Minimum Wage

The minimum wage is the lowest rate of pay that an employer can provide to an employee. This is a basic employment law that is specific to the province or territory in which your business operates.

On October 1, 2022, the general minimum wage in Ontario increased to $15.50 per hour from $15 per hour.

In addition to the general minimum wage, there is a different minimum wage for students under 18, hunting and fishing guides, homeworkers, and wilderness guides.

The student minimum wage rate applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session or work during a school break or summer holidays. Students who work more than 28 hours a week when school is in session receive the general minimum wage.

These specialized minimum wage rates also changed on October 1, 2022. The new rates are:

  • Student minimum wage: $14.60 per hour
  • Minimum wage for hunting and fishing and wilderness guides: $77.60 (for working less than five consecutive hours in a day) and $155.25 (for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive)
  • Minimum wage for homeworkers: $17.05 per hour

Which employees must receive minimum wage?

For the most part, almost all employers and employees in Ontario are covered under the ESA’s minimum wage requirements. The lowest rate of pay applies equally to all employees regardless of working hours. This includes employees who are:

  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Casual
  • Paid hourly
  • Paid commission, piece rate, flat rate
  • Paid salary

If you need any help or have a question regarding minimum wage, get in touch with our experts today.

Questions about paying wages? Ask an HR expert today.

Employer Line can help ensure that your employees are compensated according to Ontario’s regulations. Call our HR and employment standards helpline to speak with one of our HR experts: 1-833-247-3650.