Starting August 1, 2025, Canada has officially increased the federal minimum wage to \$17.75 per hour**, reflecting a 2.4% hike from 2024. While this adjustment directly affects employees in federally regulated sectors—like banking, telecom, postal services, and transportation—it also sets a standard for provinces to reassess their wage structures.
But there’s more to the story than just a federal raise. With inflation and rising living costs, each province and territory is also setting its own hourly wage floor, often surpassing federal levels. Here’s a complete breakdown of minimum wages across Canada, how they compare, what full-time and part-time workers earn on average, and which industries are leading the wage race.
Federal and National Wage Landscape
The federal minimum wage hike is part of a broader effort to ensure working Canadians receive fair compensation. However, it’s important to understand how this figure fits into the national wage profile.
| Category | Hourly Rate (2025) |
|---|---|
| Federal Minimum Wage | \$17.75 |
| National Average Hourly Wage | \$36.13 |
| Full-Time Workers (Avg.) | \$38.40 |
| Part-Time Workers (Avg.) | \$25.42 |
The national average hourly wage is more than double the federal minimum, underscoring large disparities in income across sectors and provinces.
Province-Wise Minimum Wage Rates (2025)
Every province and territory in Canada has its own legislation on minimum wage, and most have set their base rate above the federal threshold. Here’s how each region compares in 2025:
| Province/Territory | Hourly Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Federal (regulated jobs) | \$17.75 |
| Alberta | \$15.00 |
| British Columbia | \$17.85 |
| Manitoba | \$15.80 |
| New Brunswick | \$15.65 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | \$16.00 |
| Nova Scotia | \$15.70 |
| Ontario | \$17.20 |
| Prince Edward Island | \$16.00 |
| Quebec | \$16.10 |
| Saskatchewan | \$15.00 |
| Northwest Territories | \$16.70 |
| Nunavut | \$19.00 |
| Yukon | \$17.94 |
🔎 Highest Minimum Wage: Nunavut leads the country at \$19.00/hour, reflecting the high cost of living in northern territories.
National Average Wage by Employment Type
While minimum wages ensure baseline earnings, the actual average wages tell a broader story about income distribution in Canada.
| Employment Type | Average Hourly Wage (2025) |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Employees | \$38.40 |
| Part-Time Employees | \$25.42 |
| All Employees (National Avg.) | \$36.13 |
High-Paying Industries by Province (2025 Breakdown)
Alberta
| Sector | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | \$49.25 |
| Finance & Insurance | \$43.53 |
| Real Estate | \$44.54 |
| Transport & Warehousing | \$44.90 |
| Administrative Support | \$37.25 |
British Columbia
| Sector | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Mining & Oil & Gas Extraction | \$71.79 |
| Utilities | \$65.93 |
| Professional & Technical Services | \$49.35 |
| Forestry | \$43.93 |
| Transport & Warehousing | \$34.55 |
Manitoba
| Sector | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | \$44.58 |
| Information & Cultural Industries | \$40.65 |
| Arts & Entertainment | \$35.49 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | \$32.01 |
| Real Estate | \$31.66 |
New Brunswick
| Sector | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Information & Cultural Industries | \$56.30 |
| Health Care | \$39.40 |
| Administrative Support | \$36.07 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | \$24.96 |
Ontario
| Sector | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Utilities | \$64.27 |
| Information & Cultural Industries | \$54.39 |
| Professional, Scientific Services | \$49.49 |
| Finance & Insurance | \$45.08 |
| Arts & Entertainment | \$35.41 |
💡 Notably, sectors like mining, utilities, and tech services consistently offer some of the highest wages, far above the minimum.
Why Wage Gaps Matter
Though the federal minimum wage sets a standard, it does not guarantee livable income across the board. Workers in low-wage sectors, especially part-timers and students, often earn significantly less than national averages.
Moreover, wage discrepancies between provinces are shaped by:
- Cost of living in each region
- Local labor market demand
- Provincial policy priorities
- Strength of labor unions
Annual Reviews and Adjustments
The federal and provincial minimum wages are reviewed annually to reflect inflation, labor shortages, and other economic indicators. For example, Ontario has introduced a built-in annual adjustment mechanism tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure wages rise with inflation.
Expect further reviews by provincial governments in early 2026, with some provinces considering \$18–\$20/hour minimum wages in high-cost regions like B.C., Ontario, and the North.
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FAQs
1. Is the \$17.75 minimum wage applicable across Canada?
No. The \$17.75/hour rate applies only to federally regulated industries. Each province or territory sets its own minimum wage for other jobs.
2. Which province has the highest minimum wage in 2025?
Nunavut has the highest at \$19.00/hour, due to its remote location and high cost of living.
3. How often does the minimum wage increase in Canada?
Most jurisdictions review annually, adjusting wages based on inflation and labor trends.
4. What industries pay the highest wages in Canada?
Top-paying sectors include mining, utilities, information technology, and professional services, often offering over \$60/hour.
5. Are part-time workers entitled to the same minimum wage?
Yes. Minimum wage laws apply equally to part-time, full-time, seasonal, and casual workers.
