Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased to $16.75 per hour today, April 1, 2026. A second increase will bring the rate to $17 per hour on October 1, 2026. These adjustments reflect the consumer price index plus one per cent, as outlined in the minimum wage regulations.
The previous rate was $16.50 per hour. This marks the eighth increase since April 2021, when the minimum wage was $12.95 per hour.
“Minimum wage workers show up every day in workplaces across Nova Scotia,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “This increase means more money in the pockets of hard-working Nova Scotians to help pay for groceries, rent and everyday expenses. We will continue to raise the minimum wage in a fair and predictable way.”
The increase follows the unanimous recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which includes representatives of employees and employers.
The Province continues to support residents through programs and services including:
- Over $680 million in tax-saving measures, saving the average Nova Scotian family more than $1,400 this year
- Making the Heating Assistance Rebate Program permanent at $400 per year
- Investing $1.7 billion through Our Homes, Action for Housing, the government’s five-year housing plan
- Increasing support for people on income assistance and indexing it to inflation
- Providing skills development and training programs to connect more people to jobs
These measures aim to improve the financial well-being of Nova Scotians and support workforce participation.