On December 2, 2025, Nova Scotia announced that the minimum wage in the province will see two raises in 2026, reaching $17 per hour and providing a financial boost to many low-income workers.
Two Minimum Wage Increases Confirmed for 2026
Currently standing at $16.50, Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage will see incremental increases in 2026:
- April 1, 2026: $16.75 per hour
- October 1, 2026: $17 per hour
The decision to implement these changes came after a unanimous recommendation from the Minimum Wage Review Committee. These adjustments follow the province’s strategy of linking the minimum wage to the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus an additional 1% annually. The phased increase aims to assist businesses in adapting to the changes.
At a Glance: Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Progression
- October 1, 2026: $17.00 per hour
- April 1, 2026: $16.75 per hour
- October 1, 2025: $16.50 per hour
- April 1, 2025: $15.70 per hour
- April 1, 2024: $15.20 per hour
New Minimum Wage Implementation Details
For individuals currently earning the minimum wage, the 2026 adjustments will result in two separate increases:
- April 1, 2026: Hourly pay rises by $0.25 to $16.75
- October 1, 2026: Hourly pay increases by another $0.25 to $17
For a full-time employee working 40 hours per week, the additional $0.25 per hour translates to approximately $10 more weekly between April and September 2026, totaling $260 over the six months. From October to December 2026, the $0.50 raise compared to the current rate will further benefit workers.
