Statutory minimum wage in Nova Scotia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Nova Scotia has a minimum wage of $17.00 per hour from 1 October 2026. The government page mentions no youth rate. Most employees get 1.5 times their regular wage after 48 hours in a week.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | 17.00 CAD per hour [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | The government page mentions no youth or age-based rates. [1] |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Overtime payEmployees | Most employees get 1.5 times their regular wage for each hour worked after 48 hours in a week. Some groups get 1.5 times the minimum wage after 48 hours, construction and property maintenance workers 1.5 times after 110 hours in two weeks, and some are not covered. [2] |
Notes
- Gross hourly rate in Canadian dollars, in effect from 1 October 2026.
- The government page lists no further scheduled change.
Sources
- Government of Nova Scotia: Minimum wage | novascotia.ca (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Government of Nova Scotia: Overtime pay | novascotia.ca (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Nova Scotia 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | Yes | $17.00 per hour | The government page mentions no youth or age-based rates. | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Brunswick | Yes | $15.90 per hour | No age-based rate; special rates for some work | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Nova Scotia
- 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 (no sign) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h (no sign)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a licensed supervisor
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules apply · Minimum age: 14 from 19 Oct 2026
- 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: 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.