British Columbia
Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in BC?
The minimum wage for most workers is $8.75 per hour as of May 1, 2011. The minimum wage rate will increase to $9.50 on November 1, 2011 and to $10.25 on May 1, 2012.
A separate minimum wage of $8.50 for employees who serve liquor came into effect on May 1, 2011. This rate will increase to $8.75 on November 1, 2011 and to $9.00 on May 1, 2012.
The $6.00/hr First Job/Entry-level training wage has been removed. as of May 1, 2011.
Tips or gratuities are not wages. Employees must be paid at least minimum wage in addition to any tips or gratuities they receive.
Minimum wage for live-in home support workers for each day or part of a day worked is $87.50 as of May 1, 2011. This rate will increase to $95.00 on November 1, 2011 and $102.50 on May 1, 2012.
The minimum daily wage for a live-in camp leader for each day or part of a day worked is $70.00 as of May 1, 2011. This rate will increase to $76.00 on November 1, 2011 and $82.00 on May 1, 2012.
Minimum wage for resident caretakers in apartment buildings with more than 8 but less than 61 suites is $525 per month plus $21.05 for each suite. Minimum wage for resident caretakers in apartment buildings with more than 60 suites is $1,788.28 per month as of May 1, 2011.
Minimum Piece Rates - Hand Harvested Crops (effective May 1, 2011)
The following piece rates include 4% vacation pay:
Apples $17.06/ bin (27.1 cu. ft.)
Apricots $19.62/ 1/2 bin (13.7 cu. ft.)
Beans $0.234/ pound
Blueberries $0.396/ pound
Brussels sprouts $0.163/ pound
Cherries $0.224/ pound
Grapes $18.13/ 1/2 bin (13.7 cu. ft.)
Mushrooms $ 0.235/ pound
Peaches $18.13/ 1/2 bin (12.6 cu. ft.)
Pears $19.21/ bin (27.1 cu. ft.)
Peas $0.292/ pound
Prune plums $19.21/ 1/2 bin (13.7 cu. ft.)
Raspberries $0.357/ pound
Strawberries $0.343/ pound
Daffodils** $0.137/ bunch (10 stems)
**The rate for daffodils does not include vacation pay
Am I covered by the minimum wage law in BC?The Act does not apply to workers in the following occupations:
- Accountants (members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants)
- Lawyers (members of the Law Society of British Columbia)
- Dentists (members of the College of Dental Surgeons)
- Professional Engineers, or a person who is enrolled in training as an engineer
- Insurance agents or adjusters
- Land Surveyors or a person admitted as an articled student
- Physicians (members of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia)
- Real Estate agents or salespeople
- A student working at the secondary school where he or she is enrolled
- A student enrolled at a secondary school in a work study, work experience or occupational study class
- A person receiving benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Act (Canada) as a result of working on a job creation project
- A person participating in Youth Community Action while working for financial credit towards post-secondary tuition fees under that program
- A student of a school of nursing, or a student in training to be a practical nurse
- Volunteer or auxiliary firefighters
Which legislation determines the minimum wage?
The British Columbia Employment Standards Act and Regulations.
Sources: Statistics Canada |
