BC Minimum Wage Increase 2026: What Employers Should Know

The general minimum wage in British Columbia will increase to $18.25 an hour from $17.85 on June 1, 2026.

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

Effective June 1, 2026, the specialized minimum wage rates, including for jobs like live-in camp leaders, live-in home support workers, resident caretakers, and online platform workers or gig workers (app-based ride-hailing and delivery service) will also increase.

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 $17.85 from $17.40 on June 1, 2025. 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.

Does the minimum wage increase apply to all jobs?

Not exactly. Some jobs in BC follow specialized minimum wage rates, including live-in camp leaders, live-in home support workers, resident caretakers, and online platform workers or gig workers. Those rates will also increase on June 1, 2026.

Live-in home support workers are paid a daily rate, which is $133.05 per day or part day worked. This daily rate will increase to $135.88 on June 1, 2026.

The minimum wage for live-in camp leaders is $142.61 per day. It will go up to $145.64 from June.

Effective June 1, 2026, the minimum wage for resident caretakers will go up to $1,092.10 per month plus $43.75 for each suite for those looking after nine to 60 residential suites, and $3,719.96 per month for 61 or more suites.

The minimum wage for app-based ride-hailing and delivery service workers will also increase to $21.89 per hour of engaged time from the current $21.43 per hour.

What are employers expected to do?

Employers should make sure eligible workers are paid the updated general and specialized minimum wages starting June 1, 2026. If a worker has not been receiving the correct wage, they will be owed the difference going back to June 1.

Common questions about paying minimum wage

If you have questions about how the minimum wage increase affects your business or your employees, consider reaching out to experts who can offer guidance. Understanding the full scope of your obligations regarding overtime, vacation pay, and special job categories is critical for your compliance.

Staying compliant with BC’s updated minimum wage regulations is essential for employers. By understanding the new wage rates and ensuring that your business is in line with the law, you’ll avoid penalties and maintain positive employee relations. If you need further help or have any questions, speak to an HR expert to ensure you are up to date with all employment standards.

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.