Nova Scotia’s minimum wage to hit $17 in October 2026

Person holds open wallet with several notes of Canadian cash. (Pexels)

Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will increase twice next year, reaching $17 per hour in October 2026.

The current rate is $16.50 per hour after an increase of $1.30 per hour this year. The last increase came into effect on Oct. 1.

That rate will increase by 25 cents on April 1, 2026, to $16.75 per hour. Minimum wage will go up another 25 cents, to $17, on Oct. 1, 2026.

The province says the increases follow a unanimous recommendation from the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which is made up of employer and employee representatives. They recommended continuing to apply the legislated formula of the consumer price index (CPI) plus one per cent, with a two-stage increase to give businesses additional time to adjust after last year’s increases.

According to the province, minimum wage earners in Nova Scotia typically work in the retail, accommodations and food industries:

• 57 per cent are female
• 39 per cent have post-secondary education
• 38 per cent are over the age of 30
• 72 per cent hold permanent jobs
• 41 per cent work full-time

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page