BC Minimum Wage: What Employers Should Know

The minimum wage in British Columbia increased to $16.75 an hour from $15.65 on June 1, 2023.

The increase applied to all minimum wage workers in BC regardless of whether they are paid hourly, a salary, a commission or on an incentive basis.

Starting June 1, 2024, the minimum wage in BC will increase to $17.40 per hour from the current $16.75.

What is minimum wage?

Minimum wage is the lowest wage an employer can pay their employee. The law requires employers to pay workers the minimum wage at the very least. However, employers can choose to pay their workers more.

The minimum wage may vary according to job type and is determined by provincial legislation. In British Columbia, the legislation governing the minimum wage is the Employment Standards Act.

Background on British Columbia’s Minimum Wage Increases

Previously, BC’s minimum wage went up to $15.65 from $15.20 on June 1, 2022. The increases from 2018 to 2021 were recommended by BC’s Fair Wages Commission, to decrease the discrepancy between the minimum wage and the living wage in the province.

In 2023, BC increased the minimum wage by 6.9%, which was the increase in the cost of living in the province in 2022. This approach is aligned with the stance taken in other jurisdictions where minimum-wage increases are based on annual changes to the rate of inflation determined by the Consumer Price Index.

Does the $16.75 minimum wage apply to all jobs?

No. In British Columbia, some workers are paid a different minimum wage based on their job type. Jobs such as live-in camp leaders, live-in home support workers and resident caretakers have different pay requirements. Although the minimum wage for these workers is different, it also increased from June 1, 2023.

Live-in home support workers are paid a daily rate, which is $124.73 per day or part day worked.

The minimum wage for live-in camp leaders increased to $133.69 per day.

Effective June 1, 2023, the minimum wage for resident caretakers went up to $1,002.53 per month plus $40.17 for each suite for those looking after nine to 60 residential suites, and $3,414.85 per month for 61 or more suites.

What are employers expected to do?

Employers in British Columbia should pay their minimum wage workers $16.75 from June 1, 2023. If a worker has not been receiving the correct wage, they will be owed the difference going back to June 1.

Do you have questions about paying minimum wage?

To get answers on the minimum wage increase and other aspects of employee pay, such as overtime and vacation pay, speak to an expert today: 1 (833) 247-3652.

Our experts can help you develop company policies as well as with any other HR, health and safety, or employment advice you need. See how we have helped other small and medium businesses get their business compliant with provincial legislation.