Earning the minimum wage

There’s a law in BC that requires employers to pay their workers at least the minimum wage. This law applies to most workers in the province, but not all. For example, independent contractors aren’t covered. Nor are babysitters, or people working in certain licensed professions.

Workers who aren’t covered aren’t entitled to the minimum wage set by the law.

If you’re unsure whether you’re covered, we’ve got guidance on this point. See who’s covered by BC’s employment standards law.

In BC, most workers covered by the employment standards law are entitled to receive the general minimum wage. As of June 1, 2023, it is $16.75 per hour.

For certain jobs, special minimum wage rates apply. This includes:

• live-in camp leaders

• live-in home support workers

• resident caretakers

• farm workers who pick crops by hand

Our in-depth guidance on this topic explains the minimum wage rates for these jobs. See earning the minimum wage.

Tips are paid by customers in appreciation of good service. Importantly, tips don’t count as wages. Your regular wage — before tips — must be at least the minimum wage.

BC’s employment standards law applies to workers who are being trained for a job. That means that rules around minimum wage apply to trainees.

If you want more on what we’ve covered, check out our in-depth info on this topic. See earning the minimum wage.