Student Minimum Wage in Ontario: Here’s All You Need to Know

Minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage an employer can pay employees. There are several minimum wage rates, including a special student minimum wage rate. Employers are responsible for following these minimum wage requirements as outlined in the Employment Standards Act. This blog discusses what Ontario employers should know about paying students.

Ontario student minimum wage rate

Student minimum wage is a rate that applies to students under the age of 18, who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session. This rate also applies to students who work during school breaks or over the summer holidays. The current student minimum wage in Ontario increased to $16.20 per hour on October 1, 2024 from $15.50 per hour.

Students who work more than 28 hours a week when school is in session are entitled to the general minimum wage. The current general minimum wage in Ontario is $17.20 per hour.

Students and the three-hour rule

The ESA states that employers are required to pay employees for at least three hours when they call an employee in to work, even if they do not work the full three hours. This is known as the three-hour rule. Employers should know that this rule applies to student minimum wage workers as well as general minimum wage workers.

Vacations, public holiday pay, and student workers

In most cases, student minimum wage workers are entitled to the same vacation and public holiday pay as regular minimum wage workers. Full-time and part-time student workers are entitled to take the nine public stat holidays in Ontario off with public holiday pay. Student minimum wage workers also are entitled to vacation pay and vacation time.

Have questions about student minimum wage?

It is critical that employers are compliant with the ESA minimum wage requirements to avoid being fined. Our experts can help you with any questions related to employee pay and assist you with any HR, health and safety, or employment advice you may need. To learn more about how our services can benefit your business, call an expert today at 1 (833) 247-3652.