Canada's minimum wage is one of the best in the world and worth more than double the US wage
Even with the cost of living, Canada has a valuable minimum wage! 👀
Canadian money.
Canada's minimum wage has been ranked as one of the best in the world, even with this country's cost of living.
It's also worth more than double the U.S. minimum wage!
U.K.-based payroll company Moorepay recently put out a study that analyzed earning figures to find the "real value" of minimum wage around the world.
National statutory minimum wages were converted to international dollars using the World Bank's Purchasing Power Parity.
Also, the study determined the cost of living in each country, converted those figures into international dollars and factored them into the ranking.
These methods allowed for a fair comparison of how much wages are worth in different countries.
Canada has "one of the most valuable minimum wages in the world," according to this new study.
Based on 2,080 working hours in a year, the minimum wage in Canada works out to CA$36,920 and $32,322 in international dollars annually.
That means Canada is ranked in the top 10 globally, even once the cost of living is considered.
Here are the top 10 most valuable minimum wages in the world for 2025:
- Netherlands — $38,810
- Australia — $37,895
- Luxembourg — $37,198
- U.K. — $36,589
- Germany — $36,369
- Ireland — $36,055
- France — $34,481
- Belgium — $34,397
- New Zealand — $32,845
- Canada — $32,322
Canada is the only North American country to make the top 10.
This study also revealed that Canada's minimum wage is worth more than double the U.S. federal baseline!
In the U.S., the federal minimum wage is just $15,080 annually.
So, it's ranked 23rd globally on the list of the most valuable minimum wages.
The federal minimum wage in Canada is CA$17.75 an hour for people working with federally regulated employers.
But if the minimum wage set by the province or territory where you work is more than the federal minimum wage, the provincial or territorial wage rate will apply to you.
With increases to minimum wage this year, provincial and territorial rates are now between CA$15 and CA$19.75 an hour.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.