Apply for Living Wage Certification
The living wage is a regional calculation that looks at the amount that someone working full year, full time, need to earn to meet their expenses.
Step 1: Determine the living wage in your region.
You can see a map of the BC communities that have calculated a living wage rate. If you don’t see your community listed on the map or if you have any questions email us at [email protected]. We can help!
To calculate the living wage rate for each employer we take into account their employees’ total compensation package (wage + benefits). If employees receive non-mandatory benefits like extended health benefits, the living wage rate is reduced to take this into account. We have developed a calculator to work out the value of your benefits.
Step 2: Make a plan
A clear plan to bring your staff up to the Living Wage essential. Our Guide to Becoming a Living Wage Employer provides information on the criteria for certification and other information employers need to know.
Step 3: Apply for Certification
- If you are a small employer with under 50 staff, and based in one Living Wage region you can fill out this application form
- If you are a large employer (50 or more staff and/or based in more than one region), you will need to draft an implementation plan. Refer to the Employers Guide for more information.
Please contact us to answer any questions you might have. All conversations are confidential, and we won’t rush you through the process.
Once you have submitted your living wage application form or implementation plan, it will be reviewed by a committee of employers. This committee will approve your plan or ask for more information to strengthen your application. This process is to help you have as strong an implementation plan as possible.
To help recover the costs required to administer the program, we have charge certification and re-certification fees for Living Wage Employers. Read our blog post to find out more why we charge fees.
Type of organization |
Number of Staff in BC |
Price of recertification |
Price of certification |
For profit
|
0 - 50 staff |
$250 |
$300 |
51-250 |
$500 |
$600 |
|
251-500 |
$800 |
$1,000 |
|
501-1000 |
$1,000 |
$1,500 |
|
1000+ |
$1,500 |
$2,000 |
|
Not for profit
|
0 - 50 staff |
$100 |
$150 |
51-250 |
$200 |
$250 |
|
251-500 |
$400 |
$500 |
|
501-1000 |
$500 |
$750 |
|
1000+ |
$600 |
$800 |
|
Public body
|
0 - 50 staff |
$200 |
$250 |
51-250 |
$300 |
$400 |
|
251-500 |
$400 |
$500 |
|
501-1000 |
$500 |
$700 |
|
1000+ |
$750 |
$1,000 |
There will also be an additional charge for employers wanting to receive a Living Wage plaque.
The plaques are made by Eclipse Awards, a Living Wage Employer based in Vancouver.
Ready to apply?
Submit your initial application information using this form.
What Is a Living Wage Employer?
A Living Wage Employer is someone who pays all direct and contract staff the living wage rate for their region. They recognize that paying a living wage is an investment in the long-term prosperity of the economy.
We all have a role to play in ending poverty.
Paying a living wage
The living wage is a bare-bones calculation that looks at the amount someone needs to earn to meet their expenses. The living wage includes costs like rent and groceries as well as items like extended health care. It does not include debt repayment or savings for future plans.
To calculate the living wage rate, employers take into account their employees’ total wage plus benefits. If employees receive non-mandatory benefits, the living wage rate is reduced. See our benefits calculator for details.
Learn more about becoming a Living Wage Employer.
A better way to pay
Good for employers
Employers have found that implementing a living wage has increased their employee recruitment and retention. Vancity saw that the most significant impact was the swelling of pride in all staff after implementing a living wage. Staff at Living Wage Employers are proud to contribute to a company that ensures that no one is left behind.
"A living wage supports our organization's mission to promote equality, fairness and social inclusion." - BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre
Good for our community
We all pay for poverty in our communities. We pay in increased use of emergency health services when individuals aren’t able to afford to fill prescriptions. Our education system is stretched when parents aren’t able to support their children’s education because they are working multiple jobs. Investing in a living wage is investing in the health of our communities.
Good for the economy
When low-wage workers see an increase in their wages they spend their money locally. A living wage allows families to participate in the social, civic and cultural lives of their communities. They support local business and participate in community events. We all benefit when we reduce poverty in our communities.