Ontario Minimum Wage Increase 2026: What Employers Need to Know
As your HR partner, it’s our job to keep you ahead of regulatory changes before they affect your bottom line. Ontario’s minimum wage rates are set to increase on October 1, 2026, and now is the right time to review your payroll and budget accordingly.
Below is a summary of both the current rates, in effect until September 30, 2026, and the upcoming rates effective October 1, 2026:
| Wage Category | Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026 | Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| General minimum wage | $17.60 / hr | $17.95 / hr |
| Student minimum wage* | $16.60 / hr | $16.90 / hr |
| Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides Less than 5 consecutive hours/day |
$88.05 / day | $89.75 / day |
| Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides 5 or more hours in a day |
$176.15 / day | $179.50 / day |
| Homeworkers wage | $19.35 / hr | $19.70 / hr |
* Student rate applies to employees under age 18 working 28 hours or less per week during school, or during school breaks and summer holidays.
We recommend reviewing your compensation structure now, particularly for part-time, seasonal, and student workers, so there are no last-minute surprises when the new rates take effect.
For the full details directly from the Ontario government, visit Ontario.ca/minimumwage.
As always, the Norbram team is here to help you navigate payroll, benefits, and HR-related questions that come with these changes.
Warm regards,
The Norbram Team
