WHAT IS THE MINIMUM WAGE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA IN 2025?

Knowing the minimum wage is of key importance for employees and employers alike. Employees want to know it to determine if a job is worth applying for, if they are being underpaid, and if their employer will have to increase their pay. This is true whether the employee is a student who just started working, an experienced employee with years of service under their belt, or someone approaching retirement.

Employers likewise need to know the minimum wage so that they appropriately compensate all employees for their work and so they do not run afoul of employment standards legislation. Employers also need to know the date that the minimum wage changes, so that they can be ready to increase the pay rate of eligible employees.

What is the minimum wage?

The minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage that an employer can legally pay their employee. Employers are free to pay their employees more, but the law requires that employees cannot be paid less than the minimum. The minimum wage applies whether an employee is part- or full-time, paid an hour rate, commission, incentive, flat rate, or a salary. However, some industries and professions are exempt from the minimum wage provisions. All of these categories are further discussed below.

The minimum wage entitlements and exemptions in British Columbia are set out in the Employment Standards Act, RSBC 1996, c 113 (“ESA”) and its regulations. If your employer refuses to pay you at the minimum wage, you should contact us immediately.

What is the minimum wage in British Columbia in 2025?

General Minimum Wage Rate

On June 1, 2025, the general minimum wage which applies to most employees in British Columbia will increase from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour.

On the same day, the minimum wage will increase for specific categories of employees referred to below entitled to a “special minimum wage rate”.

Liquor Servers

The special rate for liquor servers in British Columbia was eliminated on June 1, 2021. Employees previously falling into this category are subject to the general minimum wage of $17.85 per hour, as set out above.

Live-In Camp Leaders

Employees who are live-in camp leaders are paid a minimum wage per each day or part of a day worked. On June 1, 2025, their daily rate will increase from $138.93 to $142.61 per day.

Live-In Home Support Workers

Employees who are live-in home support workers are paid a minimum wage per each day or part of a day worked. On June 1, 2025, their daily rate will increase from $129.62 to $133.05 per day.

Resident Caretakers

The minimum wage for resident caretakers is a monthly wage based on the number of suites in the building. For buildings with 9 to 60 residential suites, their monthly wage will increase from $1,041.80 per month, plus $41.74 for each suite to $1,069.36 per month plus $42.84 for each suite. For a building with 61 or more residential suites, their monthly wage will increase from $3,548.63 to $3,642.51 per month.

When a resident caretaker works for less than a full month, their wages are pro-rated based on the number of days worked.

How is the minimum wage in British Columbia in 2025 calculated for a class of employees?

Since 2023, the minimum wage in British Columbia has been calculated based on annual inflation. This calculation is set out in s. 16.2 of the ESA.

Is the minimum wage in British Columbia in 2025 still applicable to those who earn commission, a flat rate, or a piece rate salary?

Unless exempt under the ESA, for employees whose pay is based entirely or partly on commission, on a flat rate, or on a piece rate, the employee’s pay must amount to at least the minimum wage for each hour worked.

The minimum wage for farm workers, including those on a piecework basis, increased on December 31, 2024.

For more information on minimum wage or minimum employment standards in British Columbia, please contact our firm.

At Levitt LLP, we specialize in guiding employees through their rights and entitlements under the British Columbia Employment Standards Act. Our experienced team is committed to helping you understand any questions that you may have about employee compensation. Contact us for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and entitlements.

Please note that this article is only to be used as general information and it does not constitute legal advice. We encourage employees and employers to contact Levitt LLP directly to understand provincial employment standards better and seek legal advice to their questions.