As of October 1 2023, the general minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55 per hour.
Different Minimum Wage Rates in Ontario
In Ontario, the minimum wage rates will vary based on the industry you are working in, which is something to consider if you’re on the hunt for a new job.
If you’d like to see the different minimum wage rates in Ontario, check out the table below:
| October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024 | |
|---|---|
| General | $16.55 per hour |
| Student | $15.60 per hour |
| Liquor Services | Same as minimum wage |
| Hunting, Wilderness & Fishing Guides | $82.85 Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a day $165.75 |
| Homeworkers | $18.20 per hour |
Source: Ontario.ca
Minimum Wage History in Ontario
Over the last 10 years, the minimum wage has been increasing.
The following table shows the 10 most recent changes to the general minimum wage in Ontario:
| Date | Hourly Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2023 | $16.55 |
| October 1, 2022 | $15.50 |
| October 1, 2021 | $14.35 |
| October 1, 2020 | $14.25 |
| January 1, 2018 | $14.00 |
| October 1, 2017 | $11.60 |
| October 1, 2016 | $11.40 |
| October 1, 2015 | $11.25 |
| June 1, 2014 | $11.00 |
| March 31, 2010 | $10.25 |
| March 31, 2009 | $9.50 |
| March 31, 2008 | $8.75 |
Commission Based Employees
For employees that earn commission, they should still be earning at a minimum the amount of the minimum hourly rate when averaged over their hours worked.
For example, if Jeremy has a weekly pay period and works on a commission basis, and he received $200 for working 30 hours this week, we need to do a quick calculation to ensure he got paid above minimum wage.
So, we multiply 30 hours by the general minimum wage rate of $16.55, which gives us $496.50.
Since Jeremy only received $200 for his work, his employer needs to pay the difference between his commission pay of $296.50 and the $465 he is owed based on minimum wage laws.
That said, there are some industries and jobs that are not covered by this provision.
To see if it applies to you, you can read more about it here.
The Three-Hour Rule
Not many people know about the three-hour rule, but it’s an important law to be aware of if you want to be fully informed of your labor rights.
Employees that regularly work over three hours a day and report to work but then end up working less than 3 hours that day must be paid at least three hours of their regular pay rate.
For example, let’s say a liquor server is usually paid the exact minimum wage rate of $16.55 per hour.
They get to work, work an hour, and then get sent home, they must get paid for that hour, plus another 2 hours.
So, they are entitled to $16.55 x 3 hours = $49.65.
That’s the three-hour rule.
Keep in mind that the three-hour rule doesn’t apply to:
- Employees that usually work shifts of less than 3 hours
- In some cases, if the employee’s inability to work at least 3 hours was out of the employer’s control
The three-hour rule does apply to students of all ages, except if the student:
- Works at a kid’s camp, unless the student doubles as a wilderness guide
- Instructs or supervises children, unless the student doubles a wilderness guide
- Is participating in a recreational program run by a charity, unless the student doubles as a wilderness guide
How Often Does the Minimum Wage Increase in Ontario?
The minimum wage rate increases in Ontario are linked with inflation, using a formula tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index.
This will be assessed on an ongoing basis and increases will be made annually in October if applicable. If we look at past data and patterns, the Ontario minimum wage has been steadily increasing (the only exception being the bigger spike from 2017 to 2018).
