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New Minimum Wage in British Columbia Effective June 2025

May 31, 2025
12:17 pm

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Last Updated On 31 May 2025, 10:43 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

A new minimum wage increase in British Columbia comes into effect on June 1, 2025 and the B.C. will now have the highest minimum wage as compared to other provinces.

The general minimum wage will rise from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour, marking a 2.6% increase.

Special BC minimum wages will also increase for liquor servers, live-in camp leaders, live-in home support workers, and resident caretakers.

While this change offers some relief amid ongoing inflation pressures, it has sparked a broader conversation about whether this modest hike is enough to address the province’s soaring cost of living.

With the living wage in Metro Vancouver pegged at $27.05 per hour, the gap between minimum and living wages remains a contentious issue.

This comprehensive article explores the details of the new minimum wage, its implications for workers and businesses, the ongoing living wage debate, and the broader economic context in British Columbia.

Starting June 1, 2025, the increase in minimum wage applies to most employees, whether they are paid hourly, on a salary, by commission, or through incentive-based systems.

Employers are required to ensure that all employees earn at least the equivalent of the minimum wage for hours worked, topping up payments if necessary.

This incremental raise follows a consistent pattern of annual adjustments in British Columbia.

Here’s a look at the minimum wage progression over 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: $14.60 per hour
June 1, 2019: $13.85 per hour

The steady increases demonstrate British Columbia’s commitment to supporting low-wage workers, but critics argue that the pace of these adjustments is too slow to keep up with the province’s rising cost of living.

In addition to the general minimum wage, specific categories of workers will see corresponding increases:

Liquor Servers

Liquor servers—employees who primarily serve food or drink and regularly serve liquor in licensed premises—will also see their minimum wage rise to $17.85 per hour as of June 1, 2025.

This aligns with the general minimum wage, a policy shift that began in 2021 to eliminate the lower “tipped wage” previously applied to servers.

The change ensures that tips and gratuities supplement, rather than substitute, a server’s base wage. Historical rates for liquor servers include:

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

Live-in camp leaders, who are paid a daily rate, will see their wages increase to $142.61 per day or part-day worked starting June 1, 2025, up from $138.93 in 2024.

This adjustment continues to reflect the unique nature of their work, which often involves extended hours and on-site responsibilities. Past rates include:

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

Live-in Home Support Workers

Live-in home support workers, who provide care in clients’ homes, will earn $133.05 per day or part-day worked as of June 1, 2025, up from $129.62 in 2024.

This role is critical in supporting vulnerable populations, and the wage increase aims to recognize their contributions. Previous rates include:

June 1, 2025: $133.05
June 1, 2024: $129.62
June 1, 2023: $124.73
Prior to June 1, 2023: $116.68

Resident Caretakers

Resident caretakers, responsible for managing residential buildings, are paid a monthly wage based on the number of suites in the building.

For buildings with 9 to 60 suites, the minimum wage will be $1,069.36 per month plus $42.84 per suite starting June 1, 2025.

For buildings with 61 or more suites, the minimum wage will be $3,642.51 per month.

These rates reflect a 2.6% increase from 2024. Historical rates for caretakers in buildings with 9 to 60 suites include:

June 1, 2025: $1,069.36 per month + $42.84 per suite
June 1, 2024: $1,041.80 per month + $41.74 per suite
June 1, 2023: $1,002.53 per month + $40.17 per suite
June 1, 2022: $937.82 per month + $37.58 per suite
June 1, 2021: $912.28 per month + $36.56 per suite

For buildings with 61+ suites:

June 1, 2025: $3,642.51 per month
June 1, 2024: $3,548.63 per month
June 1, 2023: $3,414.85 per month
June 1, 2022: $3,194.43 per month
June 1, 2021: $3,107.42 per month

Piece Rates for Hand-Harvested Crops

On December 31, 2025, minimum piece rates for 15 hand-harvested crops will also increase by 2.6%.

These rates apply to agricultural workers who are paid based on the volume of crops they harvest, such as berries, mushrooms, or tree fruits.

This adjustment ensures that piece-rate workers see a proportional wage increase in line with other minimum wage earners.

The 2.6% minimum wage increase is designed to help low-wage workers keep pace with inflation, which has been a persistent challenge in British Columbia.

According to Statistics Canada, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in British Columbia rose by approximately 2.4% in 2024, driven by increases in housing, food, and transportation costs.

While the 2.6% wage hike slightly outpaces inflation, critics argue that it does little to address the cumulative impact of years of rising costs.

For low-wage workers, every cent counts. A worker earning the minimum wage of $17.40 per hour in 2024, working 35 hours per week, earns approximately $31,668 annually before taxes.

With the new wage of $17.85, that annual income rises to $32,487—a difference of $819 per year.

While this increase can help cover small expenses, such as a month’s worth of groceries or a utility bill, it falls short of addressing larger systemic issues like housing affordability.

While the minimum wage increase is a step in the right direction, it has reignited discussions about the concept of a living wage—the hourly rate needed for a worker to cover basic necessities without relying on government assistance or charity.

According to Living Wage for Families BC, the living wage in Metro Vancouver for 2024 is $27.05 per hour, based on a 35-hour workweek. This figure accounts for essentials such as:

Housing: Rent for a modest one-bedroom apartment
Food: A nutritious diet for a family of four
Transportation: Public transit or a used vehicle
Childcare: Costs for young children
Savings: A small buffer for emergencies or modest recreation

The gap between the new minimum wage of $17.85 and the living wage of $27.05 is stark.

A minimum-wage worker would need to work approximately 53 hours per week—equivalent to 1.5 full-time jobs—to earn the equivalent of a living wage.

For single parents, students, or individuals with health challenges, this workload is often unattainable.

“No matter where they live, people should be able to afford a decent life,” states Living Wage for Families BC on its website.

“There are jobs that need to be done in every community, and therefore people need homes, services, and a good quality of life in every community.”

The organization argues that a living wage is essential for ensuring workers can thrive, not just survive, and that employers have a responsibility to pay wages that reflect the true cost of living.

The cost of living in British Columbia varies significantly by region. In Metro Vancouver, where housing costs are among the highest in Canada, the living wage is particularly challenging to achieve.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average home price in Greater Vancouver was approximately $1.3 million in 2024, with rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month.

For a minimum-wage worker, rent alone could consume nearly 70% of their income, leaving little for other essentials.

In contrast, rural areas like the Kootenays or Northern BC may have lower housing costs, but other expenses—such as transportation—can be higher due to limited public transit options.

For example, a worker in a rural community may need to maintain a vehicle to commute to work, adding fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs to their budget.

These regional variations complicate efforts to establish a one-size-fits-all wage policy, but they also highlight the need for targeted solutions to address affordability challenges.

For the approximately 6% of British Columbia’s workforce earning minimum wage—roughly 150,000 workers, according to the BC government—the $17.85 hourly rate offers a modest boost.

For a full-time worker, the 45-cent increase translates to an additional $936 per year (based on a 40-hour workweek).

This extra income could cover a month of groceries, a utility bill, or a small emergency expense, but it’s unlikely to significantly improve financial stability.

Low-wage workers in industries like retail, hospitality, and agriculture are among those most affected by the increase.

For example, a liquor server in Vancouver who relies on tips to supplement their income will now have a higher base wage, potentially reducing their dependence on unpredictable gratuities.

Similarly, agricultural workers harvesting crops like blueberries or cherries will see their piece rates rise, offering a small but meaningful increase in earnings during the harvest season.

However, the increase is less impactful for workers in high-cost areas like Metro Vancouver, where the living wage remains out of reach.

For single parents or young workers, the gap between the minimum wage and the cost of living often forces difficult choices, such as cutting back on essentials or taking on additional jobs.

A living wage is defined as the hourly rate a worker needs to earn to cover basic expenses, support a family, and maintain a modest standard of living without relying on government subsidies or charity.

Unlike the minimum wage, which is set by the government and applies universally, a living wage is calculated based on local cost-of-living data and varies by region.

In British Columbia, Living Wage for Families BC calculates living wages for various communities, with Metro Vancouver’s 2024 rate set at $27.05 per hour.

This figure is based on a family of four (two parents working full-time and two young children) and includes costs for housing, food, transportation, childcare, healthcare, and a small amount for savings or emergencies.

The $9.20 gap between the 2025 minimum wage ($17.85) and the Metro Vancouver living wage ($27.05) has significant implications for workers and communities.

For minimum-wage earners, the inability to afford basic necessities can lead to financial stress, reliance on food banks, or housing instability.

In 2024, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank reported a 20% increase in demand, with many clients citing low wages as a primary reason for seeking assistance.

The gap also has broader societal impacts. Workers earning below a living wage may struggle to access education, healthcare, or opportunities for upward mobility, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Additionally, low wages can exacerbate labor shortages, as workers seek higher-paying opportunities in other provinces or industries.

Living Wage for Families BC and other advocacy groups argue that employers—both public and private—should voluntarily adopt living wage policies.

Over 200 employers in British Columbia, including municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses, have been certified as living wage employers, committing to pay their staff and contractors at least the local living wage.

These employers report benefits such as improved employee morale, reduced turnover, and enhanced community reputation.

However, critics of the living wage movement, including some business groups, argue that mandating a living wage could lead to job losses, particularly in small businesses or industries with thin profit margins.

They also point out that a one-size-fits-all living wage ignores regional cost-of-living differences and could disproportionately affect rural employers.

British Columbia’s minimum wage of $17.85 will remain the highest among Canadian provinces as of June 1, 2025. For comparison:

Ontario minimum wage: $17.20 per hour (as of October 2024 and new Ontario minimum wage increase will come into effect in October 2025 at $17.60 per hour)
Alberta: $15.00 per hour
Quebec minimum wage increased to $16.10 from $15.75 per hour on May 1, 2025.
Manitoba minimum wage is $15.80 per hour and will increase to $16.00 per hour in October 2025.

While BC leads the pack, its high cost of living means that the purchasing power of its minimum wage is less impressive.

A 2024 study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that BC’s minimum wage covers only 66% of the living wage in Metro Vancouver, compared to 80% in some lower-cost provinces like Manitoba.

The new minimum wage of $17.85 per hour in British Columbia, effective June 1, 2025, offers a modest boost for low-wage workers, from liquor servers to agricultural laborers.

However, the persistent gap between the minimum wage and the living wage—$27.05 in Metro Vancouver—underscores the challenges of achieving financial stability in one of Canada’s most expensive provinces.

While the increase aligns with inflation, it falls short of addressing the deeper affordability crisis facing workers.

For businesses, the wage hike presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring careful navigation to balance costs and competitiveness.

As the living wage movement gains traction and workers amplify their voices online, British Columbia faces a critical moment in redefining what it means to earn a fair wage.

When does minimum wage go up in BC?

The minimum wage in British Columbia will increase on June 1, 2025 to $17.85 per hour. Additionally, piece rates for hand-harvested crops will rise by 2.6% on December 31, 2025.

What will BC minimum wage be in 2025?

The minimum wage in British Columbia will be $17.85 per hour starting June 1, 2025, for most employees, including liquor servers, with specific daily or monthly rates for live-in camp leaders, home support workers, and resident caretakers.

How many hours is full time in BC?

In British Columbia, full-time employment is typically considered 35 to 40 hours per week, though this can vary by employer and industry. The Employment Standards Act does not strictly define full-time hours but sets standards for overtime after 40 hours per week.

Can you live off minimum wage in BC?

Living off the minimum wage of $17.85 per hour in BC is challenging, especially in high-cost areas like Metro Vancouver, where the 2024 living wage is $27.05. A full-time minimum-wage worker earns about $32,487 annually, which often falls short of covering rent, food, and other essentials.

What is the lowest minimum wage in Canada?

As of 2025, the lowest minimum wage in Canada is in Saskatchewan and Alberta at $15.00 per hour.

Is BC minimum wage going up in 2025?

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.