New Brunswick minimum wage 2026

The minimum wage in New Brunswick is $16.05 per hour (effective April 1, 2026), up from $15.65 in 2025.

New Brunswick adjusts its minimum wage annually on April 1. The rate is reviewed by the Employment Standards Board that considers the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and economic conditions.

New Brunswick minimum wage as an annual salary (2026)

Period Amount
Hourly $16.05
Daily (8 hours) $128.40
Weekly (40 hours) $642.00
Biweekly $1,284.00
Monthly $2,782.00
Annual $33,384

These are gross (before-tax) amounts based on a standard 40-hour workweek. Use the New Brunswick hourly-to-salary calculator to see your after-tax take-home pay.

New Brunswick minimum wage history

Year Minimum Wage Effective Date
2026 $16.05 April 1, 2026
2025 $15.65 April 1, 2025
2024 $15.30 April 1, 2024
2023 $14.75 April 1, 2023
2022 $13.75 October 1, 2022
2021 $12.75 April 1, 2021

How New Brunswick compares to other provinces (2026)

Province / Territory Minimum Wage
Nunavut $19.00
British Columbia $18.27
Ontario $17.60
Yukon $17.94
Manitoba $16.15
New Brunswick $16.05
Nova Scotia $15.70
Saskatchewan $15.00

New Brunswick’s minimum wage is below the national midpoint, though the lower cost of living in the province offsets some of the difference.

What you can afford on minimum wage in NB

New Brunswick has one of the more affordable housing markets in Canada:

  • Average home price — $275,000 to $300,000 across the province
  • Rent — one-bedroom apartments in Moncton or Saint John average $1,100-$1,400/month
  • Sales tax — 15% HST (5% GST + 10% provincial); see the NB sales tax calculator

At $32,552/year gross, a minimum wage earner in NB faces challenges covering housing. Use the NB mortgage affordability calculator to estimate what you can qualify for.

Tax impact on minimum wage

On an annual salary of $32,552, a New Brunswick worker can expect:

  • Federal tax — approximately $2,300 (after Basic Personal Amount of $16,129)
  • Provincial tax — approximately $1,500 (after NB Basic Personal Amount of $13,044)
  • CPP/EI contributions — approximately $2,700
  • After-tax take-home — roughly $26,000, or about $1,000 per biweekly pay

See the full breakdown with the NB tax brackets guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in New Brunswick in 2025?

$15.65 per hour, effective April 1, 2025 — a $0.35 increase from 2024.

How much is New Brunswick minimum wage as an annual salary?

$32,552 per year before taxes, based on a 40-hour workweek.

How does New Brunswick minimum wage compare to other provinces?

Below the national midpoint at $15.65. Higher than Saskatchewan ($15.00) and Nova Scotia ($15.20), but lower than Ontario ($17.20) and BC ($17.85).

Minimum wages across Canada

Compare the income to Canada's minimum wage or other provinces: