The minimum wage in British Columbia is $18.25 per hour as of June 1, 2026. This is the lowest hourly wage most employees in BC can legally be paid.
The rate increased from $17.85 to $18.25 on June 1, 2026. It applies across the province, including Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Burnaby and Kelowna.
💰 BC Minimum Wage 2026: $18.25 per hour, effective June 1, 2026. The next annual adjustment is scheduled for June 1, 2027.
On This Page
- Current Minimum Wage
- Minimum Wage History
- Weekly & Annual Earnings
- Who Qualifies?
- Special Minimum Wage Rates
- Employee Rights
- Paid Below Minimum Wage?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Wage in BC in 2026?
The current BC minimum wage is $18.25 per hour.
| Effective Date | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 | $17.85/hour |
| June 1, 2026 onward | $18.25/hour |
When Will Minimum Wage Increase Again in BC?
The next annual adjustment is June 1, 2027. The 2027 rate hasn’t been announced yet.
BC adjusts its minimum wage annually based on inflation. If inflation is negative, the minimum wage doesn’t decrease.
BC Minimum Wage History: 2019–2026
Here’s how British Columbia’s general minimum wage has changed since 2019.
| Effective Date | Hourly Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2026 | $18.25 |
| June 1, 2025 | $17.85 |
| June 1, 2024 | $17.40 |
| June 1, 2023 | $16.75 |
| June 1, 2022 | $15.65 |
| June 1, 2021 | $15.20 |
| June 1, 2020 | $14.60 |
| June 1, 2019 | $13.85 |
If you believe you were underpaid, use the minimum wage that applied when you performed the work.
How Much Is Minimum Wage Per Year, Month and Week in BC?
At $18.25 per hour, here’s how much an employee earns working 40 hours per week.
| Pay Period | Gross Earnings |
|---|---|
| Per hour | $18.25 |
| 8-hour day | $146.00 |
| 40-hour week | $730.00 |
| 80-hour biweekly period | $1,460.00 |
| Average month | $3,163.33 |
| Full year (40 hours/week) | $37,960.00 |
These amounts are before taxes and deductions. They assume 52 weeks of work and don’t include overtime, vacation pay or other additional earnings.
At 37.5 hours per week, minimum wage equals approximately $35,587.50 per year.
For rules about working hours, see our Full-Time Hours BC guide.
Who Must Be Paid Minimum Wage in BC?
Most employees are entitled to at least $18.25 per hour, regardless of how they’re paid.
This includes:
- Full-time and part-time employees
- Casual and temporary workers
- Students and young workers
- Salaried employees
- Commission and incentive-based employees
- Restaurant and liquor servers
Minimum Wage for Students and Workers Under 18
BC doesn’t have a lower student minimum wage. Young workers covered by the general rules must receive at least $18.25 per hour.
Different restrictions apply to the types of jobs and hours younger employees can work. See our Minimum Working Age BC guide.
Minimum Wage for Servers
Restaurant and liquor servers must receive at least $18.25 per hour before tips. Tips can’t be used to make up the difference between a lower hourly wage and minimum wage. See our guide on BC tip laws.
Salaried and Commission Employees
Being paid a salary or commission doesn’t automatically exempt you from minimum wage. If your earnings fall below the legal minimum for the hours worked, your employer must make up the difference.
Special Minimum Wage Rates in BC
Some workers are covered by different minimum wage rules.
| Worker Category | Minimum Rate in 2026 |
|---|---|
| General employees and liquor servers | $18.25/hour |
| Live-in camp leaders | $145.64/day |
| Live-in home support workers | $135.88/day |
| Resident caretakers (9–60 suites) | $1,092.10/month + $43.75 per suite |
| Resident caretakers (61+ suites) | $3,719.96/month |
| App-based delivery and ride-hail workers | $21.89/hour of engaged time |
| Certain farm workers | Crop-specific piece rates |
These rates apply only to workers who meet the legal requirements for each category. App-based workers’ engaged time is the period from accepting a delivery or ride request until it’s completed or cancelled.
App-based gig workers: Delivery and ride-hail workers have a separate minimum wage of $21.89 per hour of engaged time in 2026. Learn how earnings, tips and distance allowances work in our Gig Worker Rights BC guide.
For more detail, see the BC government’s minimum wage rules.
Can Employers Pay Less Than Minimum Wage in BC?
No. Employers can’t pay employees below the applicable minimum wage simply because they’re training, working part-time or being paid in tips.
Other important rules include:
- Trial shifts: Employees must be paid for actual work, even if they aren’t hired. See Unpaid Trial Shifts BC.
- Minimum shift pay: Employees who report for work can be entitled to at least two or four hours’ pay. See Minimum Shift Hours BC.
- Overtime: Additional pay can be required after eight hours a day or 40 hours a week. See Overtime Pay BC.
- Pay raises: Employers aren’t required to give annual raises above the legal minimum unless an agreement requires one. See Pay Raises BC.
What If Your Employer Pays Less Than Minimum Wage in BC?
If your employer pays less than the legal minimum, you can be entitled to the unpaid difference.
Here’s what to do:
- Check your pay. Compare your hourly earnings with the minimum wage in effect when you worked.
- Keep records. Save pay stubs, schedules and records of your hours.
- Request payment. Ask your employer to correct the underpayment.
- File a complaint. Contact BC’s Employment Standards Branch if your employer refuses.
For missing wages and payment deadlines, see our Unpaid Wages BC guide.
Minimum Wage BC: Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Wage in Vancouver in 2026?
$18.25 per hour. Vancouver follows the same provincial minimum wage as Victoria, Surrey, Richmond, Kelowna and other BC communities.
What Will Minimum Wage Be in BC in 2027?
The 2027 rate hasn’t been announced. BC’s next scheduled annual adjustment is June 1, 2027.
What Is the Annual Salary at Minimum Wage in BC?
At $18.25 per hour, working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks equals $37,960 before deductions, excluding additional earnings.
Is Minimum Wage Different for Students in BC?
No. BC doesn’t have a lower minimum wage for students or employees under 18 who are covered by the general minimum wage rules.
Can Employers Pay Servers Less Because They Earn Tips?
No. Servers must receive the regular minimum wage in addition to their tips.
Does Minimum Wage Apply to Salaried Employees?
Yes, for most employees covered by BC employment standards. A salary doesn’t automatically exempt an employee from minimum wage requirements.
What Is the Federal Minimum Wage in BC?
The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour as of April 1, 2026. Federally regulated employers must pay the higher provincial rate where it applies, making the current minimum $18.25 per hour in BC. See our Federal Minimum Wage guide.
Is BC’s Living Wage the Same as Minimum Wage?
No. Minimum wage is the legal wage floor. A living wage estimates what people need to cover basic expenses in a community. Employers aren’t automatically required to pay a published living-wage rate.
Know Your Employment Rights in BC
Employers must follow BC’s minimum wage and other employment standards. Employees can also have rights involving unpaid wages, major pay reductions and termination.
If you’ve been fired, laid off or forced to resign, the BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees understand their wrongful dismissal and BC severance pay rights.
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.
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