Alberta’s minimum wage has been a topic of ongoing debate as it remains the lowest in Canada. Unlike most other provinces that index their minimum wage to inflation, Alberta has kept its rate unchanged since 2018. Here is everything you need to know about the current Alberta minimum wage, how it converts to annual salary, and how it compares across Canada.
Alberta minimum wage 2025
The minimum wage in Alberta for 2025 is $15.00 per hour. This is the general minimum wage that applies to most employees. Alberta has not increased its minimum wage since October 1, 2018, making it the longest-standing rate in the country.
Various minimum wages apply depending on the type of employment:
| Type of Employee | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Most employees (general minimum wage) | $15.00 / hour |
| Students under 18 | $13.00 / hour |
| Salespersons (including land agents) | $598 / week |
| Domestic employees (living in employer’s home) | $2,848 / month |
If an employee works a standard 40-hour week at the general minimum wage of $15.00, this converts to an annual salary of $31,200. You can see a detailed pay period breakdown using the Alberta hourly to salary calculator.
The average income in Alberta is $55,200 which is $24,000 higher than the annualized minimum wage, the largest gap of any province in Canada.
How Alberta minimum wage converts to annual salary
Here is how $15.00/hour translates across different pay periods for a full-time worker:
| Pay Period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly | $15.00 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $120.00 |
| Weekly (40 hours) | $600.00 |
| Biweekly | $1,200.00 |
| Monthly | $2,600.00 |
| Annual | $31,200.00 |
After Alberta provincial and federal taxes, a full-time minimum wage worker would take home approximately $27,200 per year. Alberta’s advantage is having no provincial sales tax and relatively low provincial income tax rates, which means more money stays in your pocket compared to many other provinces. You can see the Alberta tax picture in the Alberta tax brackets guide.
Alberta minimum wage history
Alberta’s minimum wage has increased significantly over the past two decades, though it has been frozen since 2018:
| Year | Minimum Wage | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $15.00 | No change |
| 2024 | $15.00 | No change |
| 2023 | $15.00 | No change |
| 2022 | $15.00 | No change |
| 2021 | $15.00 | No change |
| 2020 | $15.00 | No change |
| 2019 | $15.00 | No change |
| 2018 | $15.00 | +$1.40 |
| 2017 | $13.60 | +$1.40 |
| 2016 | $12.20 | +$1.00 |
| 2015 | $11.20 | +$0.40 |
Alberta saw rapid increases between 2015 and 2018 when the minimum wage jumped from $10.20 to $15.00 as part of the provincial government’s plan to reach $15/hour. Since then, no further adjustments have been made despite significant inflation over the same period.
Impact of inflation on Alberta’s minimum wage
In real purchasing-power terms, Alberta’s $15.00 minimum wage in 2025 is worth considerably less than when it was introduced in 2018. With cumulative inflation of approximately 22% since October 2018, the minimum wage would need to be roughly $18.30 to have the same purchasing power today.
This erosion of buying power has led to calls from workers’ advocacy groups for Alberta to index its minimum wage to inflation, as most other provinces do. The Alberta government has indicated it is reviewing the minimum wage policy.
Cost of living on minimum wage in Alberta
Earning $31,200 per year presents challenges, particularly in Alberta’s major cities. However, Alberta’s lack of a provincial sales tax and lower overall tax burden provide some offset:
- Rent: Average rent for a one-bedroom in Calgary is approximately $1,500-$1,700/month and in Edmonton is $1,300-$1,500/month.
- No provincial sales tax: Alberta is one of only three jurisdictions in Canada with no PST, saving residents 7-10% on most purchases compared to other provinces.
- Lower income tax: Alberta has a flat 10% provincial tax rate on the first $148,269, the lowest starting rate in the country.
The how much rent can I afford calculator can help minimum wage earners in Alberta determine a sustainable housing budget.
How Alberta compares to other provinces
Alberta’s minimum wage of $15.00 is now the lowest in Canada. Here is how it compares:
| Province | Minimum Wage (2025) |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | $17.85 |
| Ontario | $17.20 |
| Yukon | $17.59 |
| Nova Scotia | $15.70 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 |
| Alberta | $15.00 |
While Alberta has the lowest hourly minimum wage, the lack of provincial sales tax and lower provincial income tax rates mean the effective take-home pay difference is smaller than the hourly rates suggest. A minimum wage worker in Alberta keeps more of each dollar earned compared to provinces like Nova Scotia or New Brunswick that have higher minimum wages but also higher tax rates and HST.
What is the minimum wage in Alberta for students?
Students under 18 years of age have a minimum wage of $13.00 per hour in Alberta. This student rate applies when the student is employed during a school day or during school holidays. Once a student turns 18 the general minimum wage of $15.00 applies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Alberta in 2025?
The general minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour. This rate has been unchanged since October 1, 2018.
How much is minimum wage per year in Alberta?
Working a 40-hour week at $15/hour for 52 weeks produces an annual gross salary of $31,200 before taxes.
Why hasn’t Alberta’s minimum wage increased?
Alberta has not tied its minimum wage to an inflation index. The $15.00 rate set in 2018 has remained frozen while other provinces have made annual adjustments based on their Consumer Price Index.
What is the student minimum wage in Alberta?
Students under 18 in Alberta earn a minimum wage of $13.00 per hour. The general rate of $15.00 applies once the student turns 18.
Does Alberta have the lowest minimum wage in Canada?
Yes. As of 2025 Alberta’s general minimum wage of $15.00 per hour is the lowest of any province or territory in Canada.
Related guides
- Alberta hourly to salary calculator
- Average income in Alberta
- Alberta tax brackets
- Cost of living in Calgary
- Cost of living in Edmonton
- Alberta mortgage rates
Minimum wages across Canada
Compare the income to Canada's minimum wage or other provinces:
