On June 1, 2025, British Columbia's general minimum wage rose from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour, marking a 2.6% increase. This adjustment is based on the Province's Consumer Price Index (CPI), in accordance with recent amendments to the B.C. Employment Standards Regulation.
What's changed?
The annual CPI-based wage adjustment mechanism was introduced to ensure that the minimum wage keeps pace with the cost of living. Under this system, wage increases were scheduled automatically each year on June 1, offering more stability and predictability for both employers and employees.
To help employers stay compliant and informed, we've compiled a table summarizing the changes to the minimum wage over the past five years.
| DATE | MINIMUM WAGE |
| Jun. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 | $17.85 / hour |
| Jun. 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025 | $17.40 / hour |
| Jun. 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024 | $16.75 / hour |
| Jun. 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023 | $15.65 / hour |
| Jun. 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022 | $15.20 / hour |
| Jun. 1, 2020 – May 31, 2021 | $14.60 / hour |
Who is affected?
The new rate of $17.85/hour applies to most employees in B.C., regardless of whether they are paid hourly, by salary, commission, or another method. Alongside the general wage increase, minimum pay for workers in the following industries is also subject to CPI-based wage adjustment:
- App-based ride-hailing and delivery workers
- Live-in home-support workers
- Residential caretakers
Who is unaffected?
It's important to note that federally regulated workers — including those in banking, air transportation, interprovincial trucking, and broadcasting, as well as certain employees working for First Nations based in B.C. — are not subject to B.C.'s minimum wage laws. These employees are governed by the Canada Labour Code, which sets its own federal minimum wage.
What should employers do?
Employers should:
- Update payroll systems to reflect the new minimum wage
- Review current pay structures to ensure ongoing compliance with the B.C. Employment Standards Act
- Review and update their employment agreements
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
