Ontario’s general minimum wage will increase from $17.60 to $17.95 per hour on October 1, 2026. This page reflects the most recent minimum wage changes in Ontario, including the increase effective October 1, 2026.
This annual increase is tied to inflation and is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), as required under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
According to the Ontario government, the increase will benefit more than 700,000 workers across the province. A worker earning general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will earn about $728 more per year once the new rate takes effect.
Ontario Minimum Wage Rates by Job Type
The following minimum wage rates apply in Ontario:
| Job Category | October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 | October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 | Effective October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Minimum Wage | $17.20 per hour | $17.60 per hour | $17.95 per hour |
| Student Minimum Wage | $16.20 per hour | $16.60 per hour | $16.90 per hour |
| Homeworkers Wage | $18.90 per hour | $19.35 per hour | $19.70 per hour |
| Hunting, Fishing and Wilderness Guides (less than 5 consecutive hours in a day) | $86.00 per day | $88.05 per day | $89.75 per day |
| Hunting, Fishing and Wilderness Guides (5 or more hours in a day) | $172.05 per day | $176.15 per day | $179.50 per day |
How Minimum Wage Is Set in Ontario
Ontario adjusts minimum wage each year based on inflation using the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), as required under the Employment Standards Act. New rates are typically announced in the spring and take effect on October 1 each year. This annual adjustment is intended to help minimum wage keep pace with changes in the cost of living.
Minimum Wage Still Applies to Commission and Salary Employees
Minimum wage rules do not apply only to hourly employees. If an employee is paid entirely or partly by commission, their pay must still equal at least the applicable minimum wage for every hour worked.
The same issue can arise for employees paid by salary, piece rate, or another compensation structure. If your total earnings fall below minimum wage when divided by the hours you worked, your employer may be violating Ontario employment standards law.
General Minimum Wage
The general minimum wage in Ontario increased to $17.60 per hour on October 1, 2025. It is $17.20 per hour until September 30, 2025 (Government of Ontario, March 28, 2024; April 1, 2025).
Student Minimum Wage
Applies to employees under 18 who work 28 hours/week or less during the school year or during a school holiday. The student minimum wage increased to $16.60 per hour on October 1, 2025, up from $16.20 (Ontario.ca – Minimum Wage Guide).
Homeworkers Minimum Wage
Homeworkers are employees who do paid work out of their own homes (not independent contractors). Their minimum wage increased to $19.35 per hour on October 1, 2025, up from $18.90 (Ontario.ca – ESA Homeworkers).
Hunting, Fishing and Wilderness Guides
- $88.05/day for working fewer than 5 consecutive hours
- $176.15/day for working 5 or more hours in a day
(Ontario.ca – Minimum Wage Rules)
Liquor Servers
The liquor server minimum wage was eliminated in 2022. Liquor servers now receive the general minimum wage (currently $17.60/hour, rising to $17.95/hour on October 1, 2026) (Ontario.ca – ESA Policy Manual).
Who Is Covered by Minimum Wage in Ontario?
Most provincially regulated employees are entitled to at least the applicable minimum wage, including full-time, part-time, and casual workers paid hourly, by salary, commission, or piece rate (Ontario.ca – Who Minimum Wage Applies To).
Some categories are exempt or have special rules under the ESA (e.g., certain students in work experience programs, interns, and specific industries). See: Industries and jobs with special rules or exemptions – Ontario.ca.
What About Federal Minimum Wage?
The Ontario minimum wage does not apply to employees in federally regulated industries such as banking, telecommunications, postal services, and interprovincial transportation. The federal minimum wage increased to $18.15 per hour on April 1, 2026. Employers must pay the higher of the applicable federal or provincial rate (Government of Canada – Federal Minimum Wage 2026).
What To Do If You’re Not Being Paid Minimum Wage
If you’re earning less than the applicable minimum wage — and you’re not exempt under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act — you may be entitled to back pay, compensation, and other remedies.
Ontario adjusts minimum wage annually based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI). New rates are typically announced by April 1 and take effect October 1 (Ontario Government – Minimum Wage Rules).
If your employer has failed to pay you the minimum wage — or owes you unpaid wages — you can:
- Use the Ontario Employment Standards Self-Service Tool to estimate what you’re owed
- File a claim with the Ministry of Labour within two years
- Or contact an employment lawyer in Ontario to understand your full legal options
When a Minimum Wage Issue Becomes a Legal Issue
Not every minimum wage issue requires an employment lawyer. However, legal advice may be helpful if your situation goes beyond a simple pay error.
You may want to speak with an employment lawyer if:
- Your employer reduced your pay or hours after you asked about minimum wage
- You were disciplined, written up, or placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP) after raising a wage concern
- You were terminated shortly after asking about minimum wage, unpaid wages, or your legal rights
- Your employer claims your role is exempt, but your actual duties do not match the exemption
- You are being paid a salary or commission, and your effective hourly rate falls below minimum wage
In these situations, the issue may involve more than minimum wage compliance, including reprisal, constructive dismissal, or termination without cause.
Related Resources
At Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of employees recover what they’re owed. If you believe you’re not being paid the minimum wage or have unpaid wages, contact us today for a free 30 minute phone consultation.