Alberta's Minimum Wage

Alberta's minimum wage increases to $8.80 per hour on April 1, 2009.

In June 2007, government announced minimum wage increases would be adjusted based on the average weekly wage and come into effect April 1. If Alberta's average weekly wage increases from one year to the next, the minimum wage will increase by the same percentage. If Alberta's average weekly wage remains the same or decreases from one year to the next, the minimum wage will remain the same.

Most Alberta employers must pay their employees, including students and youth, at least the minimum wage. Alberta's Employment Standards Regulation sets out three minimum wage rates:

• an hourly minimum wage for most employees;
• a weekly minimum wage for many salespersons and professionals; and
• a monthly minimum wage for domestic employees.

Weekly Minimum Wage for Salespersons and Professionals

Many salespersons and professionals are entitled to a weekly minimum wage instead of the hourly minimum wage.  Alberta's minimum weekly wage for salespersons and professionals increases to $352 per week on April 1, 2009.

The Employment Standards Regulation lists the types of salespersons and professionals who are entitled to the weekly minimum wage.

Monthly Minimum Wage for Domestic Employees

An employee who is employed to do domestic work in a private dwelling and who lives primarily in his or her employer's home is called a "domestic employee."  Domestic employees are entitled to a monthly minimum wage instead of the hourly minimum wage above.  Alberta's minimum monthly wage for domestic employees increases to $1677 per month on April 1, 2009.

The following links provide additional information about Alberta's minimum wage:

• Minimum wage exemptions
• Minimum pay for reporting to work
• Deductions for board and/or clothing
• Incentive-based pay