Ontario is one of Canada’s most populous provinces, with a significant number of students who work part-time jobs while attending school. Whether it’s to help pay for living expenses, contribute to tuition fees, or gain work experience, many students rely on part-time work as part of their educational journey. However, navigating the minimum wage laws in Ontario can be confusing, especially when it comes to the specific provisions for student workers.

The student minimum wage in Ontario is a policy designed to give young people the opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable work experience, but at a lower rate than the general minimum wage. The goal is to support students in their educational and personal pursuits while still encouraging employers to hire them for part-time, entry-level roles. This blog post will take a deep dive into Ontario’s student minimum wage, examining who qualifies for it, how it compares to the general minimum wage, and what impact it has on students – both local and international. We’ll also provide some practical strategies for students looking to find part-time jobs and make the most of their earnings.

Student Minimum Wage in Ontario?

As of April 2025, the student minimum wage in Ontario is set at $16.20 per hour. This wage is applicable to students who are under the age of 18 and are working fewer than 28 hours per week during the school term. This rate applies to students working during breaks or in the summer, when they may work full-time or near full-time hours.

The idea behind the student minimum wage is to offer students a chance to earn money while still allowing them the flexibility to focus on their studies. It is lower than the general minimum wage, which reflects the fact that many students may not have extensive work experience. Moreover, students are typically part-time workers with irregular schedules, making it more practical for employers to offer jobs at a slightly lower wage.

For students who work more than 28 hours in a week, they are entitled to the general minimum wage rate, which as of April 2025 is $17.20 per hour. This means that if a student works full-time hours, they will receive the same wage as any adult worker in Ontario. This distinction between the two wage rates helps ensure that students are compensated appropriately without placing too much financial burden on employers who are hiring them for entry-level positions.

Why Does Ontario Have a Separate Student Minimum Wage?

The introduction of a separate student minimum wage was designed to address the specific needs of young workers in Ontario. It allows students to gain valuable work experience without the financial strain on employers, who are typically hiring workers with limited experience and availability. Here are some reasons why Ontario has a separate wage for students:

1. Supporting Young Workers: Many students lack the professional experience that adult workers bring to the table. The lower student wage reflects this lack of experience and offers employers an incentive to hire students for entry-level roles. Students, in turn, gain valuable skills and work experience that can help them build their resumes for future employment opportunities.
2. Encouraging Work Experience: One of the primary goals of the student minimum wage is to encourage students to enter the workforce and start building their careers early. Work experience is an important part of a student’s education, as it provides practical knowledge that can complement their studies. By offering a lower wage, the policy makes it more feasible for students to find jobs without placing too much of a financial burden on employers, particularly small businesses.
3. Balancing Fair Pay and Employer Costs: Employers often hesitate to hire students for part-time roles because they may not have the same level of expertise as more experienced workers. Offering a separate minimum wage for students helps strike a balance by providing a fair wage for students while ensuring that employers can afford to hire them. This policy benefits both students and employers by enabling students to gain work experience and employers to benefit from a flexible and affordable workforce.

The student minimum wage has been praised for helping young workers start their careers, but it also ensures that employers do not face an unfair financial burden when hiring students. This helps create a win-win situation for both students and employers alike.

Comparison of Student Minimum Wage vs General Minimum Wage

Ontario’s general minimum wage for workers who are not classified as students is $17.20 per hour as of April 2025. This wage applies to individuals over the age of 18, as well as students who work more than 28 hours a week. For many students, this is the general wage they can expect to earn if they work full-time or during school breaks.

The key difference between the student minimum wage and the general minimum wage lies in the following:

Student Minimum Wage: $16.20 per hour

General Minimum Wage: $17.20 per hour

The rationale behind the wage difference is relatively straightforward. Students, especially those under the age of 18, are often less experienced in the workforce. In many cases, they may be entering the job market for the first time. The student wage is meant to reflect that students are typically part-time employees with limited professional experience. Employers are more likely to hire students at this rate because it is a lower financial commitment compared to hiring a full-time employee who is generally more experienced.

While the wage difference might seem small, it can have a significant impact on students’ earnings, especially for those working part-time jobs during the school year. However, the general minimum wage applies to students who work more than 28 hours per week, which allows them to earn a higher wage when they work full-time hours during holidays or summer breaks.

Impact on International Students in Ontario

International students in Ontario are subject to the same minimum wage rates as their Canadian counterparts. This means that international students who are under 18 and work fewer than 28 hours per week during the school term are entitled to the student minimum wage of $16.20 per hour.

For international students, the ability to work while studying is essential for covering living expenses, tuition, and other costs. Many international students face additional financial pressures due to the high cost of tuition and living expenses in Ontario. Having access to a minimum wage ensures that international students can earn money while managing their studies.

However, international students also face unique challenges in the workforce. Language barriers, cultural differences, and the complexities of immigration status can sometimes make it difficult for them to secure work. Despite these challenges, the student minimum wage provides a level of financial support that can ease their financial burdens and allow them to gain work experience. For many international students, working part-time is an essential part of their academic journey and their overall experience in Ontario.

Other Important Employment Standards for Students in Ontario

Students working in Ontario are protected by the Ontario Employment Standards Act, which outlines the basic rights of all workers, including students. These rights ensure that students are treated fairly in the workplace and that their employers adhere to basic standards of employment.

Some important rights for student workers include:

1. Paid Breaks: If a student works more than five hours in a shift, they are entitled to at least a 30-minute unpaid break. This ensures that students can rest during their shifts and remain productive throughout their workday.
2. Overtime Pay: If a student works more than 44 hours in a week, they are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly wage. This means that students who work long hours will be compensated fairly for their additional time.
3. Paid Holidays: Students are entitled to take public holidays off with pay, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. This ensures that students can enjoy time off during the holidays without losing income.
4. Health and Safety Regulations: Employers are required to provide a safe work environment for all employees, including students. If a student feels their workplace is unsafe, they have the right to report it without fear of retaliation.

Knowing these rights is essential for students who work while studying. It ensures that they are not taken advantage of by employers and that their work environment remains safe and fair.

Practical Strategies for Students Looking for Jobs in Ontario

For students looking for part-time work in Ontario, there are a number of strategies they can use to increase their chances of finding a job. Below are some practical things you need to know and do;

1. Start Looking Early: Many employers begin hiring for part-time roles months in advance. Students should start searching for jobs early, especially before major school breaks like the summer or winter holidays.
2. Network: Building a network of contacts can be crucial when searching for work. Students can ask professors, fellow students, or family members for leads on job openings. Networking helps students tap into the “hidden job market” where positions may not be advertised publicly.
3. Tailor Your Resume: When applying for jobs, students should tailor their resumes to highlight relevant skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and any volunteer work they’ve done. Even without formal work experience, students can demonstrate their abilities through extracurricular activities or school projects.
4. Look for On-Campus Jobs: Many universities offer on-campus employment opportunities specifically for students. These jobs are often flexible and understand the scheduling needs of students. Examples include working in the library, student union, or research labs.
5. Balance Work and Study: It’s essential for students to strike a balance between their work and academic commitments. Taking on too many work hours can negatively affect a student’s performance in school. Students should prioritize their studies and only take on jobs that fit into their academic schedule.

Conclusion

Getting to know Ontario’s student minimum wage is crucial for any student working while studying. It ensures that students are compensated fairly for their time and efforts while also providing them with valuable work experience. The student wage provides an opportunity for young workers to gain skills without putting undue strain on employers. Students should be aware of their rights under the Ontario Employment Standards Act and ensure they are being treated fairly by their employers.

By staying informed about the student minimum wage and other employment standards, students can make the most of their part-time jobs while navigating the demands of their academic work. This understanding empowers students to enter the workforce with confidence, secure in the knowledge that they are being compensated appropriately for their time and effort.