In British Columbia, the minimum wage for most workers automatically increases with inflation each year to help with the rising cost of living.
However, since some jobs have unique work arrangements, there are certain industries that have special rates that reflect their unique conditions. These special rates can sometimes be confusing, especially if you’re not sure which category your job fits into.
What is the Current Minimum Wage in British Columbia?
Effective June 1, 2025, the minimum wage in British Columbia is $17.85, an increase of 2.6% from the previous rate of $17.40.
This rate applies to most employees working in cities in BC, including Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Prince George, and every other municipality throughout the province.
It is also slightly higher than Canada’s federal minimum wage of $17.75 per hour (effective Apr 1, 2025). However, the federal rate is specific to federally regulated sectors (like banks and airports), while the vast majority of employees in the province are covered by the BC provincial rate.
How BC’s Minimum Wage Has Increased Over Time
The general minimum wage in British Columbia has increased substantially from just $8 per hour in 2001 to over $17 today.
The table below shows historical minimum wage rates in BC from 2001 to 2025:
| Effective Date | Minimum Wage | % Change |
| November 1, 2001 | $8.00 | – |
| May 1, 2011 | $8.75 | 9.4% increase |
| November 1, 2011 | $9.50 | 8.6% increase |
| May 1, 2012 | $10.25 | 7.9% increase |
| September 15, 2015 | $10.45 | 1.9% increase |
| September 15, 2016 | $10.85 | 3.8% increase |
| September 15, 2017 | $11.35 | 4.6% increase |
| June 1, 2018 | $12.65 | 11.5% increase |
| June 1, 2019 | $13.85 | 9.5% increase |
| June 1, 2020 | $14.60 | 5.4% increase |
| June 1, 2021 | $15.20 | 4.1% increase |
| June 1, 2022 | $15.65 | 3% increase |
| June 1, 2023 | $16.75 | 7% increase |
| June 1, 2024 | $17.40 | 3.9% increase |
| June 1, 2025 | $17.85 | 2.6% increase |
Since 2017, BC has seen consistent and significant hikes, which highlight a stronger focus on supporting workers’ wages.
Beginning June 1, 2024, BC implemented an automatic annual minimum wage adjustment tied to the BC Consumer Price Index.
Simply put, each year on June 1, minimum wage increases by the percentage change in the BC All-Items CPI from the previous year. It is rounded to the nearest five cents for the general minimum wage and the nearest cent for specialized categories.
Source: General Hourly Minimum Wage Rates in Canada since 1965 – Government of Canada
When Will Minimum Wage in BC Increase Again?
For the next period, the annual adjustment to BC’s minimum wage will take effect on June 1, 2026. This clear schedule helps workers plan for steady income growth and makes it easier for employers to budget for wage changes.
Who Does the Minimum Wage in BC Apply To?
The $17.85 minimum wage applies to most workers in British Columbia, regardless of whether they’re paid hourly, on salary, by commission, or on a piece-rate basis.
This rate covers full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary workers across most industries operating under provincial jurisdiction. There is no separate minimum wage for students, youth workers under 18, or specific cities like Vancouver.
Yet, hospitality, service, retail, agriculture, and manual labour roles account for a large share of minimum wage earners. Common jobs that pay this wage include:
- Retail salespersons and clerks
- Food counter attendants and kitchen helpers
- Cashiers
- Liquor servers
- General farm workers
- Transport truck drivers
- Cleaners and janitors
- Delivery drivers
- Customer service representatives
Many of these workers in BC rely on this income to cover living expenses and support their families.
Minimum Wage Rates for Specific Employees in BC
While most workers get the standard minimum wage, some occupations in BC have special minimum rates based on their distinct circumstances. Here’s a look at the specific minimum wages for these roles as of June 1, 2025:
- Gig workers receive $21.43 per hour for engaged time as of June 1, 2025. This engaged time is calculated when workers accept an order or request and ends upon completion or cancellation. Also, they must be paid for the distance they travel while working. The minimum rate is $0.35/km for deliveries and $0.45/km for ride-hail driving.
- Farm workers who hand-harvest certain crops, payment is often based on a piece-rate system instead of an hourly wage
- Live-in camp leaders employed by non-profit youth camps under 19 can be paid a minimum daily rate instead of an hourly rate. For 2025, this daily minimum is set at $142.61.
- Live-in home support workers are paid a daily minimum of $133.05, rather than an hourly rate.
- Resident apartment caretakers‘ monthly minimum wages are calculated based on units, which are $1,069.36 base plus $42.84 per suite for 9-60 units and $3,642.51/month for 61+ units.
Additionally, recent changes have been made regarding who is covered by minimum wage laws.
Under Order in Council No. 67, student nurses and auxiliary or volunteer firefighters are now exempt from the minimum wage requirements of the Employment Standards Act. These roles are also exempt from rules related to overtime pay, statutory holidays in BC, and termination provisions.
Please note that they may still be covered by other wage rules under collective agreements or the Canada Labour Code, where applicable.
Source: Minimum wage – gov.bc.ca
The Importance of Minimum Wage Laws in British Columbia
Minimum wage laws aim to ensure fair pay that reflects rising living costs, provide income support to lower-wage workers, and deliver broader economic benefits.
Ensures Fair Compensation
Minimum wages create a baseline level of compensation for work performed and prevent extreme exploitation of vulnerable employee segments like youth, seniors, or immigrants.
According to the CCPA, nearly a quarter of Canadian workers earned within $3 of minimum wage, which indicates that minimum wage increases significantly impact incomes. (Source)
Reduces Poverty
Fairer wages and support for low-income earners help address poverty. Higher minimum wages encourage labour force participation as the benefits of working increase.
Boosts Consumer Spending
Low-wage workers tend to spend their additional income, stimulating local economic activity quickly. Minimum wages also encourage businesses to invest in automation and technology to boost productivity.
Improves Quality of Life
Better incomes enable workers to afford necessities such as food, rent, transportation, and healthcare, thereby reducing stress and improving life satisfaction and health outcomes.
A few minimum-wage workers in Canada receive employee benefits, such as dental coverage and prescription drug benefits, from their employers. Higher wages make benefits more accessible.
Find out more about the minimum wage of other provinces and territories in Canada at:
- Minimum Wage in Alberta
- Minimum Wage in Manitoba
- Minimum Wage in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Minimum Wage in Nova Scotia
- Minimum Wage in Quebec
- Minimum Wage in Yukon
The bottom line
While views are mixed on the benefits and drawbacks of minimum wage hikes, British Columbia continues to be a leader in adopting progressive wage policies to support its most vulnerable employees.
With yearly increases tied to inflation, the minimum wage is expected to continue rising in the coming years, giving employees more predictable and steady income growth.
FAQs related to the Minimum wage in British Columbia
When do changes to minimum wage take effect in British Columbia?
Minimum wage changes in BC take effect on June 1 each year. The provincial government announces the increases in late February or early March.
Are there exemptions to the minimum wage in British Columbia?
While most jobs in British Columbia are covered by the general minimum wage, it doesn't apply to everyone in the same way.
First, a few specific occupations have their own unique minimum wage rates set by the province. These roles include live-in caregivers, resident caretakers, and certain agricultural workers.
More importantly, some workers aren't covered by B.C.'s provincial employment laws at all. This usually happens for two key reasons:
- Your industry is federally regulated. If you work in a field like banking, telecommunications, or an airline, you are covered by the federal minimum wage and rules, not B.C.'s provincial ones.
- You are an independent contractor. If you are self-employed or work as an independent contractor, you are typically considered a business owner providing a service. Because this isn't a traditional employer-employee relationship, the minimum wage rules may not apply to you.
Can employers in British Columbia make deductions from minimum wage pay?
Yes, but only under specific circumstances. Often, deductions fall into two categories:
- Mandatory Deductions: There are the standard deductions required by law that you'll see on any pay stub, like income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums.
- Deductions with Written Consent: Other deductions are allowed, but only if the employee agrees to them in writing. Common examples include payments for employee-sponsored medical or dental plans, or to repay a wage advance.
Even with employee consent, it’s illegal to make employees pay business losses such as cash register shortages, customer theft, accidental damage.
Is the minimum wage a living wage in British Columbia?
While minimum wage aims to provide fair pay, it is still well below the calculated living wages in BC cities like Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna that factor in the real costs of living.
Why increase the minimum wage in British Columbia?
Regular minimum wage increases ensure pay keeps pace with inflation and rising living costs. They also aim to reduce poverty, boost spending, and improve the quality of life for lower-income workers.
Does minimum wage in BC apply during training or probation periods?
Yes. In BC, you must be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked. This includes your probationary period and any training or orientation your employer requires you to attend.
If you are unsure whether your specific training counts as paid work, it is best to contact the BC Employment Standards Branch for clarification.
Can employers count tips toward minimum wage in British Columbia?
No. Tips, gratuities, and service charges belong to employees and cannot be counted toward an employer's minimum wage obligation.
Is there a different minimum wage for students or young workers in BC?
No. BC does not have a separate, lower minimum wage for students or workers under 18. All employees, regardless of age, receive the same minimum wage.
