BC Minimum Wage 2026 — What Victoria Workers Need to Know

What is BC's Minimum Wage in 2026?

British Columbia's general minimum wage is currently $17.85 per hour. This rate applies to the vast majority of workers in the province, including those working full-time, part-time, casual, or on a temporary basis.

BC minimum wage will rise to $18.25/hr on June 1, 2026.

The minimum wage in BC has seen steady growth, rising from $15.20 in 2021 to the current rate. Since 2024, the BC government has tied these annual increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure that wages keep pace with inflation. However, in cities like Victoria where housing costs have outpaced general inflation, many argue that the minimum wage still creates a "working poverty" situation for many residents.

BC Minimum Wage History

Here is how the general minimum wage has evolved over the last few years:

BC Minimum Wage vs Victoria Living Wage

The "Living Wage" is the hourly amount a family needs to cover basic expenses like food, clothing, rental housing, and transportation in their specific community. In Victoria, that number is $27.40/hr.

Special Wage Categories in 2026

Not everyone is covered by the general hourly rate. Following the 2026 adjustments, these special rates apply:

• App-Based Workers: Ride-hail and delivery workers earn a minimum of $21.89/hr for engaged time.
• Live-in Camp Leaders: Must be paid at least $145.64 per day.
• Live-in Home Support: Must be paid at least $135.88 per day.
• Resident Caretakers: For buildings with 9-60 suites, the minimum is $1,092.10/month plus $43.75 per suite.

Who Does Minimum Wage Apply To?

The BC Minimum Wage applies to almost all employees, regardless of how they are paid:

• Hourly, salary, commission, or piece-rate workers.
• Full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary staff.
• No Youth Wage: Workers under 18 must receive the full minimum wage.
• Tipped Workers: Employers cannot pay less than minimum wage just because a worker receives tips.
• Training: Time spent in mandatory training or meetings must be paid at least at the minimum wage rate.

Industries Paying Minimum Wage in Victoria

In Victoria's current economy, these industries are most likely to start employees at or near the provincial minimum:

Your Rights as a Minimum Wage Worker in BC

1. Minimum Daily Pay: If you are scheduled and show up, you must be paid for at least 2 hours, even if you are sent home early.
2. Uniforms: If your employer requires a uniform, they must provide, clean, and maintain it for free, or pay you to do so.
3. Deductions:Employers cannot deduct "business costs" (like breakage, shortages, or dine-and-dashes) from your minimum wage.
4. Statutory Holiday Pay:You are entitled to "Stat" pay if you have been employed for 30 days and worked on 15 of them.
5. Vacation Pay: You earn 4% vacation pay from your first hour of work. This is often added to each paycheck for casual workers.
6. Meal Breaks: You must receive a 30-minute unpaid break if you work more than 5 consecutive hours.

How to Earn More Than Minimum Wage in Victoria

With a $9.55/hr gap between minimum and living wages, many Victoria residents look for paths to higher earnings:

1. Health Care Assistant (HCA): Entry-level roles often start around $26–$28/hr. Many local programs (like Camosun) offer subsidized training.
2. Skilled Trades: Even first-year apprentices in electrical, plumbing, or HVAC typically start above $22/hr with rapid increases.
3. BC Public Service: As the capital city, Victoria has many entry-level administrative roles starting at $26–$30/hr with excellent benefits.
4. Hospitality Management: Moving from a server to a shift lead or floor manager often pushes wages into the $24–$28/hr range.
5. Short-term Certifications:Getting your Class 4 driver's license or basic Bookkeeping certificate can open roles paying well above $17.85.

Find Higher Paying Jobs in Victoria

We prioritize jobs that help workers reach a living wage. Browse our curated categories: