Ontario’s Minimum Wage to Rise to $17.60 per Hour in October 2025

Effective October 1, 2025, Ontario’s minimum wage will increase to $17.60 per hour, marking a 2.4% rise from the current rate of $17.20 per hour. This adjustment is part of Ontario’s annual inflation adjustment process, which uses the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure wages keep pace with the cost of living. The increase reflects the province’s commitment to supporting low-income workers amid rising inflation.

The new rate will apply to most employees, including full-time, part-time, casual, and hourly workers, as well as those paid on commission, piece rate, flat rate, or salary. However, certain job categories, such as students under 18, homeworkers, and hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides, will have their own minimum wage rates, which are expected to be announced closer to the effective date.

With this increase, Ontario’s minimum wage will become the fourth highest in Canada, trailing only Nunavut ($19.75), Yukon ($17.94), and British Columbia ($17.85). Meanwhile, other provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec will have lower rates of $15.35, $16.00, and $16.10, respectively, in 2025.

The minimum wage increase is a statutory requirement under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, and all employers must ensure compliance by updating their payroll systems to reflect the new rate. This adjustment follows previous increases, including a rise from $16.55 in October 2023 to $17.20 in October 2024.

Ontario’s approach to minimum wage adjustments is designed to help workers maintain their purchasing power and better manage rising living expenses. The province also provides support and guidance to employers to facilitate compliance and ease the transition to the new wage rate.

As of October 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Ontario will officially stand at $17.60 per hour for most workers, solidifying the province’s position among Canada’s higher-paying jurisdictions while addressing the economic realities of inflation.

Special Minimum Wage Rates and Employer Compliance

While the general minimum wage rate for most Ontario workers will be $17.60 per hour starting October 1, 2025, certain job categories will have their own minimum wage rates. Students under 18, homeworkers, and hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides will also receive increases, though specific amounts for these groups have not been detailed in the general summaries. These special rates are expected to be announced closer to the effective date to ensure clarity for employers and employees alike.

The minimum wage increase is a statutory requirement under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, making it mandatory for all employers to comply. This adjustment is part of a series of annual increases, which have seen the minimum wage rise from $16.55 per hour on October 1, 2023, to $17.20 per hour on October 1, 2024, and now to $17.60 per hour in 2025. This gradual approach reflects the province’s commitment to keeping pace with inflation and supporting low-income workers.

To assist employers in navigating this change, the Ontario government provides ongoing support and guidance. This includes resources to help businesses update their payroll systems and ensure compliance with the new minimum wage requirements. The province recognizes that these adjustments may require administrative changes for employers, and as such, offers support to ease the transition.

In summary, the Ontario government’s structured approach to minimum wage adjustments ensures that workers across various industries and job categories can better manage the rising cost of living. By providing clear guidelines and support, the province aims to balance the needs of both employees and employers while maintaining economic stability.

Conclusion

The upcoming increase in Ontario’s minimum wage to $17.60 per hour as of October 1, 2025, reflects the province’s commitment to supporting workers amid rising inflation. This adjustment, tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensures that wages keep pace with the cost of living, benefiting low-income workers across various industries. While certain job categories, such as students under 18 and homeworkers, will have specialized rates, the general minimum wage increase underscores Ontario’s efforts to maintain purchasing power for its residents. Employers are required to comply with this statutory change, and the province provides resources to ease the transition. This structured approach positions Ontario as one of Canada’s higher-paying jurisdictions, balancing economic stability with worker support.

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