Ontario Minimum Wage From October 1, 2026

Last updated October 9, 2026

Ontario's minimum wage changes every October 1. This page lists the current rates as published in the province's guide to the Employment Standards Act: Minimum wage (updated September 28, 2026). Confirm there, because rates change every year. This is general information, not legal advice.

Current rates (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027)

• General minimum wage: $17.95 per hour for most employees.
• Student minimum wage (under 18): $16.90 per hour.
• Homeworkers: $19.70 per hour.
• Hunting, fishing and wilderness guides: $89.75 for under five hours a day, or $179.50 for five or more hours a day.

When it changes

The province's page says rates are subject to annual indexation based on inflation. New rates are published on or before April 1 and take effect on October 1. Budget for the October 1 change every year.

What it means for your payroll

A simple check: $17.95 an hour for a 40-hour week over 52 weeks is $37,336 in wages for one full-time employee. That is wages only, before employer payroll costs such as employer contributions and any applicable taxes. Put the wage in your plan and then add those on top.

Planning a hire?

• Training new staff? The Ontario Job Grant can help with eligible third-party training. Estimate it in the free calculator.
• Growing payroll? See whether the Employer Health Tax exemption applies to you.
• Put the wages in a 36-month cash-flow model before you commit: the Canadian Startup Funding Kit ($39) has one.

Not legal advice. K.M.E. Incorporated is independent and not affiliated with the Government of Ontario.

KAE MOB ENTERTAINMENT INC., operating as K.M.E. Incorporated · Ontario corporation · CRA business number 753923143RC0001 · Mailing address: 22 John St, Toronto, ON M9N 2B3, Canada · Email: kmeinchq@gmail.com