Labour Standards
As of October 1st, 2025, the minimum wage in Nova Scotia is $16.50 per hour.
Pay includes wages, holiday pay, and overtime pay. All together these forms of pay must add up to at least $16.50/hour. Vacation pay is separate and in addition to your wage.
Tips are not included in this calculation. Therefore, regardless of the tips you may receive, your employer must still provide you a base compensation of $16.50/hour.
Some workers are not entitled to a minimum wage. This may include:
Construction and building maintenance workers (different minimum wage rules apply)
Logging and forest operations (different minimum wage rules apply)
Certain farm employees
Apprentices
Employees of non-profit playgrounds and summer camps
Real estate and car salespeople
Insurance agents
Employees who work on fishing boats
Professional athletes
If you are unsure if the provincial minimum wage applies to you, please contact the Halifax Workers’ Action Centre