As of Monday, June 1, 2026, British Columbia’s general minimum wage will increase from $17.85 to $18.25 per hour.
Employers must ensure their payroll practices are compliant and that any affected employees receive the new minimum wage rate beginning June 1.
What is changing?
The following minimum wage rates will increase effective June 1, 2026:
- General minimum wage: increasing from $17.85 to $18.25 per hour.
- App-based ride-hailing and delivery workers’ wage: increasing from $20.88 to $21.89 per hour of engaged time.
In addition, several specialized minimum wage categories will also increase, including rates applicable to:
- Residential caretakers
- Live-in home-support workers
- Live-in camp leaders
Who does the minimum wage apply to?
British Columbia’s minimum wage requirements apply to most employees in the province, regardless of whether they are paid hourly, by salary, commission, or another compensation structure.
Employers cannot avoid minimum wage obligations simply because an employee is paid under a different compensation model. In most cases, the employee’s earnings must still meet or exceed the applicable minimum wage requirements under the Employment Standards Act.
Are there any exceptions?
There are limited exceptions and specialized rules for certain occupations.
Some categories of workers that may be excluded or subject to different wage rules include:
- Licensed professionals
- Individuals participating in certain work-study or training programs
- Workers covered by specific regulatory exceptions
Key takeaways for employers
With the increase taking effect on June 1, now is a good time for employers to confirm that payroll practices are up to date and compliant with British Columbia’s employment standards requirements.
If you have questions about how the new minimum wage may affect your workplace, or if you’re unsure whether your current pay structure is compliant, contact Rose Gentry or any of the lawyers at Ascent Employment Law – we’re here to help!
