Ontario’s general minimum wage goes to $17.95 an hour on October 1, 2026, up from $17.60. At 40 hours a week that is $718 a week, or about $37,336 a year before tax. After tax, CPP and EI, take-home pay is about $30,700, which works out to $2,558 a month.
Current rates
From October 1, 2026 the general rate is $17.95, the student rate is $16.90 and the homeworker rate is $19.70. Between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026 they were $17.60, $16.60 and $19.35. The province changes them yearly, tied to Ontario’s consumer price index.
Who gets the student rate
The student minimum wage covers students under 18 who work 28 hours a week or less while school is in session, or who work during a school break or summer holiday. Everyone else gets the general rate.
Homeworkers and special rates
Homeworkers do paid work for an employer from their own home, and their rate is higher. Wilderness guides get a day rate of $89.75 for under five hours and $179.50 for five or more. Some rules on room and board deductions apply as well.
Overtime after 44 hours
Most Ontario workers earn one and a half times their regular rate for hours beyond 44 a week. Enter more than 44 hours and the calculator adds it. An employee cannot sign away overtime pay.
From wage to take-home pay
Income tax, CPP and EI make take-home pay lower than gross. At this income, tax is small thanks to basic personal amounts, so most of the gap goes to CPP and EI. For other pay levels, use the take-home pay calculator.
Other rights at work
Employees are entitled to public holiday pay, vacation pay and breaks. The vacation pay calculator and public holiday pay calculator pages show what you might be owed. Paying below the minimum wage is against the law.
A part-time example
A student at $16.90 an hour who works 15 hours a week for 40 weeks earns $10,140 before tax. Little or no income tax is due at that level, though a student over 18 still pays into CPP. Change hours a week and weeks a year to model part-time work or a gap between jobs, and the results scale with what you enter.
An overtime week at the general rate
At $17.95, 44 hours pays $789.80. Each hour after that earns $26.93, rounded from $26.925. A 48-hour week adds four such hours, or $107.70, for a gross of $897.50. Hours are counted per week, so a short week cannot cancel a long one.
Checking your pay
Your pay stub shows the hourly rate, the hours and any overtime. If you think you are paid less than the minimum, talk to your employer first. A claim with the Ministry of Labour is the next step. Keep a record of your hours either way.
How the rate is set each year
Every October 1, Ontario adjusts the minimum wage by the change in the provincial consumer price index. The move from $17.60 to $17.95 is $0.35, or about 2%. Employers must pay the new rate from that date, even if a contract set a lower one.
Where to go next
Convert to a salary with the hourly to salary calculator. Extra hours are covered in the overtime pay calculator. For planning spending, try the monthly budget calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ontario's minimum wage in 2026?
$17.95 an hour from October 1, 2026, up from $17.60.
What is the student minimum wage?
$16.90 an hour from October 1, 2026.
What is the homeworker rate?
$19.70 an hour from October 1, 2026.
When does overtime start?
After 44 hours a week, at 1.5 times the regular rate.
How is the wage set?
It follows Ontario's consumer price index each October 1.
How much is $17.95 a year?
About $37,336 for 40 hours a week over 52 weeks.
Sources and updates
Last reviewed: . Full disclaimer. How we build calculators. Editorial policy.
Estimate only. This calculator gives general information for planning. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it is not affiliated with the City of Toronto, MPAC or the Canada Revenue Agency. Results depend on the numbers you enter and may differ from official amounts. Check official sources or a qualified professional before you decide.