Statutory minimum wage in Northwest Territories (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The Northwest Territories has a minimum wage of $17.20 per hour. It is adjusted each 1 September. Overtime is at least 1.5 times the regular pay rate after 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | 17.20 CAD per hour [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | The Employment Standards Regulations prescribe a single minimum wage of $17.20 per hour (s. 5). No separate rate for young workers or students is prescribed. [2] |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | 1 September 2027 [1] |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Overtime payEmployees | Standard hours are 8 a day and 40 a week; overtime is at least 1.5 times the regular pay rate. In a week with a statutory holiday, overtime is payable after 32 hours. The rules may not apply to managers. [3] |
Notes
- Gross hourly rate in Canadian dollars. The Minimum Wage Database lists the rate as effective 1 September 2026.
- The rate is adjusted each 1 September by a formula using the Yellowknife consumer price index and the NWT average hourly wage; it stays the same if the formula gives a decrease. No future amount was given.
Sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories: Minimum Wage | Education, Culture and Employment (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Justice: Employment Standards Regulations, R-020-2008, section 5 (office consolidation amended to R-092-2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Education, Culture and Employment: Employment Standards Fact Sheet: Know your rights and responsibilities (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Northwest Territories 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Territories | Yes | $17.20 per hour | One rate for all; no age-based rate | 1 September 2027 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Yukon | Yes | $18.51 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ 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 |
| Alberta | Yes | $15.00 per hour | Under-18 students: $13 (up to 28 h/week in term) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | $15.70 per hour | No age-based rate | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nunavut | Yes | ⚠ Not yet verified | No age restriction | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Northwest Territories
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 90 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5P, after a year as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15, with a supervisor (24 months' experience)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: No minimum (12 advised)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No, unless the Fire Marshal authorises
- 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: 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
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (24-hour suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (novice, under 22)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.