- You must be paid at least the minimum wage of $17.20 each hour you work.
- Students who are under 18 years old have a lower minimum wage of $16.20.
- However, depending on your job, you may not get minimum wage. Some jobs like farm workers, IT workers and building superintendents are not protected by minimum wage laws.
| Adult Minimum Wage | Students under 18 years old | |
| October 1, 2024 | $17.20 | $16.20 |
How can I protect myself if I am not being paid properly?
- If your boss is paying you less than the minimum wage, start by keeping your own written record of all dates and hours worked and the wages you were paid.
- Collect as much evidence as possible. This can include your employment contract, schedules, photographs and text messages.
- Try to make a backup in case you lose access to your phone, email account or entry to your workplace. Print paper copies or take screenshots if needed.
- Call us at the Workers’ Action Centre at 416-531-0778 if you are not being paid the minimum wage so we can work together to get back what you are owed.
Why does Ontario’s minimum wage increase?
- Ontario workers fought for – and won – a law in 2014 that tied Ontario’s minimum wage increases to the increases of our cost of living. These costs include things like food, rent, clothing and transportation.
- Before this 2014 law, it was easier for the Ontario government to freeze our minimum wage. For example, the Conservative government froze the minimum wage of $6.85 for 9 years.
- When our wages are frozen but prices go up, it is the same as our boss cutting our pay. That’s why winning this law is an important win for many workers.
- But it’s still not enough. Workers deserve more. The Ontario government needs to raise the minimum wage so nobody works for poverty wages.
Updated October 2024
