Ontario to Raise Minimum Wage in October 2025 

Ontario workers will see a boost in their hourly pay starting October 1, 2025. The general minimum wage will rise from $17.20 to $17.60 per hour. This 40-cent increase equals about 2.3% and gives full-time workers roughly $832 more per year before taxes. The move aims to help workers keep up with rising living costs.

This is part of Ontario’s annual adjustment linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the price changes of essentials like food, housing, and transportation. The goal is to prevent wages from falling behind as expenses grow.

Student Wages Also Going Up
Students under 18 who work part-time will also benefit. Their hourly rate will increase from $16.20 to $16.60. This applies if they work 28 hours or less during school weeks or any number of hours during breaks. While it’s still lower than the general rate, it offers young workers a fairer income.

Remote-working students, such as online tutors, will receive the higher homeworker wage.

Remote Workers See Bigger Increase
People working from home will get the highest jump. Their minimum wage will rise from $18.90 to $19.35 per hour. This group includes freelancers, virtual assistants, and home-based workers. The extra pay helps offset higher personal expenses like electricity, internet, and workspace costs.

Boost for Outdoor Guides
Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides follow a daily rate system. Their pay will also increase on October 1, 2025.

• Less than 5 hours: $88.05 per day (up from $86)
  
• 5 or more hours: $176.15 per day (up from $172.05)
  

These modest boosts help cover gear, travel, and other costs common in outdoor jobs.

Living Wage Gap Still Large
Even with these increases, Ontario’s minimum wage falls short of the “living wage”—the amount needed for a decent standard of living without financial stress. In 2024, the provincial average living wage was about $21.66 per hour. In the Greater Toronto Area, it was $26.00 per hour.

The new $17.60 rate leaves a gap of over $4 provincially and over $8 in Toronto. For many workers, minimum wage earnings still can’t fully cover rent, groceries, and bills in high-cost areas.

A Step Forward, But Not Enough
The October wage hike will help thousands of workers, from students to guides. It reflects the government’s commitment to adjusting wages annually to match inflation. However, many believe larger increases are needed to close the gap between minimum and living wages.

With months before the change takes effect, employers can prepare, and workers can plan for slightly higher earnings this fall.