Current minimum wage for students (until September 30, 2026): $16.60/hour.
Starting October 1, 2026, it will be approximately $17.00 per hour, with the official rate announced by April.
Who Gets the Student Rate?
You only get paid the student minimum wage if all three of these apply:
- You’re under 18 years old
- You’re enrolled in school
- You work 28 hours a week or less during the school year (or work during school breaks)
Miss even one? You get the full general minimum wage instead.
When You Get Paid More (General Minimum Wage)
You must be paid the general minimum wage ($17.60 now, projected $18.00 in October 2026) if:
- You’re 18 or older (even if still in school)
- You work more than 28 hours in any week during school
- You’re not enrolled in school anymore
Important: If you work 29 hours one week, you get the general rate for that entire week—not just the extra hours.
Common Student Jobs
These jobs typically pay student minimum wage:
- Fast food and restaurants
- Retail stores
- Movie theatres
- Summer camps
- Lifeguarding
Watch Out: Unpaid "Internships" and "Contractor" Scams
Some employers try to avoid paying you at all. Here’s the truth:
“Unpaid Internship“: If you’re doing real work that helps the business make money, you need to be paid. True unpaid internships must be part of a formal school program for credit.
“Independent Contractor“: If your employer sets your schedule, tells you what to do, and provides equipment—you’re an employee, not a contractor. You must be paid minimum wage.
Not Getting Paid Right? Here's What to Do
Step 1: Keep your pay stubs and track your hours
Step 2: Talk to your boss if you feel safe doing so (sometimes it’s just a mistake)
Step 3: File a complaint with Ontario Ministry of Labour
- Call: 1-800-531-5551
- Online: ontario.ca/employmentstandards
- It’s free and they investigate for you
Step 4: Get a lawyer if:
- Your employer threatens or fires you for asking
- You’re owed a lot of money
- They’re calling you a “contractor” to avoid paying you
Your Other Rights
Beyond minimum wage, you also get:
- Overtime pay (1.5x after 44 hours/week)
- 3 hours minimum pay if sent home early
- Vacation pay (4% of what you earn)
- Safe working conditions
Your employer cannot fire or punish you for asking about your pay or filing a complaint.
Bottom Line
Current rate: $16.60/hour for students under 18 working ≤28 hours/week during school
After October 1, 2026: Approximately $17.00/hour
If you’re 18+ or work more than 28 hours: You get general minimum wage ($17.60 now, ~$18.00 in October 2026)
Your work has value. Make sure you’re getting paid what the law requires.
