Last Updated On 29 November 2025, 9:51 AM EST (Toronto Time)
Ontario is projected to get another minimum wage increase in 2026 as new inflation data from Statistics Canada shows the provincial Consumer Price Index rising by +2.2% over the past 12 months ending October 2025.
This CPI figure is critical because Ontario’s minimum wage increases are directly tied to inflation through annual indexation required under provincial labour laws.
With the 2026 adjustment now on the horizon, workers, employers, and businesses across Ontario are already looking ahead to what the new wage rates could be and when they will take effect in 2026.
While the official announcement traditionally arrives around April 1 each year, the latest CPI data allows for projections of how much Ontario’s minimum wage is likely to rise.
This article provides a complete breakdown of the current wage rates and the new projected Ontario minimum wage increase 2026.
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How Ontario’s Minimum Wage Is Calculated Each Year
Ontario adjusts its minimum hourly wage every October based on the 12-month average change in the Ontario Consumer Price Index.
When CPI increases, the minimum hourly wage rises to help workers maintain purchasing power amidst rising living costs.
The government typically announces new minimum wage rates in March or April, giving businesses time to prepare before changes take effect in October of every year.
Given the newly released +2.2% annual CPI increase, Ontario is expected to see moderate but meaningful wage increases across all minimum wage categories for 2026.
Current Ontario Minimum hourly Wage Rates (2024 to 2026)
Below are the minimum wage standards currently in effect from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026, alongside the previous two years for reference.
General Minimum Wage (Per Hour)
| Period | Minimum hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 | $17.60 |
| Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025 | $17.20 |
| Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024 | $16.55 |
| Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023 | $15.50 |
Student Minimum Hourly Wage
| Period | Minimum Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 | $16.60 |
| Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025 | $16.20 |
| Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024 | $15.60 |
| Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023 | $14.60 |
Work From Home Minimum Wage (Per Hour)
| Period | Minimum Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 | $19.35 |
| Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025 | $18.90 |
| Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024 | $18.20 |
| Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023 | $17.05 |
Minimum Hourly Wage for Hunting, Fishing, and Wilderness Guides
Less Than Five Consecutive Hours Worked in a Day
| Period | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 | $88.05 |
| Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025 | $86.00 |
| Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024 | $82.85 |
| Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023 | $77.60 |
Five or More Hours Worked in a Day (Whether or Not Consecutive)
| Period | Minimum Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026 | $176.15 |
| Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025 | $172.05 |
| Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024 | $165.75 |
| Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023 | $155.25 |
These wage categories cover a wide range of workers across Ontario, from students and retail employees to remote workers and specialized guides.
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase for 2026
Applying the new +2.2% CPI inflation rate to the current minimum hourly wage levels provides the most accurate estimate of what the 2026 minimum wage announcement will include.
Projected General Minimum Wage for October 1, 2026
- Current: $17.60
- Expected increase: +2.2%
- Projected 2026 general minimum hourly wage: approximately $18
This could result in Ontario reaching the symbolic $18 per hour in 2026.
Projected Student Minimum hourly Wage for October 1, 2026
- Current: $16.60
- +2.2% increase
- Projected 2026 student wage: approximately $16.97
This would push student wages to $17 per hour, close the general minimum wage, and continue a trend of narrowing gaps.
Projected Homeworker Minimum Hourly Wage for October 1, 2026
- Current: $19.35
- +2.2% increase
- Projected 2026 homeworker wage: approximately $19.80
Homeworkers already receive the highest hourly minimum hourly wage in Ontario because of the unique nature of remote piecework and contract-based tasks.
Projected Hunting, Fishing and Wilderness Guide Rates for 2026
Less than five hours in a day:
- Current: $88.05
- +2.2% increase
- Projected: about $90.00
Five or more hours in a day:
- Current: $176.15
- +2.2% increase
- Projected: about $180.00
These increases ensure that wilderness guides receive inflation-adjusted compensation for physically demanding and skill-based fieldwork.
When Will Ontario Announce the Official 2026 Minimum Wage Increase?
Ontario will release the official minimum hourly wage figures before April 1, 2026, based on the finalized CPI calculations.
These rates will then take effect automatically on October 1, 2026.
Given the consistency of Ontario’s indexation formula, the +2.2% projection is expected to closely match — or exactly match — the official announcement unless additional policy changes are introduced.
Ontario’s upcoming 2026 minimum wage increase will provide workers with meaningful support during a period of moderate inflation and steadily rising living costs.
With a projected general minimum hourly wage of approximately $18 per hour, Ontario continues to inch closer to the $18 mark, shaping the financial landscape for millions of workers across the province.
The official announcement is expected before April 1, 2026, and will confirm the exact figures.
Until then, the +2.2% CPI projection offers the projected look at what workers and employers can expect when the new minimum wage arrives on October 1, 2026.
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase 2026 FAQs
What is minimum wage in Ontario 2025?
The minimum hourly wage in Ontario for 2025 is $17.60 per hour for general workers, effective from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. Student workers earn $16.60 per hour, homeworkers earn $19.35 per hour, and wilderness guides receive between $88.05 and $176.15 per day depending on hours worked.
When is minimum wage going up in Ontario?
Based on the latest +2.2% Ontario CPI increase, the projected general minimum hourly wage for October 1, 2026 will be approximately $18 per hour. The official rate will be confirmed by the Ontario government before April 1, 2026.
When will Ontario announce the official 2026 minimum wage increase?
Ontario typically announces new minimum hourly wage rates before April 1 each year. The 2026 announcement will follow the same schedule, with updated rates taking effect on October 1, 2026.
How is Ontario minimum wage increase calculated each year?
Ontario adjusts its minimum hourly wage annually using the 12-month change in the Ontario Consumer Price Index. The latest CPI increase of +2.2% is used to project the upcoming 2026 minimum wage rates across all worker categories.
When does the minimum wage increase in Ontario take effect?
The minimum wage in Ontario will increase to approximately $18 per hour starting on October 1, 2026. For more information on minimum wage updates and regulations, visit the Ontario government website.
What will be the minimum wage in Ontario in 2026?
The minimum wage in Ontario is set to increase to $18.00 per hour in 2026. This increase represents a significant rise from the previous minimum wage of $14.00 in 2018, amounting to a cumulative increase of approximately 28.6% over the eight-year period. For more details on minimum wage policies, you can visit the Government of Ontario's official website.
What are the current five-year fixed mortgage rates in Canada?
As of now, five-year fixed mortgage rates in Canada typically range from approximately 4% to 6%. These rates can vary significantly based on factors such as the lender, the borrower's credit score, and the size of the down payment. For the most accurate and up-to-date rates, it is advisable to consult directly with banks or mortgage providers. You can also explore resources on mortgage options through Canada.ca for further assistance.
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