Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

Here's How Canada's Minimum Wage Compares To Other Countries Around The Globe

BRB, moving to Australia. 💸💸💸

Senior Writer

In October, the minimum wage in four Canadian provinces increased, meaning there's now a difference of $4.25 between the country's highest and lowest minimum wages.

Nunavut has the highest rate, coming in at $16 per hour, while New Brunswick comes in at the lowest, with just $11.75 per hour.

While minimum wage in Canada is determined province-by-province, other countries have their minimum wage decided on a federal basis.

Here's how Canada compares to other countries around the world.

Canada

Oleksandr Lutsenko | Dreamstime

Since our minimum wage isn't set on a federal level, it ranges from $11.75 to $16 per hour, depending on which province or territory you live in.

Even though Nunavut has the highest minimum wage in the country, residents also deal with ridiculously expensive daily necessities.

Australia

Garry Wolsey | Dreamstime

In Australia, the minimum wage for the majority of workers is $20.33 per hour, which is around CA$18.71.

That's a whole lot more than minimum wage over here. Fancy a trip to Aus, anyone?

New Zealand

Rafael Ben Ari | Dreamstime

Similar to their neighbours, New Zealanders make a minimum wage of $20 per hour, which works out to be about $17.68 in Canadian currency.

United Kingdom

Jackiedavies23 | Dreamstime

The U.K.'s minimum wage is 8.91 pounds per hour, and while that may not sound like a lot to us, it actually works out to be roughly $15 Canadian.

USA

Milosz7 | Dreamstime

In the U.S., the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is about CA$9.

It's worth noting that the minimum wage for bar staff and similar roles is a lot less, though. Employers only need to pay workers $2.13 per hour as long as the amount received in tips reaches the federal minimum wage.

France

Capeou | Dreamstime

If you fancy working in France, the minimum wage is 10.48 euros per hour, which works out to be about $15.

Think of all of the delicious pastries you could buy. Yum!

South Korea

Meseberg | Dreamstime

In South Korea, the hourly minimum wage is 9,160 won, which is around $9.60.

Israel

Marina Moskovich | Dreamstime

If you're making minimum wage in Israel, you'll be bringing in 28.49 Israeli shekels per hour, which is about $11.40.

  • Senior Writer

    Sarah Rohoman (she/her) was a Senior Writer with Narcity Media. She has worked at BuzzFeed Canada, Yahoo Canada, and CBC Radio in news, lifestyle, ecommerce, and social media. She has an MA in Journalism from Western University and a BA from McGill. She loves libraries, alpacas, and all things witchy.

Minimum wage increases across Canada today — but not for everyone

Here are all the spots getting a bump so far in 2025. 👇💸

Statistics Canada is hiring for census jobs that pay up to $131,000 but you need to apply soon

Application deadlines are approaching for some 2026 census jobs.

This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.

This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲