Ontario is set to experience another increase in minimum wage in 2026 following a +2.2% rise in the provincial Consumer Price Index over the past year ending October 2025, as reported by Statistics Canada. This increase is a result of the annual indexation required by provincial labor laws.
With the 2026 adjustment approaching, workers, employers, and businesses in Ontario are anticipating the new wage rates for the upcoming year. Although the official announcement typically occurs around April 1 each year, the recent CPI data allows for estimates on the potential increase in Ontario’s minimum wage.
Here is a breakdown of the current wage rates and the expected Ontario minimum wage increase for 2026.
How Ontario Calculates Minimum Wage Annually
Ontario adjusts its minimum hourly wage every October based on the 12-month average change in the Ontario Consumer Price Index. This adjustment aims to help workers cope with the increasing living expenses due to inflation. The government usually announces the new rates in March or April to allow businesses to prepare for the changes taking effect in October annually.
Current Ontario Minimum Hourly Wage Rates (2024-2026)
Below are the current minimum wage rates effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, along with the rates from the previous two years for reference:
- General Minimum Wage (Per Hour)
- Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026: $17.60
- Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025: $17.20
- Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024: $16.55
- Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023: $15.50
- Student Minimum Hourly Wage
- Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026: $16.60
- Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025: $16.20
- Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024: $15.60
- Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023: $14.60
- Work From Home Minimum Wage (Per Hour)
- Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026: $19.35
- Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025: $18.90
- Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024: $18.20
- Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023: $17.05
- Minimum Hourly Wage for Hunting, Fishing, and Wilderness Guides
Projected Minimum Wage Increase for Ontario in 2026
Applying the +2.2% CPI inflation rate to the current minimum hourly wage levels helps project the expected 2026 minimum wage announcement:
- Projected General Minimum Wage for October 1, 2026
- Current: $17.60
- Expected increase: +2.2%
- Projected 2026 general minimum hourly wage: approximately $18
- Projected Student Minimum Hourly Wage for October 1, 2026
- Current: $16.60
- +2.2% increase
- Projected 2026 student wage: approximately $16.97
- Projected Work From Home Minimum Hourly Wage for October 1, 2026
- Current: $19.35
- +2.2% increase
- Projected 2026 work from home wage: approximately $19.80
- Projected Hunting, Fishing, and Wilderness Guide Rates for 2026
- Less than five hours in a day:
- Current: $88.05
- +2.2% increase
- Projected: about $90.00
Official Announcement of 2026 Minimum Wage Increase
Ontario is expected to announce the official minimum hourly wage figures before April 1, 2026, based on the finalized CPI calculations. These rates will become effective on October 1, 2026, staying consistent with the province’s indexation formula.
The projected +2.2% CPI increase suggests that the expected announcement will align closely with the projection, providing support for workers during a period of moderate inflation.
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase 2026 FAQs
What is the minimum wage in Ontario for 2025?
The minimum hourly wage in Ontario for 2025 is $17.60 per hour for general workers, effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
