Ontario’s minimum wage is headed for another increase in 2026, thanks to a 2.2% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the past year. That might sound like a small bump, but it has big implications. Because of how Ontario’s labour laws work, this annual CPI change directly influences what workers across the province will earn.
If you’re wondering how much more you’ll be making (or paying if you’re an employer), this article will walk you through everything — from how the rate is calculated to what new wage numbers are expected to look like starting October 1, 2026.
Table of Contents
Indexation
So, how exactly does Ontario decide on its minimum wage each year?
It’s all tied to inflation. Specifically, Ontario uses the 12-month average of the provincial CPI to determine how much the minimum wage should rise. This CPI data reflects how much the cost of living has changed — things like groceries, rent, and gas. When prices go up, so does the minimum wage, to help workers keep pace.
Here’s how the process works:
- CPI data is reviewed in early 2026.
- The government usually announces the new wage by April 1.
- The new rates take effect every year on October 1.
For 2026, that 2.2% CPI bump means most wage categories will go up accordingly.
Wagerates
Let’s take a look at the current and past minimum wage rates. These tables give a clear picture of how wages have changed over the last few years — and help us project what’s coming next.
General Minimum Wage (Per Hour)
| Period | Minimum 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 Wage
| Period | Minimum 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
| Period | Minimum 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 |
Wilderness Guides – Less Than 5 Hours
| Period | Daily 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 |
Wilderness Guides – 5+ Hours
| Period | Daily 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 |
Projections
Now let’s break down what the projected increases might look like for 2026 using the +2.2% CPI bump.
General Minimum Wage
- Current: $17.60
- Projected: ~$18.00
This would mark a symbolic crossing into the $18/hour range — a milestone for many workers.
Student Wage
- Current: $16.60
- Projected: ~$16.97
It’s almost $17, showing how student wages are catching up.
Homeworker Wage
- Current: $19.35
- Projected: ~$19.80
Home-based workers continue to earn the highest minimum wage due to the nature of remote or contract work.
Wilderness Guide (Under 5 Hours)
- Current: $88.05
- Projected: ~$90.00
Wilderness Guide (5+ Hours)
- Current: $176.15
- Projected: ~$180.00
These increases keep pace with the physical demands and skills required in wilderness guiding.
Timeline
You’re probably wondering: when will the government make this official?
Ontario typically announces the new rates before April 1, and then those rates kick in on October 1. So while nothing is official just yet, these projections are based on the same formula the province uses.
If no new legislation is introduced, the actual numbers are likely to match these estimates closely. So workers, employers, and HR departments can already start preparing.
Ontario’s minimum wage hike for 2026 isn’t just a small policy shift — it’s a direct response to rising costs. With inflation still affecting everything from food to rent, even a modest 2.2% bump matters.
And crossing that $18/hour threshold for general wages? That’s a big psychological win too — showing steady progress toward fairer wages in one of Canada’s busiest provinces.
So whether you’re running a business, working part-time, or job hunting, keep an eye out this spring for the official announcement. But based on the math, the new minimum wage in Ontario will likely land right where these projections say it will.
FAQs
What is Ontario’s minimum wage for 2025?
It’s $17.60 per hour starting October 1, 2025.
When will 2026 minimum wage be announced?
Before April 1, 2026, based on CPI data.
How is Ontario’s minimum wage calculated?
It’s tied to the 12-month average CPI increase.
Will minimum wage hit $18 in 2026?
Yes, it’s projected to reach around $18/hour.
Do students get the same wage as adults?
No, student wage is slightly lower at about $17/hour.
