Alberta’s minimum wage is currently $15.00 per hour. This rate has been in place since June 26, 2019, and hasn’t increased in nearly six years.
Unlike other provinces that have tied the minimum wage to inflation, Alberta has chosen to keep its rate frozen, even as the cost of living climbs. Cities like Calgary and Edmonton now have some of the highest living costs on the Prairies, and many workers feel the pinch. While there have been calls for a raise, the provincial government has not announced any changes.
Here’s a detailed look at Alberta’s current minimum wage, when it could change, and how it compares with the actual cost of living.
Key Takeaways
- Alberta’s general minimum wage is $15 per hour.
- Students under 18 can legally be paid less – $13 per hour for the first 28 hours per week during school weeks.
- There are no separate minimum wage rates for workers who earn tips or commission.
- The living wage in Alberta is significantly higher than the minimum wage, highlighting a gap between earnings and actual living costs.
- No provincial increases are scheduled for 2025, although federally regulated workers saw a minimum wage bump to $17.30 per hour on April 1, 2025.
What is the minimum wage in Alberta in 2025?
As of April 2025, Alberta's minimum wage rates are as follows:
- General rate: $15.00 per hour, applicable to most employees.
- Students (under 18): $13.00 per hour for the first 28 hours worked in a week when school is in session, but any more hours within the week should be paid at the regular minimum wage. During school breaks, the $13 rate applies to all hours worked.
- Salespersons (including land agents and certain professionals): $598.00 per week, rather than an hourly rate.
- Domestic employees (living in their employer’s home): $2,848.00 per month, rather than an hourly rate.
When will Alberta's minimum wage increase?
As of April 2025, there have been no official announcements regarding future increases to Alberta's provincial minimum wage. The current rates have remained unchanged since June 26, 2019.
However, the federal minimum wage increased to $17.75 per hour on April 1, 2025. This rate applies to employees working in federally regulated industries. If a province's minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, the higher wage applies.
What are the exceptions to the minimum wage in Alberta?
While the general minimum wage applies to most workers, there are specific exceptions in Alberta's labour laws
Employees who receive tips or commission
Certain commissioned salespersons, such as real estate brokers and securities salespersons, are exempt from the minimum wage provisions in Alberta. Instead of earning an hourly wage, these employees must be paid a minimum weekly rate of $598.00.
Additionally, specific rules apply to salespersons and direct sellers regarding general holiday pay and vacation entitlements.
Live-in workers
Domestic employees who live in their employer's residence must receive a minimum monthly wage of $2,848.00. This rate is designed to account for the unique working conditions of live-in arrangements.
For those who don't reside with their employer, the standard minimum wage of $15.00 per hour applies.
Students
Students under 18 years old are subject to a special minimum wage rate of $13.00 per hour for the first 28 hours worked in a week, when school is in session. Any hours worked beyond this during the same week must be compensated at the general minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.
During school breaks, including summer vacation, the $13 rate applies to all hours worked.
Other exceptions
Certain professions and roles are exempt from all minimum wage requirements and standards, including the following:
- Real estate brokers
- Securities salespeople
- Insurance salespeople (those paid entirely by commission)
- Students in a workplace experience program
- Students in an off-campus education program
- Extras on film or video production sets
- Counsellors/instructors at non-profit educational or recreational kids' camps
- Municipal police members
- Post-secondary academic staff
What is the living wage in Alberta?
The living wage estimated for Alberta residents depends on their community of residence. Based on 2024 findings, this ranges from $17.55 per hour in Medicine Hat to $31.40 per hour in Jasper.
A living wage is the amount a person needs to earn to cover basic expenses and participate in the community. It reflects the actual cost of living in a specific area, considering expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and childcare.
As with other provinces, the living wage in Alberta varies significantly by region, mostly due to differences in the cost of living. This means that urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton typically have higher living wage estimates compared to smaller communities in rural areas.
While the exact figures can fluctuate annually based on economic conditions, living wages are generally higher than the provincial minimum wage.
Estimated living wages in select Alberta cities
According to Living Wage Canada, these are the rates required for life in a handful of Alberta communities:
- Airdrie: $24.30/hour
- Calgary: $24.45/hour
- Edmonton: $20.85/hour
- Fort McMurray: $23.50/hour
- Grand Prairie: $18.85/hour
- Jasper: $31.40/hour
- Lethbridge: $20.00/hour
- Medicine Hat: $17.55/hour
- Red Deer: $18.90/hour
- Rocky Mountain House: $23.75/hour
Minimum and living wage comparison
Even the lowest living wage rate in Alberta is significantly higher than the current rate for minimum wage:
- Minimum Wage: $15.00 per hour (general rate).
- Living Wage: $17.55 - $31.40 per hour
These rates have heavy implications for the people of Alberta:
- Affordability: Only earning minimum wage can make it challenging for people to meet all their basic needs without additional support.
- Employment: Employers paying a living wage may experience lower staff turnover and higher employee satisfaction.
- Policy discussions: The gap between minimum and living wages in Alberta fuels debate about whether $15/hour is enough, especially with rising inflation and housing costs in cities.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Alberta?
The general minimum wage rate in Alberta is $15.00 per hour. This applies to most workers in the province, but there are special rates for students, salespeople, and a few other areas of employment.
Is the minimum wage going up in Alberta?
As of April 2025, Alberta hasn't announced any planned increases to the provincial minimum wage. The last rate change took place on June 26, 2019, when the minimum wage was raised to $15.00 per hour.
What are the exceptions to the minimum wage in Alberta?
Minimum wage exceptions include students, some salespeople, and live-in domestic workers. Students can earn $13/hour for limited hours, salespeople can earn a minimum rate of $598/week, and live-in domestic workers earn a minimum rate of $2,848/month.
What is the student minimum wage in Alberta?
Students under 18 earn $13.00 per hour during school breaks and for the first 28 hours worked in one week when school’s in session. Hours above 28 per week are paid at the regular minimum wage ($15.00 per hour).
What is the living wage in Alberta?
Living wage rates are specific to each community and residential area. The living wage in Medicine Hat is the lowest at $17.55 per hour, and the highest rate is $31.40 per hour in Jasper.
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