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What is the minimum wage rate in Québec?
✓ Verified answer Written from official pages, with checked citations and a verification date.
General information: in 2026, the general minimum wage rate in Québec is $16.60 per hour, in effect since May 1, 2026. The tipped-employee minimum wage, reserved for a specific category of workers in certain businesses, is $13.30 per hour. These rates are reviewed in May: the table on Québec.ca shows an increase in May every year, so a new rate may apply after the next May 1. Some people are not covered by the minimum wage standards.
Official page: Minimum wage in Québec (CNESST) ↗
Key facts
- General rate
- $16.60 per hour (in effect since May 1, 2026).
- Tipped-employee rate
- $13.30 per hour, reserved for a specific category of workers in certain businesses.
- Berry picking
- $4.93 per kilogram for raspberry picking and $1.32 per kilogram for strawberry picking (rates announced for May 1, 2026).
- Who is entitled
- Workers, full time or part time. There are exceptions.
- When to check again
- After May 1 each year: the table of increases on Québec.ca shows an increase in May every year.
Steps
- Find the rate that applies to you: the general rate is $16.60 per hour (in effect since May 1, 2026) and the tipped-employee rate is $13.30 per hour.
- Check whether you are considered a tipped employee. Only these people can be paid the tipped-employee rate: they usually receive tips and work, full time or part time, in a restaurant (except certain fast-food establishments), for a business that sells, delivers or serves meals to be eaten off the premises, in a place where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed on site, or in a tourist accommodation establishment.
- Compare your hourly wage to that rate. Tipped employees must receive an hourly wage equal to or higher than the minimum rate, not counting tips.
- If you are paid by the piece or on commission, you must receive at least the equivalent of the hourly minimum wage for the time worked.
- Keep in mind that your employer must pay you at least the minimum wage even if you receive certain benefits, such as a car or housing.
- See whether you fall under the exceptions: the CNESST states that the minimum wage standards do not apply to everyone (a student working for certain non-profit organizations, certain trainees, etc.).
- Check the rate again after May 1 each year: a new increase may then apply.
General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.
Sources
- Salaire minimum au Québec (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST))
- Salaire au pourboire (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST))
- Hausse du salaire minimum - Dès aujourd'hui, le taux général du salaire minimum s'établit à 16,60 $ l'heure (Ministère du Travail (Québec.ca))
Checked on October 5, 2026. Rules, deadlines and fees can change: always confirm on the official page above. Demande au Québec is an independent website, not a government site.
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