Starting your first job comes with a lot of questions, and one of the most important is simply: what should I be getting paid? Minimum wage in Canada is set differently depending on which province or territory you live in, and for young workers still in school, some provinces have separate rates. If you are under 18 or a student working part time, understanding these distinctions before you start job searching can help you know exactly what to expect on your first paycheque, especially if you are exploring teen jobs in Canada.
Quick takeaways
- Most provinces pay all workers the same general minimum wage, regardless of age
- Ontario and Alberta have a lower student minimum wage that applies only in specific circumstances
- British Columbia's minimum wage is $17.85/hr with no separate youth or student rate
- Quebec's minimum wage is $16.10/hr, applied equally to youth and adults
- Federally regulated workplaces (banks, airlines, telecom) pay at least $17.75/hr
- Some provinces still set a reduced rate for liquor servers
What Is a Youth or Student Minimum Wage?
The term "youth minimum wage" refers to a reduced hourly rate paid to workers below a certain age. In Canada, this approach is no longer universal, but it still exists in a few provinces.
Ontario and Alberta both maintain a formal student minimum wage that can apply to you if you are under 18 and working part time during the school year. British Columbia and Quebec have moved to a single rate for all workers, which means you are protected by the same wage floor as adult workers from your first day on the job.
Federal vs. Provincial Jurisdiction
Minimum wage in Canada is primarily a provincial matter. However, industries that fall under federal jurisdiction, including banks, airlines, telecommunications companies, and interprovincial trucking, must comply with the federal minimum wage instead of the provincial one. If you are applying to a job at a major bank branch or for a ground crew role at an airport, the federal rate is the floor that applies to you.
Ontario: Student Minimum Wage in 2026
Ontario is one of the few provinces that still maintains a separate minimum wage for students. As of 2026, the student minimum wage in Ontario is $16.20 per hour.
This rate applies specifically to workers who are:
- Under 18 years of age
- Working 28 hours per week or fewer when school is in session
When the Student Wage Applies vs. the General Rate
If you are under 18 and working part time during the school year, your employer is permitted to pay you $16.20/hr. If you work more than 28 hours in any single week, even if you are still a student, Ontario law requires your employer to pay you the general minimum wage for that week, which is higher than the student rate.
This matters in practice. If your employer schedules you for 30 hours one week during the school term, that entire week should be paid at the general minimum wage. Track your hours carefully.
What Happens When You Turn 18?
Once you turn 18, the student minimum wage no longer applies regardless of whether you are still in school. You are entitled to Ontario's general minimum wage from that point on. If you are 18 or older and still a high school student, you receive the general minimum wage for all hours you work.
Liquor Servers in Ontario
Ontario eliminated its separate liquor server minimum wage in January 2022. All servers, including those who serve alcohol, now receive at least the general minimum wage. If you are working at a bar or restaurant in Ontario, your wage floor is the same as any other worker in the province.
Alberta: The $13/hr Student Wage
Alberta maintains a student minimum wage of $13.00 per hour for workers under 18, and our post covers youth jobs in Alberta in more depth.
Who Qualifies for the Student Rate in Alberta
Alberta's student wage applies to workers who are:
- Under 18 years of age
- Working part time, typically during the school year
Like Ontario, hours worked beyond certain thresholds may trigger the higher general rate. Before your first shift, confirm with your employer which rate applies to your situation and ask for written confirmation of your starting wage. Alberta's $13.00/hr student rate is among the lowest wage floors for young workers in Canada, so verifying your rate before you begin is a practical step.
British Columbia and Quebec: No Separate Youth Rate
Not every province separates workers by age or student status. British Columbia and Quebec apply the same minimum wage to all workers, which means young people are on equal footing from the start.
British Columbia: $17.85/hr for All Workers
In BC, the general minimum wage as of 2026 is $17.85 per hour. There is no separate student or youth rate. Whether you are 16 or 36, starting your first job or returning to the workforce, the minimum wage floor is the same for everyone.
You do not need to worry about whether a student exception applies to your hours. You are entitled to $17.85/hr regardless of your age, your weekly hours, or your enrollment status. BC does maintain a separate rate for liquor servers, however. If you are applying for a server position in BC, check the current liquor server rate with the province's Employment Standards Branch before accepting an offer.
Quebec: $16.10/hr General Rate
Quebec sets its general minimum wage at $16.10 per hour in 2026, applied equally to workers of all ages. There is no youth or student minimum wage in Quebec.
Quebec does maintain a separate rate for tipped workers, which applies to employees in occupations where gratuities are customarily received, typically in food and beverage service. If your job falls into this category, the tipped worker rate will be lower than the general minimum. Verify your situation with your employer or Quebec's CNESST.
The Federal Minimum Wage: $17.75/hr
If you are working for a federally regulated employer, provincial minimum wages do not apply. The federal minimum wage of $17.75 per hour is your floor instead.
Which Jobs Fall Under Federal Jurisdiction
Federal minimum wage applies to employees in:
- Banks and federally chartered financial institutions
- Airlines and airport service roles
- Telecommunications companies (phone carriers, internet providers, broadcasters)
- Interprovincial trucking and rail
- Canada Post and certain courier services
Why This Matters for Your Job Search
Federal minimum wage jobs are common starting points for young Canadians looking for stable early-career work. Call centre roles at major banks, airport ground crew positions, and mail sorting jobs are frequently listed on YouthAtWork.ca, and the $17.75/hr floor means your minimum pay is clearly defined regardless of your province.
Liquor Server Wages: Know Before You Accept an Offer
Several provinces maintain a reduced minimum wage for workers in the food and beverage industry who receive tips. If you are applying for a serving role, knowing the rate in your province before your interview is worth the few minutes it takes.
- Ontario: Eliminated its separate liquor server rate in January 2022. All servers receive at least the general minimum wage.
- British Columbia: Maintains a liquor server wage below the general minimum. Check the current rate with BC's Employment Standards Branch.
- Quebec: Sets a tipped worker rate below the general rate. Check with CNESST for the current figure.
- Alberta: No separate liquor server minimum wage. The general or student rate applies based on your age and hours.
If an employer mentions a "server wage" or "tipped worker rate," ask them to specify which provincial rate applies and confirm it in writing before your first shift.
Using This Knowledge in Your Job Search
Knowing your province's minimum wage helps you evaluate job offers with more confidence. When a posting lists "starting at minimum wage," you now know exactly what that means where you live.
Before You Apply
Check whether the province you are applying in has a student minimum wage and whether it applies to you. If you are 17 and considering a part-time role in Ontario at 25 hours per week during the school year, you may be hired at the student rate of $16.20/hr. If that same role has you working 30 hours in busy weeks, ask your employer how the general wage threshold applies to those hours before you accept.
During Your Interview
You can ask straightforward questions about pay without making things awkward. "What rate would I start at?" and "Is that the student wage or the general minimum?" are reasonable things to ask during or after an interview. Employers expect young workers to want clarity on compensation.
When You Review Your First Paycheque
When your first pay stub arrives, check the hourly rate applied against the appropriate minimum wage for your province and situation. Payroll errors happen, particularly with new hires. If something looks off, raise it with your employer directly. Most discrepancies can be resolved quickly and informally.
Visit the YouthAtWork.ca job seekers page to find listings that include starting pay ranges upfront, so you know what to expect before your first interview.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage for youth in Canada in 2026?
It depends on your province. Ontario's student minimum wage is $16.20/hr and Alberta's is $13.00/hr, both applying only to workers under 18 working limited hours during the school year. BC pays $17.85/hr and Quebec pays $16.10/hr to all workers regardless of age. The federal minimum wage of $17.75/hr covers federally regulated industries such as banking, airlines, and telecom.
Does Ontario's student minimum wage apply if I work full time in the summer?
Ontario's student minimum wage can apply during summer breaks if you are under 18. However, if you work more than 28 hours in any single week, your employer must pay you Ontario's general minimum wage for that entire week, regardless of the time of year.
I am 19 and still in high school. Which rate applies to me?
Age is the determining factor, not enrollment. Once you turn 18, you are entitled to the general minimum wage in Ontario and Alberta, even if you are still a student. The student rate applies only to workers who are under 18.
What is the federal minimum wage and who does it cover?
The federal minimum wage in 2026 is $17.75 per hour. It applies to employees at federally regulated employers including banks, airlines, telecommunications companies, and Canada Post. If you work for one of these employers, the federal rate applies regardless of your provincial minimum wage.
Does BC have a youth minimum wage?
No. British Columbia does not have a separate youth or student minimum wage. All workers in BC, regardless of age or student status, receive the general minimum wage of $17.85 per hour.
Can my employer pay me less than minimum wage?
In most circumstances, no. Minimum wage is a legal floor. The main exceptions involve certain categories of tipped workers in provinces that allow a reduced base rate. If you believe you are being underpaid, contact your provincial employment standards branch, or the Canada Labour Program for federally regulated jobs, and read up on young worker rights and first job protections.
Knowing what you are legally owed gives you a stronger foundation going into your job search. Ready to take the next step? Visit YouthAtWork.ca at https://youthatwork.ca/job-seekers to browse current openings and create a candidate profile. Whether you are looking for your first summer job, a part-time role during school, or an entry-level position to start your career, the listings at YouthAtWork.ca are built specifically for young Canadian job seekers.