Ontario Minimum Wage History
In Ontario, Canada the minimum wage is the lowest wage rate an employer can pay an employee. The chart above shows Ontario minimum wage history from 2005 to 2025. Over the last 20 years, the general minimum wage has increased 16 times from $7.45 to $17.20. The most recent increase to $17.20 occurred on October 1, 2024.
The timeline of the Ontario minimum wage historical increases is described in detail below, but the chart shows that in the last 20 years, there have been two freezes lasting multiple years and one significant jump to minimum wage.
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase History
Following is timeline of the history of Ontario minimum wage increases:
- 2004: After being frozen since 1996, minimum wage increases from $6.85 to $7.15
- 2005 – 2010: The minimum wage increased every year all the way to $10.25 in 2010
- 2011 – 2013: The minimum wage was frozen
- 2014: The Employment Standards Act (ESA) was updated for the first time tying increases to the minimum wage with inflation.
- 2015 – 2017: The minimum wage was increased annually based on CPI reaching $11.60 in 2017
- 2018: the Liberal government introduced a significant jump in minimum wage up to $14.00 and had planned for another increase to $15.00 in 2019
- 2019 – 2020: The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario took office in 2018, cancelling the increase planned by the Liberal government and froze minimum wage again for two years.
- 2021: Minimum wage increases resume regularly with announcements being made before April 1 in a calendar year to be implemented by October 1 of that same year
- 2022: To fight on-going inflation, the government implemented an off-cycle increase on January 1. Another increase in October represented the third in 12 months and an increase to the minimum wage of 8.0% in total.
- 2023 – Present: Minimum wage continues to rise annually with increases calculated using CPI to index against inflation.
This timeline can be used to interpret the Ontario minimum wage history chart above.
Ontario Minimum Wage Adjusted for Inflation
The above chart uses the Consumer Price Index to baseline minimum wage against 2005 showing real wage growth over the last 20 years. While the minimum wage has nominally increased by almost $10.00 during that time, it has increased in real terms as well increasing the purchasing power of minimum wage earners in Ontario.
What is Student Minimum Wage in Ontario?
In Ontario, Canada the student minimum wage applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session or work during a school break or summer holidays. As of October 1, 2024 the student minimum wage in Ontario is $16.20, which is one dollar lower than the general minimum wage.
When Minimum Wage Increases in Ontario
Increases are announced prior to April 1 to be implemented by October 1 of the same year. As outlined in the ESA, the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous calendar year is used to calculate the increase to ensure wages keep pace with inflation.
Final Word
If you are searching for a minimum wage job in Ontario, Canada, check out our job board for the latest job postings and subscribe to our email list to receive updates when new jobs are added.
If you are an employer and need help navigating minimum wage and ensuring you remain compliant with the latest regulations while hiring, reach out using the form below to see how we can be of assistance. We’ve partnered with businesses across Ontario for over 30 years to find customized solutions to their staffing needs.
