What the Living Wage Means for You
The living wage is the hourly rate a worker needs to earn to cover the basic expenses of living in British Columbia. It’s not about luxury, it’s about ensuring you and your family can afford essentials like food, rent, transportation, and child care without having to choose between them.
In 2025, the living wage in BC ranges from $21.55 to $29.60 per hour, depending on where you live. This is what it actually takes to live with dignity in our communities.
Why It Matters
- You deserve more than minimum wage. The minimum wage is only $17.85 an hour, and yet everywhere the cost of living is more than that
- Living wages reduce stress. When you earn enough to meet your needs, you can focus on your health, your family, and your future.
- It’s about respect. A living wage recognizes the value of your work and your contribution to society.
What You Can Do
- Check if your employer is a Living Wage Employer. Over 450 organizations in BC have committed to paying their staff and contractors a living wage. Check our list of employers to see if yours is one of them
- Start the conversation at work. Ask your employer if they’ve considered becoming a Living Wage Employer. Share why it matters to you and your coworkers. Connect with your union, staff association, or workplace committee to advocate for living wages together
- Share your story. Personal experiences are powerful. Tell us how earning a living wage (or not) has impacted your life. Your story could inspire change.
- Invite us to speak. We offer presentations and workshops for workplaces, community groups, and events. Let us know if you'd like to host one.
- Get in touch. With any ideas or questions for how to spread the word in your community. Please drop us an email - [email protected] or give us a call 236-558-2635.
If you work for a Living Wage Employer
Here are a few things you should know:
- Benefits count. If your employer provides benefits like extended health coverage or education and training, those can be factored into your total compensation to meet the living wage. We have a calculator you can use to work out the value of your benefits.
- Timely updates. When new living wage rates are announced, your employer has up to six months (until May the following year) to adjust wages and recertify.
- We’re here for you. If you have questions, concerns, or feel your employer isn’t meeting the commitment, we’re here to help. Please drop us an email - [email protected] or give us a call 236-885-7583. Anything you share will remain confidential.
Your Voice Matters
Living Wage BC is powered by workers like you. Whether you're in retail, hospitality, health care, or any other sector, your experience helps shape the campaign. Share your story, connect with others, and help us build a province where no one is left behind.
Resources for Workers
We've produced a series of toolkits to help make the case for a Living Wage. Download them and share with your network:
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