As of 2025, British Columbia has Canada’s highest general minimum wage. This extensive guide provides a detailed overview of minimum wage laws, rates, history, and importance across Canada, focusing on BC.
Minimum Wage in British Columbia in 2025
The current general minimum wage in British Columbia is $17.40 per hour, up 3.9% from $16.75 the previous year. It will be $17.85, effective June 1, 2025. British Columbia is now the first province to link annual minimum wage hikes to the Consumer Price Index.
With one of the highest minimum wages in Canada, British Columbia continues to be a leader in ensuring fair pay. The predictability of inflation-tied increases also provides stability for workers and businesses.
Who Earns Minimum Wage in British Columbia?
While minimum wage workers are commonly perceived as teenagers or students, data shows most are adults over 20 in BC.
Demographics of Minimum Wage Earners
- 61% are women
- 57% are over age 25
- 36% are 35 years or older
- 54% work full-time
Most minimum wage earners in BC rely on this income to afford living costs and support families.
Common Minimum Wage Jobs
Some of the most common minimum wage jobs in British Columbia include:
- Retail salespersons and clerks
- Food counter attendants and kitchen helpers
- Cashiers
- Food and beverage servers
- General farm workers
- Transport truck drivers
Hospitality, service, retail, agriculture, and manual labour roles account for a large share of minimum wage earners.
Alternate Minimum Wages in British Columbia
While most workers get the standard minimum wage, some occupations in BC have special minimum rates based on their distinct circumstances.
Liquor Servers
As of June 2021, liquor servers now earn the regular BC minimum wage rather than a lower liquor server wage. This category includes bartenders, servers, and hosts at licensed establishments.
Live-In Camp Leaders
Live-in camp leaders employed by non-profit youth camps under 19 can be paid a minimum daily rate instead of hourly. The 2024 daily rate is $133.69.
Live-In Home Support Workers
Some government-funded live-in home support workers may be paid a daily minimum of $124.73 instead of hourly.
Resident Caretakers
Resident apartment caretakers’ monthly minimum wages are calculated based on units. As of 2024, they are $1,041.80/month + $41.74 per unit for 9-60 units and $3,548.63/month for 61+ units.
Source: British Columbia (BC) Minimum Wage 2025, Loans Canada
The History of Minimum Wage in British Columbia
British Columbia’s minimum wage has increased substantially from just $8 per hour in 2001 to over $17 today. Consistent and significant hikes since 2017 show a shift towards supporting higher pay.
Historical Minimum Wage Rates in British Columbia
| Effective Date | Minimum Wage | % Change |
| June 2001 | $8.00 | – |
| May 2011 | $9.50 | 18.8% increase |
| May 2012 | $10.25 | 7.9% increase |
| September 2015 | $10.45 | 1.9% increase |
| September 2016 | $10.85 | 3.8% increase |
| September 2017 | $11.35 | 4.6% increase |
| June 2018 | $12.65 | 11.5% increase |
| June 2019 | $13.85 | 9.6% increase |
| June 2020 | $14.60 | 5.4% increase |
| June 2021 | $15.20 | 4.1% increase |
| June 2022 | $15.65 | 3% increase |
| June 2023 | $16.75 | 7% increase |
| June 2024 | $17.40 | 3.9% increase |
After years without changes, steady sizeable increases since 2017 show a political commitment to enhancing minimum wage incomes in BC.
Minimum Wage Growth Across Canada
Similar upward trends in minimum wages have unfolded across most of Canada over the past 10-15 years:
- Alberta raised its minimum wage by over 50% from $10.20 in 2015 to $15 today.
- Ontario increased its rate by 29% from $11.60 in 2017 to $15.50.
- Quebec boosted its minimum wage by 17% from $12 to $14.25 between 2020 and 2022.
Rising minimum wages across Canada reflect growing concerns about low incomes amidst high inflation and living costs.
The minimum wage in Canada is determined by each individual province and territory. They set their own minimum wage rates and standards through legislative statutes appropriate for their jurisdiction’s economic conditions and cost of living.
- 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 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.
Nearly a quarter of Canadian workers earned within $3 of minimum wage, indicating minimum wage hikes significantly impact incomes.
Reduces Poverty
Fairer wages help address poverty. Canada’s poverty rate fell to 10.3% in 2019, in part aided by minimum wage growth and other supports for low-income earners.
Higher minimum wages encourage labour force participation as the benefits of working increase.
Boosts Consumer Spending
Low-wage workers tend to quickly spend additional income, stimulating local economic activity.
Minimum wages also encourage businesses to invest in automation and technology to boost productivity.
Improves Quality of Life
Better incomes allow workers to afford necessities like food, rent, transit, and healthcare, reducing stress and enhancing life satisfaction and health outcomes.
Few minimum wage workers in Canada receive employee benefits like dental coverage and prescription drug benefits from their employer. Higher wages make benefits more accessible.
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. Ongoing inflation indexing will likely continue to raise BC’s minimum wage.
FAQs related to Minimum wage in British Columbia
How is minimum wage determined in British Columbia?
The minimum wage in British Columbia is reviewed annually and increased based on the previous year's consumer price index, which measures the rate of inflation. This links minimum wage hikes directly to rising living costs.
When do changes to minimum wage take effect in British Columbia?
Minimum wage changes in BC typically take effect on June 1 each year. The increases are announced by the provincial government in late February or early March.
Are there exemptions to minimum wage in British Columbia?
Some occupations have special alternate minimum wages, including live-in caregivers, resident caretakers, and agricultural workers. Professionals, self-employed contractors, and federally regulated industries are exempt.
Can employers in British Columbia make deductions from minimum wage pay?
Yes, mandatory deductions like income tax and CPP contributions can be deducted. With consent, deductions for things like medical premiums or pay advances are also allowed.
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 real costs of living.
How has the minimum wage changed over time in British Columbia?
BC's minimum wage has increased steadily over the past 15 years, going from just $8 per hour in 2001 to over $17 today, with consistent significant hikes since 2017.
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 quality of life for lower income workers.