As of June 1, 2025, British Columbia’s general minimum wage will increase from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour, reflecting a 2.6% adjustment. This increase is tied to the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for B.C. as outlined in the B.C. Employment Standards Act.
Introduced in 2024, the CPI-based indexing system ensures that minimum wage automatically increases each year to reflect inflation, providing greater stability and predictability for both workers and employers.
Who Is Affected?
Minimum wage applies to most employees in B.C., regardless of how they are paid (hourly, salary, commission, or otherwise). Employers should update their payroll systems to reflect the new rate and prepare for automatic annual increases moving forward.
Employees in the following categories will also see an increase on June 1:
- Live-in home-support workers
- App-based ride-hailing and delivery service workers
Exemptions from Minimum Wage
Not all workers in B.C. are covered by the provincial minimum wage – federally regulated employees, such as those in the airline, banking, interprovincial trucking and broadcasting sectors, are exempt and instead follow the federal minimum wage.
Looking Ahead
With CPI-based indexing now in place, minimum wage adjustments in B.C. will occur annually on June 1. This system helps wages keep pace with the cost of living, while giving businesses a predictable timeline to plan compensation adjustments.
If you have questions about how this may affect your workplace, or if you’re unsure whether your current pay structure is compliant, please contact our team – we’re here to help!
