General minimum wage
Nova Scotia Minimum Wage 2026
The Nova Scotia minimum wage is $17.00 an hour, in effect since October 1, 2026.
Official 2026 rates, verified October 9, 2026
Nova Scotia had two increases in 2026, on April 1 and October 1.
Nova Scotia minimum wage pay by hours worked
| Hours per week | Per week | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 hours | $340.00 | $1,473 | $17,680 |
| 30 hours | $510.00 | $2,210 | $26,520 |
| 37.5 hours | $637.50 | $2,762 | $33,150 |
| 40 hours | $680.00 | $2,947 | $35,360 |
Take-home pay on minimum wage in Nova Scotia
| Gross pay (40 hours × 52 weeks) | $35,360 |
| Income tax | −$4,182 |
| CPP | −$1,896 |
| EI | −$576 |
| Take-home pay | $28,706 |
| Take-home per hour | $13.80 |
See your exact pay with the Nova Scotia income tax calculator or the hourly to salary calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Nova Scotia in 2026?
$17.00 an hour, in effect since October 1, 2026. It was $16.75 before that.
How much is minimum wage per year in Nova Scotia?
$35,360 before tax for 40 hours a week all year, or $33,150 at 37.5 hours. After tax, CPP and EI, a full-time worker takes home about $28,706.
When does the Nova Scotia minimum wage go up next?
Nova Scotia had two increases in 2026, on April 1 and October 1.
Minimum wage in other provinces
| Province / territory | Minimum wage | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Nunavut | $20.17/hr | September 1, 2026 |
| Yukon | $18.51/hr | April 1, 2026 |
| British Columbia | $18.25/hr | June 1, 2026 |
| Ontario | $17.95/hr | October 1, 2026 |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.30/hr | October 1, 2026 |
| Northwest Territories | $17.20/hr | September 1, 2026 |
| Nova Scotia | $17.00/hr | October 1, 2026 |
| Quebec | $16.60/hr | May 1, 2026 |
| Manitoba | $16.40/hr | October 1, 2026 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.35/hr | April 1, 2026 |
| New Brunswick | $15.90/hr | April 1, 2026 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.70/hr | October 1, 2026 |
| Alberta | $15.00/hr | October 1, 2018 |
| Federal (federally regulated jobs) | $18.15/hr | April 1, 2026 |
All rates and amounts on this page are taken from official government sources, including the Canada Revenue Agency, Revenu Québec and provincial and territorial finance ministries. Last verified October 9, 2026.