Québec, April 29, 2024. – In 2023, there were about 177,000 minimum wage jobs in Québec, or slightly over 4% of the labour force, compared to 7.6% in Ontario. On May 1, 2024, minimum wage will go up to $15.75 in Québec, while it is $16.55 in Ontario, a difference of $0.80.
For International Workers’ Day, the Institut de la statistique du Québec is releasing a portrait of changes in minimum wage jobs in Québec in the past 25 years (in French only).
Highlights for Québec
- The majority of people earning minimum wage in 2023 were women (55%) and young people (57%), the same as 25 years ago (60% and 55%, respectively).
- The share of people aged 55 and over earning minimum wage has increased from 6% to 16%. This change reflects the aging workforce, but also greater labour market participation among those aged 55 and over.
- About 63% of people earning minimum wage worked less than 30 hours a week in 2023, versus 52% in 1998.
- Minimum wage job duration has increased over the past 25 years, meaning that people are working minimum wage jobs longer.
For 25 years, the Institut de la statistique du Québec has been producing, analyzing, and disseminating official, objective and high-quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.