Statutory minimum wage in British Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: British Columbia has a general minimum wage of $18.25 per hour from 1 June 2026, adjusted each 1 June by the provincial consumer price index. Liquor servers get the general rate. Overtime is 1.5 times after 8 hours a day or 40 a week, and double after 12 hours a day.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | 18.25 CAD per hour [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | The general minimum wage applies to most employees and no age-based or student rate is listed. Separate rates apply to some groups, including online platform workers ($21.89 per hour of engaged time, plus a distance allowance), live-in camp leaders, live-in home support workers and resident caretakers. [1] |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | 1 June 2027 [1] |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | Liquor servers must be paid the regular minimum wage ($18.25 per hour from 1 June 2026) in addition to any tips; the separate liquor server rate ended on 1 June 2021. [1] |
| Overtime payEmployees | 1.5 times the regular wage for time over 8 hours a day and double for time over 12 hours a day; 1.5 times for time over 40 hours a week (only the first 8 hours of each day count towards the 40). Different rules apply under an averaging agreement. [2] |
Notes
- Gross hourly rate in Canadian dollars, in effect from 1 June 2026.
- The government page says the rate rises each 1 June by the BC consumer price index change but gives no future amount.
Sources
- Province of British Columbia: Minimum wage - Province of British Columbia (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- King's Printer, British Columbia: Employment Standards Act [RSBC 1996] c. 113 (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
British Columbia 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Yes | $18.25 per hour | No age rate; special rates for platform workers etc. | 1 June 2027 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Alberta | Yes | $15.00 per hour | Under-18 students: $13 (up to 28 h/week in term) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Yukon | Yes | $18.51 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ 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 British Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor aged 22+ (from 19 Oct 2026)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Cycle (motor assisted cycle) · Minimum age: 14 (light) or 16 (standard)
- Fireworks
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, conditions apply
- 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: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 19 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.