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How much does my employer have to pay me?

Question & Answer

Ontario's Employment Standards Act (ESA)  has minimum standards that employers must follow. This includes rules about minimum wage .

The minimum wage amounts below apply as of October 1, 2023 .

In most jobs, you must be paid the general minimum wage of at least $ 16.55 an hour.

If you're a homeworker , you must be paid at least $ 18.20 an hour. Homeworkers are employees who do work out of their own homes.

Wages for students

If you're a student under the age of 18, your minimum wage is usually $ 15.60 an hour. But sometimes students get a different hourly rate. For example:

• If you work more than 28 hours a week during the school term, you must be paid the general minimum wage for that week.
• If you work as a homeworker, you must be paid the minimum wage for homeworkers.
• If you're working as part of the coursework of your college or university program, the company does not have to pay you.
• If you're doing a “work experience placement” and getting a high school credit for it, for example, as a co-op student, the employer does not have to pay you.
• If you work as a counsellor at a children's camp, minimum wage rules do not apply to you.

Getting tips

If you work some place where people leave tips, like a restaurant or a hair or nail salon, your employer can decide what happens to the tips .

In the ESA, tips are not counted as wages . So even if you get to keep money from tips, your employer still has to pay you minimum wage.

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The Minimum Wage In Ontario In 2023

UPDATE October 1, 2023: See this blog post for changes to the Minimum Wage in Ontario after October 1, 2023.

The minimum wage is the lowest wage per hour that a worker may be paid as mandated by Ontario law. It is $15.50 per hour. It is a legally mandated price floor on hourly wages, below which  non-exempt workers  may not be offered a job or agree to work .

The  Employment Standards Act (“ESA”)  sets out the rules about minimum wage in Ontario. No employment contract in Ontario can go below the ESA minimums.

The following chart shows the new minimum wage rules in Ontario beginning on October 1, 2022:

What is a Homeworker?

The ESA defines a homeworker as, “an individual who performs work for compensation in premises occupied by the individual primarily as residential quarters but does not include an independent contractor .” In layman’s terms, a homeworker is an employee who works from home for an employer for pay in any kind of work (for example, online research, preparing food for resale, sewing, telephone soliciting, manufacturing, word processing).

To be clear, a homeworker is not a domestic worker like a nanny. This is because a nanny works outside of their own home, whereas a homeworker is someone who works out of their own home.

In the age of Covid-19, isn’t everyone who works from home, on a non-temporary basis, a “homeworker” who should therefore be entitled to the increased minimum wage? Yes, we believe that it is the case, although there is no precedent on this issue one way or the other, yet. If someone believes they are a homeworker who is paid the general minimum wage, not the homeworker minimum wage, they should speak with their employer. Failing that, they should call the Ministry of Labour to investigate.

What about Domestic Workers?

Domestic workers like nannies must be paid the general minimum wage ($15.50). There is no lesser wage in Ontario for domestic workers.

However, if the employer provides room and/or board (meals) to the domestic worker, they can deduct set, maximum amounts for room only, meals only or room and meals in the calculation of the employee’s pay.

Set amounts if providing room only

• $31.70 maximum per week, for a private room
• $0.00 for a non-private room

Set amounts if providing meals only

• $2.55 for each meal
• $53.55 maximum per week for all meals

Set amounts if providing both room and meals

• $85.25 maximum per week for a private room with all meals
• $53.55 maximum per week for a non-private room with all meals

Minimum Wage and Commission Employees

If an employee is paid entirely or partly on commission in Ontario, the employer must pay the employee an amount to at least the minimum wage for each hour the employee has worked.

If an employee has earned no commissions for one week, he is still entitled to the minimum wage for all hours worked. If, on the other hand, an employee has earned over $600 (40 x $15.50), for example, in a 40-hour workweek , the employer will not need to make up any difference in case commissions are low that week. The ESA does not require that any amount above minimum wage be paid in Ontario.

Current Ontario Minimum Wage

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Jeff is a lawyer in Toronto who works for a technology startup. Jeff is a frequent lecturer on employment law and is the author of an employment law textbook and various trade journal articles. Jeff is interested in Canadian business, technology and law, and this blog is his platform to share his views and tips in those areas.

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The minimum wage is the lowest rate of pay that an employer can provide to an employee. This is a basic employment law that is specific to the province or territory in which your business operates.

On October 1, 2022, the general minimum wage in Ontario increased to $15.50 per hour from $15 per hour.

In addition to the general minimum wage, there is a different minimum wage for students under 18, hunting and fishing guides, homeworkers, and wilderness guides.

The student minimum wage rate applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session or work during a school break or summer holidays. Students who work more than 28 hours a week when school is in session receive the general minimum wage.

These specialized minimum wage rates also changed on October 1, 2022. The new rates are:

• Student minimum wage: $14.60 per hour
• Minimum wage for hunting and fishing and wilderness guides: $77.60 (for working less than five consecutive hours in a day) and $155.25 (for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive)
• Minimum wage for homeworkers: $17.05 per hour

Which employees must receive minimum wage?

For the most part, almost all employers and employees in Ontario are covered under the ESA’s minimum wage requirements. The lowest rate of pay applies equally to all employees regardless of working hours. This includes employees who are:

• Paid hourly
• Paid commission, piece rate, flat rate
• Paid salary

If you need any help or have a question regarding minimum wage, get in touch with our experts today.

Questions about paying wages? Ask an HR expert today.

Employer Line can help ensure that your employees are compensated according to Ontario’s regulations. Call our HR and employment standards helpline to speak with one of our HR experts: 1-833-247-3650 .

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Human Resources Legislative Update

Reminder to employers: ontario to increase minimum wage effective october 1, 2024.

Date: September 19, 2024

A reminder to employers that the Ontario government will increase the general minimum wage to $17.20 an hour (from $16.55 an hour) effective October 1, 2024 . This minimum wage applies to most employees.

The minimum wage for the following groups also increases on October 1, 2024 :

• Student minimum wage will increase to $16.20 an hour. This wage applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or fewer when school is in session or who work during a school break or summer holidays.
• Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides minimum wage will increase to $86.00, the rate for working fewer than five consecutive hours in a day, or to $172.05, the rate for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive.
• Homeworkers minimum wage will increase to $18.90 an hour. This wage applies to employees who do paid work in their own home. Note that where students of any age are employed as homeworkers, they must be paid this wage rate.

If you have any questions about your obligations in connection with this upcoming change, please feel free to contact your regular Hicks Morley lawyer .

The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©

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Minimum Wage in Ontario: 2024 Updates

In the province of Ontario, Canada, minimum wage rates are updated annually on October 1st based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index. As of October 1st, 2023, Ontario’s minimum wage is $16.55 per hour. It is set to increase to $17.20 per hour, effective October 1st, 2024.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of minimum wage requirements, exemptions, compliance, and perspectives in Ontario, Canada, for 2024.

We’ll cover who is entitled to minimum wage, how rates are set, legal obligations for employers, and potential changes on the horizon. Read on for a detailed guide to the minimum wage in Ontario, Canada, this coming year.

Minimum Wage in Ontario 2024

On March 28th, 2024, the Ontario government announced that the general minimum wage would increase from $16.55 per hour to $17.20 per hour, effective October 1st, 2024. This 3.9% wage increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and represents the government’s annual adjustment to maintain the minimum wage’s purchasing power and affordability.

When it takes effect, the new $17.20 per hour minimum wage will be the second highest provincial minimum wage in Canada.

Here is a summary of Ontario’s minimum wage increases from 2020 to the newly announced 2024 rate:

Source: https://stlawyers.ca/blog-news/ontario-minimum-wage-2024/

With this forthcoming increase, Ontario’s minimum wage will have risen steadily from $14.25 in 2020 to $17.20 by 2024. Annual increases help low-wage workers keep up with the cost of living. Employers across the province must comply with the new rate as of October 1st.

Who is Covered by Minimum Wage in Ontario?

Most employees in Ontario fall under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) provisions, which sets minimum wage standards. However, there are some exemptions:

• Federal government employees
• Students in approved work placement programs
• Community participation under the Ontario Works Act
• Police officers
• Inmates and individuals sentenced to community service
• Certain political, judicial, and religious positions

Unless part of these exempt groups, employees in Ontario should be paid at least the minimum wage for their job category based on the ESA regulations. This includes full-time, part-time, casual, salaried, hourly, and commission-based workers.

Read more: Employee Benefits in Canada

General Minimum Wage Requirements in Ontario

The general minimum wage in Ontario applies to most employees and occupational categories. As of October 1st, 2023, this general minimum wage is set at $16.55 per hour. The newly announced increase will rise to $17.20 per hour as of October 1st, 2024.

Some key points regarding Ontario’s general minimum wage:

• Applies to full-time, part-time, and casual employees
• Covers hourly, salary, commission, piece-rate compensation
• Increased from $14.25 in 2020 to $17.20 by 2024
• Historical increases tied to inflation and cost of living

Employers in Ontario must ensure that their employees receive at least the prescribed minimum wage for all hours worked, not including eating periods, breaks, or rest periods. Tips and commissions cannot be counted toward meeting the minimum wage.

Ontario’s general minimum aims to provide a fair wage floor for employees based on rising living costs. Employers must comply with the mandated rate.

Exceptions to the General Minimum Wage in Ontario

While most employees in Ontario are entitled to the current general minimum wage of $16.55 per hour, some occupational exceptions have specialized rates:

Student Minimum Wage

A lower student minimum wage applies to students under 18 who work 28 hours per week or less while attending school.

Currently $15.60 per hour

Increases to $16.20 per hour effective October 1st, 2024

Accounts for approximately 7% of minimum wage earners in Ontario.

This lower rate reflects the balance between education and part-time work for students. When full-time hours are worked during school breaks, the general minimum wage applies.

Hunting, Fishing and Wilderness Guides Minimum Wage

Individuals employed as hunting, fishing, or wilderness guides have a unique pay structure:

Currently, $82.85 for less than five consecutive hours worked per day.

Currently $165.75 for five or more hours in a day (whether consecutive hours or not)

Increases to $86 and $172.05, respectively, on October 1st, 2024

This accounts for approximately 1% of minimum wage earners. The rate takes into account the long, variable, and seasonal nature of their work.

Homeworkers Minimum Wage

The current minimum wage is $18.20 per hour for employees classified as “homeworkers” who work from home for a business.

Rising to $18.90 per hour effective October 1st, 2024

Accounts for a small subset of workers

This higher rate compensates for the use of their own home and resources.

Room and Board Deductions

In certain cases, partial wage deductions are permitted to offset the employer’s provision of room and board. However, deductions cannot bring a worker below the total minimum wage for actual hours worked.

Source: https://achkarlaw.com/what-are-the-rules-regarding-minimum-wage-ontario/

How Minimum Wage is Set in Ontario

Ontario determines the minimum wage annually based on the province’s previous year’s Consumer Price Index. The rate aims to help low-wage workers maintain their purchasing power as the cost of living rises.

Each year, the planned increase to take effect on October 1st is announced by April 1st. For example, the 2024 increase to $17.20 was revealed in late March.

This mechanism allows the minimum wage to keep pace with inflation. As the costs of housing, food, transportation and other necessities increase, a higher minimum wage preserves workers’ ability to afford those goods and services.

Annual increases to the minimum wage are also more predictable for employers when they are tied to CPI. The consistent timing of rate changes by October 1st allows businesses to prepare.

Effects on Employers in Ontario

Employers in Ontario have a legal obligation to pay their employees at least the prescribed minimum wage. With the increase to $17.20 per hour coming on October 1st, 2024, employers should prepare to adjust worker pay accordingly.

Employers must ensure that employees paid by commission’s total earnings meet the minimum wage when factoring in their hours worked. For example, if an employee worked 25 hours a week but only earned $200 in commissions, the employer would need to pay the additional $113.75 ($413.75 owed at minimum wage minus $300 in commissions).

Deductions for room and board can also impact employees’ take-home pay. However, deductions cannot lower the worker’s pay below the minimum wage when accounting for hours worked.

By complying with minimum wage laws, employers in Ontario can avoid potential penalties, legal issues, and reputational damage. It also contributes to a fair and ethical work environment.

Political Perspectives on Minimum Wage in Ontario

Views on the ideal minimum wage differ across Canada’s political spectrum. The New Democratic Party (NDP) has outlined the most aggressive minimum wage plan.

The NDP platform calls for increasing Ontario’s minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2026 through a series of incremental hikes:

• $16 per hour by October 1st, 2022
• $17 per hour by May 1st, 2023
• $18 per hour by May 1st, 2024
• $19 per hour by May 1st, 2025
• $20 per hour by May 1st, 2026

They view this as necessary to provide a living wage in light of rising costs. Other parties have yet to commit to a figure as high as that but support measured increases through inflation indexing. Overall, a minimum wage increase currently garners broad political acceptance.

Compliance and Enforcement in Ontario

Employers in Ontario governed by ESA standards have a legal obligation to pay their employees at least the prescribed minimum wage. Forthcoming changes must be implemented by the effective date.

With the upcoming increase to $17.20 per hour on October 1st, 2024, employers must adjust worker pay accordingly. Compliance involves:

• Paying all covered employees at least the general minimum wage or the specialized rate for their occupation (e.g. student wage)
• Ensuring total compensation for commission workers meets minimum hourly rates
• Only deduct rooms and boards in accordance with ESA regulations.
• Updating payroll systems and pay schedules to reflect new rates

Employees who believe they have not received proper minimum wage pay can file a claim with Ontario’s Ministry of Labour within two years. Investigations will confirm whether violations occurred.

For employers found to be non-compliant, consequences can include orders to pay owed wages plus penalties up to $500,000 for corporations. These measures enforce minimum wage laws.

Key Takeaways on Ontario’s Minimum Wage 2024

• The general minimum wage increases to $17.20/hour, effective October 1st, 2024.
• Most employees are covered under the ESA and entitled to the minimum wage.
• Specialized rates apply to students, guides, and homeworkers.
• Annual increases are tied to inflation and the Consumer Price Index.
• Employers must comply with minimum wage requirements.
• Claims can be filed for unpaid wages within a 2 year window.

Adhering to minimum wage requirements protects workers, contributes to ethical business practices, and promotes fairness in Ontario’s labour market. Both employers and employees should understand the standards and forthcoming changes for 2024.

Ontario’s minimum wage aims to provide fair compensation to employees and preserve purchasing power against inflation. The rate is reviewed annually and will increase to $17.20 per hour on October 1st, 2024. Employers must comply with the updated minimum to avoid penalties.

The minimum wage applies to most workers, except for certain groups like students. Specialized rates exist for unique job categories like homeworkers. By understanding Ontario’s minimum wage framework, companies and workers can ensure standards are followed as the rate rises to $17.20 in 2024.

In Canada, each province and territory has the autonomy to set its own minimum wage rate that applies to provincially-regulated workers. Provincial/territorial minimum wages may be higher or lower than the federal rate based on local economic conditions, business factors, and cost of living. Currently, minimum wage in Canada vary across the different provinces and territories.

• Minimum Wage in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Minimum Wage in New Brunswick
• Minimum Wage in Manitoba
• Minimum Wage in British Columbia
• Minimum Wage in Alberta
• Minimum Wage in Northwest Territories
• Minimum Wage in Nova Scotia

FAQs related to minimum wage in Ontario, Canada

How is minimum wage determined in ontario.

The minimum wage in Ontario is reviewed annually and increased based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. The rate aims to help low-wage workers maintain their purchasing power as the cost of living rises.

What is Ontario's minimum wage in 2024?

As of October 1, 2024, Ontario's general minimum wage will increase to $17.20 per hour, up 3.9% from the current rate of $16.55 per hour. This change was announced by the Ontario government on March 28, 2024.

When will the minimum wage change in Ontario?

Ontario's minimum wage rates are adjusted once a year and take effect October 1st. The 2024 increase to $17.20 per hour will take effect October 1, 2024.

Who does the minimum wage apply to in Ontario?

The minimum wage applies to the majority of employees in Ontario, with exemptions for certain groups like students, hunting/fishing guides, and homeworkers who have specialized rates. Federal government employees are also exempt.

Why are there different minimum wages in Ontario?

Specialized minimum wages exist to account for unique circumstances of some employment categories. For example, students can be paid less to balance school and work, while homeworkers' higher rate accounts for using their own resources.

Do commission workers get minimum wage in Ontario?

Yes, commission workers in Ontario must still earn at least the minimum wage when factoring their commission and hours worked. If commissions alone do not meet the minimum hourly rate, the employer must top-up pay.

Does minimum wage increase if tips are earned in Ontario?

No, earned tips cannot be used to offset the requirement for an employer to pay at least the minimum wage in Ontario. Tips are in addition to, not part of, the minimum hourly pay rate.

Can employers deduct room and board from minimum wage in Ontario?

Room and board deductions are permitted but cannot reduce an employee’s pay below the minimum wage they are entitled to for hours worked. Deduction amounts are limited.

Is there a training wage for youth in Ontario?

No, Ontario does not allow for a special reduced “training wage” for youth or new hires. The student minimum wage applies to workers under 18 according to specific criteria.

How can workers recover unpaid wages in Ontario?

Employees who believe they were not paid the proper minimum wage can file a claim with Ontario’s Ministry of Labour within 2 years to investigate and facilitate repayment of owed wages.

At Ebsource, we adhere to strict editorial principles and only reference credible sources in our content. This allows us to provide trusted insights readers can rely on when making important benefits decisions. For transparency, please find links to the referenced sources below.

• What is the Minimum Wage in Ontario? An Essential Guide – debtreliefcanada.com
• Minimum Wage Ontario: Changes In 2024 – achkarlaw.com
• What is the Ontario minimum wage in 2024? – stlawyers.ca
• 2024 Minimum Wage Increase in Ontario: All You Need to Know – peninsulagrouplimited.com

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Minimum wage

• Minimum Wage Increase in Ontario: Here’s a 15-Year Recap

Kiljon Shukullari , HR Advisory Manager

Jul 5th 2024 (Last updated Jul 19th 2024 )

Jump to section:

How has the Ontario minimum wage progressed over the years?

What happened to the scheduled ontario minimum wage increase to $15 from january 1, 2019, where does this ontario minimum wage increase take us in 2024, ontario minimum wage changes, do you have questions about the recent minimum wage increase.

Effective October 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Ontario will increase to $17.20 per hour from $16.55 per hour. The special minimum wages for homeworkers, students under 18, and hunting, fishing and wilderness guides will also increase.

This 3.9 per cent annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) and will bring Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest in Canada.

Ontario's current minimum wage is $16.55 per hour and has been since the increase on October 1, 2023.

Do you need help navigating minimum wage increase in Ontario?

Our experts are available 24/7 to guide your through the latest minimum wage changes, updates to legislation, correct pay, and more.

If we take a look at the last 15 years, the increase in hourly pay had been a gradual progression till 2017. Below is an outline of the The rate went to $8.75 in 2008, $9.50 in 2009, $10.25 from 2010 to 2013, $11.00 in 2014, $11.25 in 2015, 11.40 in 2016; $11.60 in 2017. It changed to $14.00 in 2018 and was frozen for the next two years. It increased to $14.25 in 2020, $14.35 in 2021, $15 in January 2022, $15.50 in October 2022; $16.55 in October 2023. It will further increase to $17.20 as of October 1, 2024.

The Liberal government’s  Bill 148 was repealed  when the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario came to power in 2018. Through  Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act , the new government reversed some changes the Ontario Liberal Party had made to Ontario’s employment laws.

Bill 47 cancelled the scheduled minimum wage increase.

As of October 1, 2024, the minimum wage rates per hour will be as follows:

General minimum wage:  $17.20 per hour

Student minimum wage:  $16.20 per hour

Homeworkers wage:  $18.90 per hour

Hunting, fishing, & wilderness guides minimum wage:   $6.00 per day (less than five consecutive hours in a day); $172.05 per day (five or more hours in a day, whether or not the hours are consecutive)

The minimum wage rates may increase on October 1 every year. The new rates, applicable from October 1, would be announced on or before April 1 of every year.

In case a change to the minimum wage rate happens halfway through an employee’s pay period, their pay period will be treated as if it were two separate pay periods. The employee will be entitled to at least the minimum wage applicable in each of the periods.

Our experts can help you with any questions related to employee pay or provide any HR, health and safety or employment advice you may need.

As a trusted HR and  health & safety  consulting company, Peninsula serves over 6,500 small businesses across Canada. Peninsula’s clients receive ongoing updates of their  workplace documentation  and policies as legislation changes. They also benefit from 24/7 employer  HR advice  and are supported by legal assistance.

To learn more about how our services can benefit your business, call an expert today at  1 (833) 247-3652

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Ontario to Increase Minimum Wage, Effective October 1, 2023

On October 1, 2023, the general minimum wage in Ontario will be increasing from $15.50 to $16.55 an hour, representing an approximate 6.8% increase.

Other wage increases effective October 1, 2023 include the following:

• Students under the age of 18: increasing from $14.60 to $15.60 an hour
• Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides: is increasing from $77.60 to $82.85 per day when working less than five consecutive hours in a day, and from $155.25 to $165.75 per day when working five or more hours in a day
• Homeworkers: from $17.05 to $18.20 an hour

Ontario’s new minimum wage will be the highest of any province in the country, and may be an indication of upcoming minimum wage increases in other provinces.

This wage increase follows previous announcements regarding the Working for Workers Act, 2023 (see our previous coverage on the proposed legislation by clicking here ).

If you have any questions about this topic, or any questions relating to workplace law generally, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer .

The Firm gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Liam Billings, an Articling Student in the firm’s Toronto office.

Expertise: Employment law

Tags: Minimum wage , Ontario , Working for Workers Act 2023

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Minimum Wage Ontario 2024 – Comprehensive Guide to Minimum Wage in Ontario

Effective October 1, 2024, general minimum wage rates in Ontario have increased from $16.55 to $17.20 per hour.

The increase was in response to the rising costs of living in the province, taking into consideration the CPI (Consumer Price Index) which provides a balanced analysis of the costs of essential goods and services. The CPI rose by 3.9 percent, resulting in an increase in the minimum wage of 65 cents an hour, to $17.20. The increase was initially announced in March 28, 2024, and follows the recent increase on October 1, 2023, that raised the general minimum wage rate to $16.55.

Minimum wage is the lowest wage rate an employer can pay an employee. Most employees are eligible for minimum wage, whether they are full-time, part-time, casual employees, or are paid an hourly rate, commission, piece rate, flat rate or salary. Some employees have jobs that are exempt from the minimum wage provisions of the  Employment Standards Act of Ontario. See Industries and jobs with  Employment Standards Act  exemptions and/or special rules  for information on these job categories.

Who does the Ontario minimum wage rate increase affect and how?

Most employees fall under the general minimum wage category, regardless of the status of the hours of work (i.e. full-time, part-time, casual) or how they are paid (i.e. hourly rate, salary, commission, piece rate, flat rate). However, with the incoming change, the specialized minimum wage rates are expected to increase on October 1, 2024, from their current wage rates:

In or around October 1, 2024, the minimum wage will increase to $16.20 per hour for Ontario students, which is an increase from October 2023 wage rates of $15.60 per hour. This applies to students who are under the age of 18 and work 28 hours or less a week during the school term. This is inclusive of scheduled school breaks and summer holidays.

Liquor Servers

Since the October 2023 change in wage rate for liquor servers, there will not be an increase in this category for the mandated October 1, 2024, increases.

Hunting, Fishing and Wilderness Guides

The hunting, fishing and wilderness guides’ wages will also increase on October 1, 2024, to $86.00 for working less than five consecutive hours in a day, and $172.05 for working five or more hours in a day, regardless of the hours being consecutive or not. These categories of workers are not paid by the hour, rather by blocks of time.

Homeworkers

Homeworkers, who are defined as workers who perform paid work in the premises where they primarily reside in (excluding independent contractors). Some examples of work that falls under the homeworkers category are: online research, preparing food for resale, sewing, telephone soliciting, manufacturing, word processing (see section 1 of Employment Standards Act and the Employment Standards Act Guide overview ). This category of workers minimum wage rates will be at to $18.90 per hour due to the October 1, 2024, increase.

Note: This does not affect the April 1, 2024, Federal minimum wage increase that applies to federally regulated workers (such as such as employees in the telecommunication, banking, shipping, and other federally regulated industries), who received an increase to $17.30 per hour.

Ontario minimum wage rates moving forward

With the increase of minimum wage rates in Ontario, starting October 1, 2024, minimum wage rates will be reviewed for potential annual increases every October and will be published on or before April 1, of every year.

If you’re not being paid minimum wage (and are not on the list exempt from minimum wage provisions of the  Employment Standards Act  of Ontario ) or have unpaid wages (see Employment Standards Self-Service Tool to calculate monetary minimum standards), please contact us for a free 30-minute phone consultation.

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What is the minimum wage when I work?

The minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage your employer can pay you. This affects full-time and part-time workers.

As of October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, the minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55  per hour for most jobs.

Some jobs have a different minimum wage. In Ontario, these are:

• $16.55 per hour - General minimum wage; including liquor servers, bartenders and waiters
• $15.60 per hour - Students (someone who is under 18 and works 28 hours/week or less*)
• $18.20 per hour - Homeworkers (someone who works at home for an employer)
• $82.85 - Hunting and fishing guide (who works less than 5 hours in a row in a day)
• $165.75 - Hunting and fishing guide (who works 5 or more hours in a day)

*It is important to note that the rules about minimum wage are complicated and that the rate depends on the situation.

Read the Minimum Wage Fact Sheet on the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development's website. If you have any questions about the minimum wage, you can call the Ministry of Labour at 1-800-531-5551 .

Related Articles

• What are my rights as a worker in Ontario?
• Your Rights Under the Employment Standards Act
• Information for Employees About Hours of Work and Overtime Pay
• I have a disability. How do I ask for accommodations at work?

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Ontario Minimum Wage: Employee Facts

The general minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55 per hour . The rate increased by 6.8 per cent from $15.50 per hour on October 1, 2023. The rate will increase to $17.20 per hour on October 1, 2024 , as per an announcement by the Ontario government on March 28.

Ontario’s general minimum wage applies to provincially regulated employees working full-time, part-time, or hourly in the province, as well as bartenders and alcohol servers (who earned a separate, lower wage up until Jan. 1, 2022)

There are special minimum wages for jobs like homeworkers , students, and hunting, fishing and wilderness guides.

READ MORE • Are Ontario businesses required to give pay raises? • Statutory holidays in Ontario

What is Minimum Wage?

Minimum wage is the lowest hourly pay rate that an employer can pay an employee in Ontario. The province sets and enforces its minimum wage standards, which aim to provide a wage floor for workers and help ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their labor.

The Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) provides the legal basis for the province’s minimum wage rates. The ESA establishes the general minimum wage, as well as different rates for various categories of workers, such as students, liquor servers, hunting and fishing guides, and homeworkers. These special categories exist because of the perceived differences in the nature of these types of work or the work environment.

Employees eligible for minimum wage include full-time, part-time and casual employees, as well as those earning an hourly rate, commission, piece rate, flat rate or salary.

Do Salaried Employees Get Minimum Wage?

Yes, salaried employees in Ontario must be paid at least minimum wage. Employers must “top up” payment for their salaried workers if their pay dips below the minimum wage.

Special Minimum Wage in Ontario

The specialized minimum wages in Ontario, as of Oct. 1, 2023 through to Sep. 30, 2024, are:

• Student minimum wage: $15.60 per hour (up from $14.60)
• Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides minimum wage: $82.85 (for working less than five consecutive hours in a day) or $165.75 (for working five or more hours in a day, whether or not the hours are consecutive)
• Homeworkers minimum wage:  $18.20 per hour

Changes to Ontario Minimum Wage

The general and special minimum wages in Ontario typically change on Oct. 1 every year . The new rates are usually announced in or around April of each year.

What is the Ontario Minimum Wage in 2024?

The minimum wage in Ontario in 2024 is $16.55 per hour, according to the Government of Ontario. This is a $1.05 increase from 2023. The 2024 minimum wage will increase on Oct. 1, 2024, potentially to $17.40 per hour.

What Will the Ontario Minimum Wage Be In 2025?

The Ontario minimum wage will be $17.20 per hour, up from $16.55 per hour, on October 1, 2024. This change was announced on March 28.

Ontario Minimum Wage Exemptions

Minimum wage does not apply to the following jobs or employment situations in Ontario:

• Federally regulated employees , such as those working for airlines, banks, federal civil service, post offices, radio, broadcasters (radio and TV), fisheries, and inter-provincial transportation. The federal minimum wage applies to employees in these industries.
• Students employed through programs managed by colleges of applied arts and technology or universities, as well as secondary school students participating in school board-approved work experience programs.
• Individuals engaged in community participation work under the Ontario Works Act , 1997.
• Police officers
• Inmates taking part in work or rehabilitation programs
• Young offenders who perform work as part of a sentence or court order
• Individuals in judicial, political, religious, or elected union roles
• Major junior ice hockey players who fulfill specific scholarship criteria

Additional Jobs and Industries

The Government of Ontario has an online guide to help employees and employers understand whether their industry or job is covered by special rules that alter how parts of the ESA apply:

• EMS, healthcare and health professionals (including dentists , firefighters, and paramedics)
• Manufacturing, construction and mining (construction workers)
• Hospitality services and sales
• Transportation
• Agriculture, growing, breeding, keeping and fishing
• Household, landscaping and residential building services
• Government employees and professionals
• Other industries and jobs

Do I Get Severance If I Am Fired From a Minimum Wage Job?

Yes. All non-unionized employees working a minimum wage job in Ontario are entitled to full severance pay when they are fired or let go.  This applies to those working in full or part-time positions.

LEARN MORE •  Severance pay in Ontario •  How wrongful dismissal works in Ontario

How Does the Minimum Wage Stack Up Against a Living Wage?

According to a new report by the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN), workers residing in Toronto would need to earn $22.08 an hour to survive .

A living wage is defined as how much money an individual would need to cost of living in a given area.

These costs include:

• Medical and childcare
• A modest vacation

In the 23 regions listed in the OLWN report, all require a living wage above $16.30 per hour.

Additional Resources

We have additional resources about your employment-related rights in Canada:

• Statutory Holidays: Find out when statutory holidays occur in Ontario , Alberta or B.C.
• Minimum Wage:  We have guides to minimum wage for the federal , Alberta and B.C. jurisdictions.
• CPP: Find out when Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) payments are made .
• Vacation:  Learn about vacation time and vacation pay in Ontario .
• Minimum Legal Working Age:  in Ontario , Alberta and B.C.

Pocket Employment Lawyer

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About the Author

Lior Samfiru

Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and Practice Leader for the firm's Labour & Employment Law Group. His experience in countless successful cases and mediations on behalf of employees and employers, as well as his continued advocacy for the rights of workers, makes him one of the most skilled and sought-after labour and employment lawyers in Canada.

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Domestic workers

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Domestic workers have the same rights under Ontario's Employment Standards Act ( ESA ), whether they work part-time or full-time, and whether they live in or out of their employer's home.

The difference between domestic and home workers

Domestic workers are not the same as homeworkers. They work in a private home directly for the person who owns or rents the home. Not by a business or agency.

They are hired to work in a private home and do things such as, housekeeping, or provide care, supervision or personal assistance to children or people who are elderly, ill or disabled.

For example, a worker who prepares food in a private residence, for the people living there to eat, is a domestic worker.

A person who provides occasional, short-term care, supervision or personal assistance to children is not considered a domestic worker.

Homeworkers

Homeworkers do paid work, from their own homes, for an employer. This could include online research, preparing food for resale, sewing, telephone soliciting, manufacturing, and word processing.

For example, a worker who prepares food at their home, for resale by their employer, is a homeworker.

Rights under the ESA

The Employment Standards Act ( ESA ) contains employment rights on the following, which apply to most employees in Ontario, including domestic workers:

• minimum wage
• regular payment of wages
• hours of work protections (for example, maximum hours of work, daily and weekly/bi-weekly rest periods)
• overtime pay
• vacation with pay
• public holidays
• pregnancy and parental leave
• family responsibility leave
• bereavement leave
• family caregiver leave
• family medical leave
• critical illness leave
• organ donor leave
• reservist leave
• crime-related child disappearance leave
• child death leave
• domestic or sexual violence leave
• termination notice and/or pay in lieu of notice
• severance pay
• equal pay for equal work

Employers are required to provide their employees with a copy of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development's, Employment Standards Poster , within 30 days from the date they were hired.

If an employee requests a copy of the poster in a language other than English and there's a published a version in that language, the employer must provide the translated version, in addition to the English copy.

Learn more about special rules or exemptions for domestic workers .

Domestic workers who are temporary foreign workers

In Ontario, domestic workers who are also foreign nationals, working or looking for work, under the foreign temporary employee program or for immigration purposes have:

• generally the same rights under the Employment Standards Act ( ESA ) as all other Ontario employees
• additional rights under the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, 2009 ( EPFNA )

Learn more about the employment protection for foreign nationals .

Minimum wage rate

The general minimum wage rate , in Ontario, is $16.55 per hour .

The student minimum wage rate, in Ontario, is $15.60 per hour .

Domestic workers (who are not students under the age of 18) must be paid the general minimum wage.

For more information see the chapter on minimum wage .

Room and meals for a domestic worker when calculating minimum wage

An employee's gross pay must add up to at least the minimum wage for all hours worked before any deductions are made for such things as Canada Pension Plan ( CPP ), Employment Insurance ( EI ) and income tax.

However, if the employer provides room and/or board to the domestic worker, they:

• can include the amounts for room only, meals only or room and meals in the calculation of the employee's pay.
• must pay the worker at least the minimum wage .

Amounts if providing room only

• $31.70 per week, for a private room
• $0.00 for a non-private room

In order to be considered wages, the room provided must :

• be reasonably furnished
• be fit for human residence
• be supplied with clean bed linen and towels
• have access to proper toilet and washroom facilities

Amounts if providing meals only

• $2.55 for each meal
• $53.55 per week for all meals

Amounts if providing both room and meals

• $85.25 per week for a private room
• $53.55 per week for a non-private room

Example of how to calculate room and/or board

Diondra works 40 hours per week as a domestic worker and her regular hourly wage is $16.55 per hour, the general minimum wage. Therefore, Diondra is entitled to $662 gross pay per week ($16.55 × 40).

Her employer provides her with a private room and meals and is therefore considered to have paid Diondra $85.25 (weekly maximum allowed for room and board). In this scenario, Diondra's pay calculation for the week would be:

$576.75 (regular wages) + $85.25 (room and board) = $662 (which amounts to $16.55 × 40 hours)