British Columbia Raises Minimum Wage to $17.85 per Hour Starting June 1
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Starting June 1, 2025, British Columbia will implement a new minimum wage increase, setting it apart with the highest rate among all provinces. The general hourly wage will rise from $17.40 to $17.85, reflecting a 2.6% boost. In addition, specific wage rates for roles like liquor servers, live-in workers, and caretakers will also see corresponding increases.
Overview of British Columbia’s Steady Rise in Minimum Wage
From June 1, British Columbia’s new minimum wage of $17.85 per hour applies broadly to workers across all pay structures, including those earning salaries, commissions, or incentives. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that every employee earns at least this hourly rate, with top-ups provided when necessary.
The annual increase is a part of BC’s ongoing approach to adjusting the minimum wage regularly. This steady rise helps workers keep pace with inflation and supports a more equitable standard of living.
Here is a year-by-year breakdown of how BC’s minimum wage has grown over time.
- June 1, 2025: $17.85 per hour
- June 1, 2024: $17.40 per hour
- June 1, 2023: $16.75 per hour
- June 1, 2022: $15.65 per hour
- June 1, 2021: $15.20 per hour
- June 1, 2020: $14.60 per hour
- June 1, 2019: $13.85 per hour
Also Read: Canada Eases Job Transition for Foreign Workers in New Policy
Wage Rate Increase for Specialized Roles in British Columbia
From June 1, a few specilaized workers will also see an increase in the minimum wage. Here are the details.
Liquor Servers
As of June 1, 2025, liquor servers in British Columbia will earn a minimum wage of $17.85 per hour, the same as the general minimum wage. This marks a continued effort by the province to uphold wage fairness across all occupations, removing the old system where servers earned less due to tips.
Liquor servers, who primarily work in licensed venues serving food and alcohol, have seen steady wage increases over recent years. Here is a breakdown of the minimum wage changes for liquor servers in recent years.
- June 1, 2025: $17.85 per hour
- June 1, 2024: $17.40 per hour
- June 1, 2023: $16.75 per hour
- June 1, 2022: $15.65 per hour
- June 1, 2021: $15.20 per hour
- June 1, 2020: $13.95 per hour
- June 1, 2019: $12.70 per hour
Live-in Camp Leaders
Starting June 1, 2025, live-in camp leaders in British Columbia will receive a higher daily rate of $142.61, acknowledging the demanding nature of their work. This role often requires extended hours and full-day commitments on-site.
Here is how the daily wages have progressed over time.
- June 1, 2025: $142.61
- June 1, 2024: $138.93
- June 1, 2023: $133.69
- June 1, 2022: $125.06
- June 1, 2021: $121.65
- June 1, 2020: $116.86
- June 1, 2019: $110.87
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Live-in Home Support Workers
Live-in home support workers, who assist directly in their residences, will receive a daily wage of $133.05 starting June 1, 2025. This increase reflects the province’s recognition of its essential care services. Over recent years, their wages have steadily increased.
Here is an overview of the progression in recent years.
- June 1, 2025: $133.05 per day
- June 1, 2024: $129.62 per day
- June 1, 2023: $124.73 per day
- Before June 1, 2023: $116.68 per day
Resident Caretakers
Resident caretakers, who oversee the daily operations of residential buildings, will see a wage increase starting June 1, 2025. Their pay is calculated either per suite or as a flat rate, depending on the size of the building.
Those managing buildings with 9 to 60 suites will now earn a base amount plus a fixed rate per suite. Caretakers of buildings with 61 or more suites will receive a set monthly wage reflecting the new 2.6% increase.
Wage Progression for Buildings with 9 to 60 Suites:
- June 1, 2025: $1,069.36/month + $42.84 per suite
- June 1, 2024: $1,041.80/month + $41.74 per suite
- June 1, 2023: $1,002.53/month + $40.17 per suite
- June 1, 2022: $937.82/month + $37.58 per suite
- June 1, 2021: $912.28/month + $36.56 per suite
Wage Progression for Buildings with 61 or More Suites:
- June 1, 2025: $3,642.51/month
- June 1, 2024: $3,548.63/month
- June 1, 2023: $3,414.85/month
- June 1, 2022: $3,194.43/month
- June 1, 2021: $3,107.42/month
Quick Read: Canada Announces Major Income Tax Cut 2025 to Ease Cost of Living Burden
Piece Rates for Hand-Harvested Crops
Starting December 31, 2025, the minimum piece rates for 15 hand-picked crops in British Columbia will rise by 2.6%. This update is designed to align the earnings of piece-rate agricultural workers with the general minimum wage increase. Workers harvesting crops like berries, mushrooms, and tree fruits will benefit from this revised pay scale.
British Columbia Minimum Wage Comparison With Other Provinces
As of June 1, 2025, British Columbia leads the country with the highest minimum wage. Here is how BC’s rate compares to the other provinces across Canada.
- British Columbia: $17.85 per hour
- Ontario: $17.20 per hour (currently), increasing to $17.60 in October 2025.
- Alberta: $15.00 per hour.
- Quebec: Raised to $16.10 per hour as of May 1, 2025.
- Manitoba: $15.80 per hour, with a planned increase to $16.00 in October 2025.
Move to British Columbia Effortlessly With GetGIS!
British Columbia’s minimum wage increase in June 2025 sets a new standard across Canada, reflecting ongoing efforts to support workers. With GetGIS, you can stay informed about the latest updates and receive personalised immigration assistance to help you smoothly navigate the process of moving to Canada.
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