Ontario’s minimum wage is getting a meaningful boost. Starting October 1, 2025, the general minimum wage will increase to $17.60 per hour, marking a 2.4% rise.
This annual adjustment, tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), aims to help workers keep pace with inflation. Here’s everything you need to know—explained clearly and organized for easy reading.
Minimum Wage Rates (Oct 1 2025 – Sept 30 2026)
| Worker Category | New Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Minimum Wage | $17.60/hour | Applies to most employees across Ontario |
| Student Minimum Wage (< 18 yrs) | $16.60/hour | For under-18s working ≤28 hrs/week during school periods; over 28 hrs → general rate applies |
| Homeworkers (at-home employees) | $19.35/hour | Applies if you’re classified as an employee (not contractor) |
| Guides (hunting/fishing/wilderness) | $88.05/day (<5 hrs) / $176.15/day (≥5 hrs) | Paid daily instead of hourly |
Why the $23.86/hr Figure Is Misleading
You may have seen headlines citing a $23.86 per hour rate—but this is not the legal minimum wage. That figure likely reflects living wage estimates in high-cost regions, not the enforceable standard.
Ontario’s actual legal minimum remains at $17.60/hour as of October 1, 2025. This distinction is critical for both workers and employers to understand.
Who Qualifies for Which Rate? (Eligibility at a Glance)
- General workers: Get $17.60/hr.
- Students (<18): $16.60/hr, if under 28 hours/week during school; otherwise, $17.60/hr applies.
- Home-based employees (not contractors): $19.35/hr.
- Guides: Paid daily—$88.05 for less than 5 hours, $176.15 for 5 hours or more per day.
- Exemptions: Federal employees, independent contractors, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, architects, and some student work-experience programs fall outside these minimums.
Impact & Implications
For Workers
- The wage hike offers more disposable income to cope with high costs like rent, groceries, and utilities.
- Enhanced pay promotes fairness, lifts morale, and supports economic stability across households.
For Employers
- Employers—especially in retail, hospitality, and services—must update payroll systems by October 1, 2025.
- This could mean higher labor costs, but potentially reduced turnover, improved productivity, and stronger workforce loyalty.
Ontario’s updated minimum wage, effective October 1, 2025, reflects an important step toward protecting worker earnings amid inflation.
While $17.60/hour isn’t a living wage, it offers a legally enforceable baseline that helps maintain purchasing power and fair compensation.
Whether you’re a worker, student, homeworker, or guide—knowing your proper wage category is essential to ensure you’re paid right and fairly.
FAQs
Is the minimum wage really going to be $23.86/hour?
No—$23.86/hr is a living wage estimate, not the legal minimum. Ontario’s official rate from October 1, 2025, is $17.60/hr.
What wage applies if I’m a student under 18 and work part-time?
If you work 28 hours or less per week during school periods, you’ll get $16.60/hr; above that threshold, the $17.60/hr general rate applies.
Do homeworkers have a special rate?
Yes—as long as you’re classified as an employee working from home, you’re eligible for $19.35/hr. Contractors are not covered.