Can Your Employer Give a Coworker a Raise but Not You?
Yes. Employers can reward employees differently, but they can’t make pay decisions based on prohibited discrimination.
Can You Be Fired for Asking for a Raise?
An employer can dismiss a non-unionized employee without cause, but must respect applicable employment laws and severance rights. You don’t automatically lose your severance because you asked for more money.
Can You Negotiate a Pay Raise in BC?
Yes. You can ask your employer for a raise at any time. If an increase is agreed to, get the amount and effective date confirmed in writing.
Facing a Pay Dispute or Job Loss in BC?
If your employer has broken a pay agreement, significantly reduced your income or fired you, you may have important employment rights.
The BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees with constructive dismissal, wrongful dismissal and severance pay.
Your severance could reach up to 24 months’ pay. Use our Severance Pay Calculator to estimate what you’re owed.
Before you sign, always check first.
➡️ Get a Consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.