Statutory minimum wage in Alberta (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Alberta sets a general minimum wage of $15 per hour. Students under 18 may be paid $13 per hour within set limits; there is no separate rate for tipped workers. Overtime is due after 8 hours a day or 44 hours a week, at 1.5 times the regular wage.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | 15.00 CAD per hour [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | Students under 18 may be paid $13 per hour for up to 28 hours a week while school is in session, and for all regular hours when school is not in session. Hours beyond 28 in a school week must be paid at least $15 per hour. Only students enrolled in school qualify. [1] |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | The general minimum wage ($15 per hour) applies to all employees except students under 18; there is no separate rate for tipped workers. Tips do not count as wages. [1] |
| Overtime payEmployees | Hours over 8 a day or over 44 a week, whichever is greater, are overtime and must be paid at least 1.5 times the regular wage, unless a written overtime agreement provides for banked time off. Exemptions apply (e.g. managers, some professionals and salespersons). [2] |
Notes
- Gross hourly rate in Canadian dollars. The government page gives no effective date for the general rate.
- The government page lists no scheduled change to the minimum wage.
Sources
- Government of Alberta: Employment standards rules – Minimum wage | Alberta.ca (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Alberta: Employment standards rules – Overtime hours and overtime pay | Alberta.ca (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Alberta and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Yes | $15.00 per hour | Under-18 students: $13 (up to 28 h/week in term) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| British Columbia | Yes | $18.25 per hour | No age rate; special rates for platform workers etc. | 1 June 2027 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | $15.70 per hour | No age-based rate | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | $17.20 per hour | One rate for all; no age-based rate | 1 September 2027 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Alberta
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (18+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (standard)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5-GDL, after 12 months as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14, with a supervisor aged over 18
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Power bicycle: a cycle, not a motor vehicle · Minimum age: 12 (consent if under 18)
- Fireworks
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (3-day suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero; 30-day suspension
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.