Minimum Wage in Alberta
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If you work in a federally regulated industry — like a bank, airline, railway, telecom company, or interprovincial trucking firm — the federal minimum wage applies to you. The rate is adjusted every April 1 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Check the current amount at canada.ca/minimum-wage.
If your province or territory has a higher minimum wage, your employer must pay you the higher amount.
When does it apply?
- You work for a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and more).
- There is no tip exemption at the federal level — tipped workers get the same minimum wage.
- Independent contractors are not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified as a contractor, you may still have rights.
What to Do If Your Canadian Employer Is Paying You Below Minimum Wage
- Keep every pay stub and record of hours worked.
- Talk to your employer or HR department first — the issue may be a simple payroll mistake.
- If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You have 24 months from the date of the violation.
- Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you're stuck with a low wage — the law sets a floor your employer must respect.
- Don't quit your job before filing a complaint. You have stronger protections while still employed.
- Don't accept being called an independent contractor if you work like an employee. Misclassification doesn't erase your rights.
How Alberta differs from federal law
Alberta sets its own minimum wage under the Employment Standards Code, RSA 2000, c. E-9. The general minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour. Unlike several other provinces, Alberta has not increased its minimum wage since October 2018.
- Students under 18 who work 28 hours a week or less earn a lower rate of $13.00 per hour.
- Salespersons and domestic employees have specific minimum wage rules set out in the Employment Standards Regulation.
- There is no separate server or liquor-server minimum wage in Alberta — all workers earn the general rate.
- Employers cannot deduct costs for uniforms, tools, or cash shortages from your pay if the deduction would bring you below minimum wage.
- The Employment Standards Code applies to most Alberta workplaces. Federally regulated workers (banks, telecom, airlines, interprovincial transport) follow the federal Canada Labour Code instead.
Additional Steps in Alberta
If your employer is paying below minimum wage, file a complaint with Alberta Employment Standards. You can file online at alberta.ca/employment-standards or call the Employment Standards Contact Centre at 1-877-427-3731. Complaints must be filed within 6 months of the last day of employment or within 6 months of the alleged violation. You do not need a lawyer to file.
Relevant Law: Employment Standards Code, RSA 2000, c. E-9, s. 8; Employment Standards Regulation, Alta. Reg. 14/1997, Part 2 (Minimum Wage)
Common Questions
When does minimum wage apply?
You work for a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, interprovincial transport, and more).There is no tip exemption at the federal level — tipped workers get the same minimum wage.Independent contractors are not covered. If you think you've been wrongly classified as a contractor, you may still have rights.
What should I do if my Canadian employer is paying me less than minimum wage?
Keep every pay stub and record of hours worked.Talk to your employer or HR department first — the issue may be a simple payroll mistake.If that doesn't work, file a complaint with the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You have 24 months from the date of the violation.Call the Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049 for help.
What mistakes should I avoid with minimum wage?
Don't assume you're stuck with a low wage — the law sets a floor your employer must respect.Don't quit your job before filing a complaint. You have stronger protections while still employed.Don't accept being called an independent contractor if you work like an employee. Misclassification doesn't erase your rights.
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