Quick answer: Ontario’s general minimum wage is $17.60 per hour until September 30, 2026. It increases to $17.95 per hour on October 1, 2026. The new provincial rate applies across Ontario, including Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Ottawa, Hamilton and London.
The increase is 35 cents per hour. According to the Ontario government, more than 700,000 workers are expected to benefit. This guide explains the current and upcoming rates, student and homeworker wages, weekly and annual pay estimates, overtime basics and what to do if an employer pays less than the legal minimum.
Ontario Minimum Wage Rates for 2026
| Worker category | Until September 30, 2026 | Starting October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General minimum wage | $17.60 per hour | $17.95 per hour |
| Eligible students under 18 | $16.60 per hour | $16.90 per hour |
| Homeworkers | $19.35 per hour | $19.70 per hour |
| Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides—less than 5 consecutive hours | $88.05 per day | $89.75 per day |
| Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides—5 hours or more | $176.15 per day | $179.50 per day |
These figures come from Ontario’s official minimum wage guide. Rates can change, so workers and employers should confirm the latest information on Ontario.ca.
When Does Ontario’s Minimum Wage Increase?
The general rate changes at the beginning of October 1, 2026. Hours worked before that date are paid using the rate that applied when the work was performed. Hours worked on or after October 1 must use the new rate, even if one pay period covers dates on both sides of the increase.
The new rate represents a 35-cent hourly increase. For someone working 40 hours every week, that is approximately:
- $14 more in gross pay per week
- $28 more over an 80-hour biweekly pay period
- $728 more in gross pay over 52 weeks
These are gross figures before income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance premiums and any other lawful deductions.
Ontario Minimum Wage Pay Calculator
Use this simple formula:
Hourly rate × hours worked = gross pay before deductions
| Work period | At $17.60 per hour | At $17.95 per hour |
|---|---|---|
| 8-hour day | $140.80 | $143.60 |
| 37.5-hour week | $660.00 | $673.13 |
| 40-hour week | $704.00 | $718.00 |
| 80-hour biweekly period | $1,408.00 | $1,436.00 |
| 40 hours weekly for 52 weeks | $36,608.00 | $37,336.00 |
Example: If you work 32 hours after October 1, multiply $17.95 by 32. Your estimated gross pay is $574.40 before deductions.
Monthly pay is not always identical because months contain different numbers of workdays. For annual planning, multiply your hourly rate by your average weekly hours and then by 52.
Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay in Ontario
For many Ontario employees, overtime generally begins after 44 hours in one workweek and is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate. However, exemptions and special rules apply to some jobs and industries.
If the employee’s regular rate equals the general minimum wage, the approximate overtime rates are:
- $26.40 per hour when the minimum wage is $17.60
- $26.93 per hour when the minimum wage is $17.95
An employee and employer may sometimes agree in writing to take paid time off instead of overtime pay. Ontario’s official overtime guide explains the general rules and exceptions. See our Ontario overtime pay guide for eligibility rules and calculation examples.
Who Is Entitled to Ontario Minimum Wage?
Most employees covered by Ontario’s Employment Standards Act are entitled to at least the applicable minimum wage. This commonly includes full-time, part-time, casual and temporary employees.
Being on probation or completing employer-required training does not automatically allow an employer to pay less than minimum wage. Salaried and commission-based employees may also be protected; their pay must generally work out to at least the applicable minimum wage for covered hours.
Some occupations and arrangements have special rules or exemptions. Independent contractors are not automatically employees, but calling someone an independent contractor does not decide their legal status by itself.
Student Minimum Wage in Ontario
The student rate is not for every college or university student. It generally applies to a student who is:
- under 18 years old, and
- working 28 hours per week or less while school is in session, or working during a school holiday.
The student rate is $16.60 per hour until September 30, 2026 and $16.90 starting October 1. Students aged 18 or older are generally entitled to the general rate rather than the lower student rate. Read our Ontario student minimum wage guide for the age, hour and school-break rules.
Minimum Wage for Servers and Tipped Employees
Ontario no longer has a separate lower minimum wage for liquor servers. Servers and bartenders generally receive the full general minimum wage, and tips are separate from wages. An employer cannot use a worker’s tips to replace the employer’s obligation to pay the applicable minimum wage.
Homeworker Minimum Wage
A homeworker is an employee who performs paid work from their own home for an employer. This is different from an independent contractor who runs their own business.
Ontario’s homeworker rate is higher than the general rate: $19.35 per hour until September 30, 2026, increasing to $19.70 on October 1.
Is the Minimum Wage Different in Toronto or Brampton?
No. Ontario municipalities do not set separate general minimum wage rates. The provincial rate applies in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener, Waterloo and other Ontario communities.
If you are looking for employment, use our guides to the best job websites in Canada, Job Bank Canada and the Canadian resume format.
Can an Employer Deduct Uniform or Training Costs?
Deductions from wages are controlled by employment standards rules. An employer generally cannot make an unauthorized deduction simply because equipment was damaged, money was lost or a customer left without paying. Different rules may apply when a deduction is required by law, ordered by a court or authorized in writing for a specific amount or purpose.
Required training that is considered work must generally be paid. If deductions bring your effective pay below minimum wage, review the rules carefully or contact Ontario’s employment standards information service.
What to Do If You Are Paid Less Than Minimum Wage
- Check the correct rate and date. Use the rate that applied when you performed the work.
- Review your pay stub. Compare paid hours, hourly rate, overtime and deductions.
- Keep evidence. Save schedules, time records, employment agreements, messages and pay statements.
- Ask the employer in writing. A payroll mistake may be corrected quickly when the details are documented.
- Contact Ontario for guidance. Review the official Employment Standards Act guide or contact the Employment Standards Information Centre.
- Consider filing a claim. Ontario provides an employment standards claim process when wages remain unpaid.
Do not provide private documents or personal identification to unofficial websites. Start with Ontario’s official employment standards guide.
Ontario Minimum Wage 2026 FAQs
What is Ontario’s minimum wage right now?
It is $17.60 per hour through September 30, 2026 for workers covered by the general rate.
What will Ontario’s minimum wage be on October 1, 2026?
The general rate will be $17.95 per hour.
How much is minimum wage for a 40-hour week?
Gross weekly pay is $704 at $17.60 per hour and $718 at $17.95 per hour, before deductions and without overtime.
Do part-time employees receive minimum wage?
Most covered part-time employees are entitled to the same applicable minimum wage as full-time employees.
Can an employer pay less during probation?
Ontario does not have a general lower probationary wage. Most covered employees must receive at least the applicable minimum wage.
Do tips count toward minimum wage?
No. Tips do not replace the employer’s obligation to pay the applicable wage.
Is minimum wage calculated before or after tax?
The minimum wage is a gross hourly rate before tax and other lawful deductions.
Final Takeaway
Ontario’s general minimum wage remains $17.60 per hour until September 30, 2026 and becomes $17.95 on October 1. Check your hours and pay statement carefully, use the correct rate for the date worked, and rely on official Ontario sources when rules or circumstances are unclear.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Employment rules include exceptions, and individual circumstances can change the result. Last reviewed September 8, 2026.
Leave a Reply