Minimum Wage in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia's general hourly minimum wage, the next announced change and what a minimum-wage job pays after tax. Every rate is checked against the Nova Scotia government pages linked below.

General minimum wage

$17.00/hour

Since October 1, 2026

Next announced change

None yet

Not officially announced

Rank in Canada

7 of 13

Provinces and territories, highest first

Take-home pay at minimum wage

Pick your province and weekly hours to see what a minimum-wage job pays after 2026 income tax, CPP and EI.

Province / territory

Hours per week

Take-home pay per year

$28,706

From $35,360 gross ($17.00 × 40 hrs × 52 wks)

Per week

$552

$680 gross

Per hour after deductions

$13.80

18.8% of gross deducted

Federal income tax	−$2,091
Provincial income tax	−$2,091
CPP contributions	−$1,896
EI premiums	−$576
Take-home pay	$28,706

Full Nova Scotia take-home breakdown Check a weekly paycheque

Assumes 52 paid weeks, the basic personal amount only, and no other income. Estimates, not payroll advice.

Federally regulated workplaces in Nova Scotia

If you work for a federally regulated employer, such as a bank, airline, telecom company, or a railway or trucking firm that crosses provincial borders (see the federal list of regulated industries), the federal minimum wage of $18.15 per hour applies instead of Nova Scotia's rate. That is $1.15 an hour more than Nova Scotia's general rate. See all rates on the Canada minimum wage page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in Nova Scotia in 2026?

Nova Scotia's general minimum wage is $17.00 per hour, effective October 1, 2026. No increase has been officially announced yet. At 40 hours a week for 52 weeks that is $35,360 a year before tax.

When does Nova Scotia's minimum wage go up next?

No increase has been officially announced yet. This page adds the next rate once the government announces it.

Does the federal minimum wage apply in Nova Scotia?

Only to employees of federally regulated employers (for example banks, airlines, telecommunications, and railways or trucking that cross provincial borders). The federal minimum wage is $18.15 per hour, higher than Nova Scotia's $17.00, so those employers must pay at least the federal rate. Everyone else is covered by Nova Scotia's own minimum wage.

How much is minimum wage per year in Nova Scotia?

At $17.00 per hour, a 40-hour week for 52 weeks is $35,360 gross. Use the take-home block above to see the amount after income tax, CPP and EI for your own hours.

Minimum Wage in Nova Scotia

Take-home pay at minimum wage

Federally regulated workplaces in Nova Scotia

Frequently asked questions

Minimum wage in other provinces and territories

Sources

Related Calculators

Take-home pay

Federal + provincial income tax

CPP & EI premiums

Federal public service pay

All Canadian tax calculators