Minimum Wage in British Columbia: Key Rules & 2025 Update
Effective June 1, 2025, BC’s general minimum wage increased to $17.85/hour, reflecting a 2.6 % rise from the previous rate of $17.40/hour. Under BC’s Employment Standards Act, all employees, whether paid hourly, by salary, commissioned, or by incentive, must be guaranteed at least this amount per hour worked.
Who Does the Labour Standards Act Cover (and Who Is Exempt)?
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) applies province-wide to most jobs in BC, encompassing full-time, part-time, casual, commission-based, and piece-rate workers, including those paid by salary. Exemptions include:
Federally regulated employees, such as bank, airline, broadcasting, railway, or postal workers (who follow federal legislation instead), Professionals, and certain program-related participants under the ESA.
As Christopher Achkar, employment lawyer and founder of Achkar Law, explains:
“Minimum wage changes can significantly impact both employees’ livelihoods and employers’ compliance obligations. Understanding the updated rules with legal guidance ensures fair treatment and minimizes costly risks for everyone involved.”
Special Minimum Wage Categories (BC – as of June 1, 2025)
| Role | Rate |
|---|---|
| General minimum wage | $17.85/hour |
| Liquor servers | $17.85/hour (same as general minimum wage) |
| Live-in camp leaders | $142.61/day (or part-day) |
| Live-in home support workers | $133.05/day (or part-day) |
| Resident caretakers (9–60 suites) | $1,069.36/month plus $42.84 per suite |
| Resident caretakers (61+ suites) | $3,642.51/month |
| App-based ride-hail & delivery workers (engaged time) | $20.88/hour plus per-km vehicle allowance |
| Agricultural piece-rate workers (15 hand-harvested crops) | Rates increase by 2.6% on December 31, 2025 |
| Notes: All rates are subject to annual CPI adjustments. Liquor servers receive the general minimum wage. App-based ride-hail & delivery workers’ engaged time pay takes effect September 3, 2024. | |
Why the June 1, 2025, Increase Matters
The June 1, 2025, increase to $17.85/hour reflects BC’s annual minimum wage adjustment, which is automatically tied to the BC Consumer Price Index (All-Items). This system helps ensure wages keep pace with inflation.
Despite the increases, affordability remains a challenge: Living Wage for Families BC estimates a living wage of $27.05/hour in Metro Vancouver, significantly higher than the minimum wage.
Employer Obligations & Compliance
Employers must update payroll systems to reflect the new rates for all applicable employee categories effective June 1, 2025. Under the Employment Standards Act, employers are required to:
- Keep payroll and employment records (including employee name, wage rate, and hours worked) for at least four years.
- Provide employees with a pay statement each pay period, no later than 8 days after the end of the pay period.
Next Scheduled Increases
- General minimum wage: Will adjust again on June 1, 2026, based on the BC CPI.
- Agricultural piece-rates: Adjust annually on December 31, including December 31, 2025, by the rate of CPI.
What Employers & Workers Should Do
Employers should:
- Audit wages and payroll systems for compliance.
- Update internal policies, employment contracts, and pay slips.
Workers should:
- Confirm their pay meets or exceeds the updated minimum wages.
- Understand that special roles (camp leaders, home support, caretakers) have distinct pay structures.
Contact Achkar Law
Whether you manage a business or work in one, understanding BC’s wage requirements is key to avoiding disputes and staying compliant.
Speak with Achkar Law for tailored advice on your rights and obligations under the updated rules.
Call toll-free: 1-800-771-7882 | Email: [email protected]
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Achkar Law Professional Corporation and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Achkar Law Professional Corporation. ©