Minimum Wage in Saskatchewan
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 Saskatchewan differs from federal law
Saskatchewan sets its own minimum wage under The Saskatchewan Employment Act, SS 2013, c. S-15.1. As of October 1, 2024, Saskatchewan's general minimum wage is $15.00 per hour. The rate is adjusted annually each October 1 based on changes in the Consumer Price Index and the average hourly wage.
- Saskatchewan does not have a lower minimum wage for servers, tipped employees, or students. All workers earn at least the general minimum wage.
- The minimum wage applies to most provincially regulated workers, including part-time, temporary, and casual employees. Federally regulated workers (banks, telecom, interprovincial transportation) follow the federal Canada Labour Code instead.
- The Employment Standards Division of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety enforces minimum wage compliance.
- Saskatchewan's economy includes significant agriculture, mining (potash, uranium), and oil and gas sectors. Some agricultural workers have different employment standards rules under the Act.
Additional Steps in Saskatchewan
If your employer is paying below minimum wage, file a complaint with the Saskatchewan Employment Standards Division online at saskatchewan.ca/employment-standards or by calling 306-787-2438 or 1-800-667-1783 (toll-free). Complaints should be filed within 1 year of the wages being earned. You do not need a lawyer to file.
Relevant Law: The Saskatchewan Employment Act, SS 2013, c. S-15.1, Part II (Employment Standards); The Minimum Wage Regulations, 2014
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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