As of today, Ontario Minimum Wage is $16.55 per hour. The minimum wage is the lowest price an employer can pay a worker. It applies to most workers, anyhow of their work timetable or how they are paid. Regardless, some employment types are exempt from these rules. For more data on exemptions and particular rules, please see Industries and Jobs with Employment Standards Act exemptions.

Observance with minimum wage necessities is determined on a pay period basis. Use the Employment Standards Self-Service Tool to check adherence with regulations on minimum wage and other work standards entitlements.

Minimum Wage Ontario 2024

NameOntario Minimum Wage
CountryCanada
Federal Minimum Wage16.55 dollars
Effective fromOctober 1, 2023
Federal Minimum Wage set byGovernment of Canada
Minimum Wage Databasehttps://srv116.services.gc.ca/dimt-wid/sm-mw/rpt1.aspx

Minimum Wage Rates

Beginning October 1, 2023, Ontario’s minimum wage rates have risen in sequence with the 2023 Ontario Consumer Price Index.

Check out the image below for details on minimum wage rates, both general and specialized.

Minimum wage rateRates from October 1, 2023 to Sept 30, 2024Rates from October 1, 2022 to Sept 30, 2023Rates from January 1, 2022 to Sept 30, 2022Rates from October 1, 2021 to Dec 31, 2021Rates from October 1, 2020 to Sept 30, 2021
General minimum wage$16.55 per hour$15.50 per hour$15.00 per hour$14.35 per hour$14.25 per hour
Student minimum wage$15.60 per hour$14.60 per hour$14.10 per hour$13.50 per hour$13.40 per hour
Liquor Servers minimum wageSame as general Minimum  wageSame as general minimum wageSame as general minimum wage$12.55 per hour$12.45 per hour
Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides minimum wage$82.85 Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a day
$165.75 Rate for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive
$77.60 Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a day
$155.25 Rate for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive
$75.00 Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a day
$150.05 Rate for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive
$71.75 Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a day
$143.55 Rate for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive
$71.30Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a day
$142.60 Rate for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive
Homeworkers wage$18.20 per hour$17.05 per hour$16.50 per hour$15.80 per hour$15.70 per hour

General minimum wage

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Ontario’s recent minimum wage rate is $16.55 per hour, effective from Oct 1, 2023, to Sep 30, 2024.Formerly, it was:

  • $15.50 (Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023)
  • $15 (Jan 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2022)
  • $14.35 (Oct 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021)

Student minimum wage

Ontario’s existing student minimum price is $15.60 per hour, relevant until September 30, 2024.Formerly, it was:

  • $14.60 (Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023)
  • $14.10 (Jan 1 – Sep 30, 2022)
  • $13.50 (Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2021).

Liquor servers minimum wage

Liquor Servers in Ontario have the identical minimum wage as General Employees up to September 30, 2024.

Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides minimum wage

  • The minimum pay for these employees is about $82.85 (less than 5 hours) and $165.75 (more than 5 hours).
  • Their rates differ from general, liquor servers, and students.
  • A wilderness guide generally does activities such as hiking, survival training, nature viewing, dog sledding, back-country skiing and snowshoeing, rock climbing, etc.

Homeworkers minimum wage

  • The existing minimum wage for homeworkers is about $18.20 per hour, relevant until September 30, 2024.
  • The Ontario Government delivers data about wages on its official website.

For employees earning commission, there are extra laws regarding room and board and a three-hour law. These laws apply to various situations and classifications of employees.

Employers can provide room and board to ensure employees obtain the accurate minimum wage. This is part of their earnings only if they use the provided accommodations and meals.

The employer should pay the following amounts:

  • – Room: $31.70 (private) | $15.85 (non-private)
  • – Meals: $2.55 for each meal | Weekly maximum of $53.55
  • – Rooms and Meals (Weekly): $85.25 with private room | $69.40 with non-private room | Non-private for domestic workers is $53.55
  • – Harvest workers weekly housing: Service housing is $99.35 | Unserviced housing is $73.30

2024 Minimum Wage Increase: When?

The minimum wage in Ontario is revised yearly based on the inflation rate. Any modifications to the lowest wage are reported by April 1 and take effect on October 1.

If the government raises the minimum pay in 2024, it will possibly take effect on October 1st. If the minimum wage differs during a worker’s pay time, they will be paid according to each applicable rate.

Ontario’s current expansion in minimum wage to $16.55 per hour has resulted in increased wages for many employees, making it one of the provinces with the highest minimum wage rates in Canada.

Minimum Wage Next Year (2025)

The Ontario minimum wage is modified yearly in October based on increases in the Consumer Price Index. It is hoped to rise again in 2025 due to inflation trends.

Brief Facts:

  • About 40% of employees making $15.50 per hour or less are in retail, while almost 25% are employed in accommodation and meal services.
  • Ontario has the most elevated minimum pay in Canada, exceeding Quebec ($14.25/hr), British Columbia ($15.65/hr), and Alberta ($15.00/hr).
  • The special minimum wage rates will also rise for:

Students under 18 who work part-time during the school year or vacations will gain $15.60 for each hour, an expansion from $14.60.

Increase in hourly pay for homeworkers from $17.05 to $18.20.

Conclusion

The 2024 minimum wage expansion in Ontario has had favorable effects on low-income people, families, and the economy. It increases worker confidence and productivity but may pose challenges for small industries. Must Check How Can I Open a Demat Account.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the minimum wage expansion in Ontario?

The minimum wage in Ontario rose to $16.55 for each hour on October 1, 2023.

What is the minimum wage for employees in Ontario?

The minimum wage for employees in Ontario will be $16.55 per hour.

What is the student minimum wage in Ontario?

The minimum wage for Ontario students is about $15.60/hr beginning October 1, 2023

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