Understanding the minimum age in Quebec in 2026 is key for anyone planning their financial future in the province. Whether you’re a newcomer to Canada, an expat settling in Quebec, or a longtime resident, staying informed about wage increases can help you make confident decisions about work, budgeting, and daily expenses.
As of 2025, Quebec’s minimum wage is $16.10 CAD per hour, following a pattern of moderate annual increases tied to inflation. The new minimum wage for Quebec in 2026 will take effect on May 1, 2026, and is expected to rise by approximately 2%. But how much does that actually mean for take-home pay—and is it enough to live on in cities like Montreal or Quebec City?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Quebec wage rates for 2026, including recent trends, special wage categories, and how these changes could affect your income or business. We’ll also explore the factors that influence wage decisions and how Quebec compares to other Canadian provinces.
And if you need to send money to or from Canada, Remitly offers a fast, secure, and easy way to transfer funds—helping you stay connected to family, wherever they are.
Current Quebec minimum wage landscape (2024-2025)
Quebec implements a new minimum wage each year on May 1, adjusting the rate for inflation and changes in the cost of living. In 2025, the standard minimum wage rose from $15.75 CAD per hour to $16.10 CAD per hour, a 2.2% increase that closely aligns with the predicted 2.1% inflation rate for the 2025–2026 period.
This was the smallest increase since 2018, adding just $484 CAD per year for a full-time worker—modest growth that raises questions about how far the minimum salary stretches in today’s economic climate.
The minimum wage in Quebec applies to both full-time and part-time workers. Overtime is set at 1.5 times the standard hourly rate for any hours worked beyond 40 per week. Non-cash perks, such as a company car, don’t count toward meeting minimum wage requirements.
Tipped workers earn a lower base wage, which increased from $12.60 to $19.90 CAD per hour on May 1, 2025. However, employers must ensure that their total earnings, including tips, reach the $16.10 minimum.
Agricultural workers, on the other hand, have separate piece rates. In 2025, raspberry pickers earn $4.78 per kilo (up from $4.68), and strawberry pickers earn $1.28 per kilo (up from $1.25).
A few exemptions apply, including:
- Students working at non-profits, like summer camps
- Trainees in recognized vocational programs
- Certain commission-only roles
Why Minimum Wage Matters
Minimum wage policies play a vital role in supporting low-income workers and reducing economic inequality. In Quebec, many workers rely on this baseline income to meet basic needs like housing, food, and transportation. For newcomers or those starting out in new roles, understanding minimum wage is key to evaluating job offers, negotiating pay, and planning a sustainable lifestyle.
Changes to the minimum wage also affect small businesses, provincial budgets, and employment rates. Even modest annual increases can have a ripple effect across industries, especially in sectors like retail, hospitality, and food services.
Minimum wage in Quebec vs other provinces
As shown below, Quebec’s minimum wage remains lower than many other provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, where rates exceed $17 CAD per hour. Alberta stands out for maintaining a $15.00 CAD minimum wage since 2018, despite rising inflation. Meanwhile, workers in federally regulated sectors—such as banking and postal services—are entitled to federal minimum wage, currently set at $17.75 CAD, which is $1.65 more than Quebec’s rate.
| 2022 (CAD) | 2023 (CAD) | 2024 (CAD) | 2025 (CAD) | |
| Federal | $15.55 | $16.65 | $17.30 | $17.75 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| British Colombia | $15.65 | $16.75 | $17.40 | $17.85 |
| Manitoba | $13.50 | $14.15 | $15.80 | $16.00 |
| New Brunswick | $13.75 | $14.75 | $15.30 | $15.65 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $13.70 | $15.00 | $15.60 | $16.00 |
| Northwest Territories | $15.20 | $16.05 | $16.70 | $16.95 |
| Nova Scotia | $13.60 | $15.00 | $15.20 | $16.50 |
| Nunavut | $16.00 | $16.00 | $19.00 | $19.75 |
| Ontario | $15.50 | $15.50 | $17.20 | $17.60 |
| Prince Edward Island | $13.70 | $15.00 | $16.00 | $17.00 |
| Quebec | $14.25 | $15.25 | $15.75 | $16.10 |
| Saskatchewan | $13.00 | $13.00 | $15.00 | $15.35 |
| Yukon | $15.70 | $16.77 | $17.59 | $17.95 |
How Quebec determines minimum wage increases
Minimum wage in Quebec is reviewed annually, with new rates typically announced early in the year and taking effect on May 1. The process is overseen by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail.
The CNESST aims to keep the minimum wage at about 50% of the province’s average hourly wage, striking a balance between rising living costs and the needs of employers.
Quebec minimum wage 2026: What we know so far
While the official Quebec minimum wage for 2026 won’t be confirmed until early next year, current data and past patterns offer strong clues about what to expect.
In September 2025, the Conseil du patronat du Quebec projected a 2.1% increase in average salaries for 2026, continuing the trend seen in 2025. If the CNESST maintains its usual approach of setting a minimum wage at around 50% of the provincial average hourly wage, this suggests a likely increase to about $16.45 CAD a year.
Other sources, like Normandin Beaudry’s Salary Increase Survey, predict overall wage growth of 3.1%, which would imply a possible minimum wage of $16.60 CAD if adopted as a benchmark.
When announcing the 2025 increase, Labour Minister Jean Boulet emphasized the importance of balancing workers’ purchasing power with small business sustainability—especially in a challenging economic environment. With a project economic slowdown, rising unemployment, and easing inflation heading into 2026, it’s reasonable to expect a modest increase that prioritizes stability while supporting both workers and employers.
What’s your take-home pay?
If you’re earning Quebec’s minimum wage and working full-time (40 hours per week), your gross annual income comes to $33,488 CAD. But after taxes and mandatory contributions, your take-home pay is significantly lower.
Here’s a breakdown based on 2025 rates:
| Base annual income ($33,488 CAD) | Rates (CAD) |
| Federal tax | $3,731 |
| Provincial tax | $2,417 |
| Quebec pension contribution | $1,844 |
| Employment insurance | $402 |
| Quebec parental insurance | $165 |
| Take-home pay | $24,929 |
| Monthly take-home | $2,077 |
These deductions help fund Canada’s public services, including healthcare, parental leave, retirement pensions, and employment insurance. While this system provides a strong safety net, it also means a noticeable difference between your gross and net income—especially for minimum wage earners.
If you work part-time or your hours vary, you can estimate your income using Talent.com’s Income Tax Calculator.
Is the minimum wage a living wage?
While Quebec’s minimum wage continues to rise, a full-time income of $33,488 CAD still falls short of what’s considered a living wage in most cities across the province.
Here’s a snapshot of estimated annual living costs in 2025 for individuals and families in key Quebec cities:
| City | Cost of living/single person (CAD) | Cost of living/family of four (CAD) |
| Montreal | $40,084 | $85,200 |
| Quebec City | $35,872 | $77,680 |
| Gatineau | $42,110 | $80,540 |
| Sherbrooke | $33,595 | $79,935 |
| Saguenay | $32,180 | $75,533 |
| Trois-Revieres | $31,696 | $72.081 |
| Sept-Iles | $42,884 | $85,463 |
According to the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS), a full-time worker in Montreal would need to earn $28 CAD per hour to afford a modest but decent lifestyle in 2025.
IRIS’s 11th annual report estimates that a single person needs between $31,696 and $42,884 CAD annually to meet basic needs in Quebec. In Montreal, the cost of living increased by 4.2% year over year—outpacing the latest 2.2% minimum wage increase.
This rise is largely driven by housing costs, with average rents climbing by 7.7%, and increases of over 10% for units with new tenants. With vacancy rates at a 15-year low, affordability pressures are expected to continue.
For Employers: Preparing for Wage Changes
Quebec’s minimum wage adjustments impact not only workers, but also employers—particularly small business owners.
To prepare for the 2026 increase, employers should:
- Review payroll budgets to plan for increased labour costs.
- Update payroll systems to ensure compliance by May 1, 2026.
- Communicate clearly with employees about any wage adjustments, especially if staffing or hours will change.
Proactive planning helps businesses stay compliant and maintain positive employee relationships.
Know what you will be paid in Quebec
On May 1, 2025, Quebec’s minimum wage rose to $16.10 CAD, reflecting a 2.2% annual increase. A similar adjustment is expected on May 1, 2026, with new rates to be confirmed by the CNESST early in the year and published on their official website.
While these increases help, the gap between wages and the cost of living in Quebec remains a challenge for many workers. To better understand how far your income can go—and how to plan ahead—check out our complete guide to the cost of living in Canada.
Stay Informed About Quebec Minimum Wage Changes
Minimum wage rates are reviewed annually in Quebec, and staying updated can help you plan ahead. To keep track of changes:
- Visit the CNESST website for official announcements.
- Subscribe to updates from the Quebec Ministry of Labour.
- Follow trusted news sources and government social media channels for timely updates.
Being informed empowers you to make smarter financial and employment decisions.
FAQs
What is the current minimum wage in Quebec?
As of May 2025, Quebec’s minimum wage is $16.10 CAD per hour, or $12.90 CAD for tipped workers. The next update is scheduled for May 1, 2026.
Will my employer raise my pay if I already earn above minimum wage?
Not necessarily. Employers are only required to adjust wages if an employee earns below the new minimum rate.
How is overtime calculated in Quebec?
Any hours worked over 40 per week must be paid at 1.5 times your regular hourly wage.
Can you live on minimum wage in Quebec?
For most regions, minimum wage falls below the cost of living. Many workers rely on strategies like shared housing or budgeting tools to make ends meet.
What is considered a good salary in Quebec?
A salary of $65,000 CAD or more is often considered livable in major cities. Earning $90,000 CAD+ would generally place you in a higher income bracket.
When will Quebec announce the 2026 minimum wage?
Typically in early spring, a few months before the new rate takes effect on May 1.
Does Quebec’s minimum wage apply to students or part-time workers?
Yes, the minimum wage applies to both full-time and part-time employees, including students, unless they fall under a specific exemption.