Edmonton’s Living Wage Rises Over $7 Above Minimum Wage

Edmonton’s living wage has seen a significant increase, now calculated at $22.30 per hour, which is more than $7 above the provincial minimum wage. This latest figure, released in the 2025 Living Wage report by the Alberta Living Wage Network, marks a $1.45 rise from the previous year. The report highlights how various economic factors have influenced living expenses for residents in the region.

After a decline in living wage rates last year, several programs, including $10-a-day childcare and capped electricity rates, helped many Edmontonians manage their finances. However, the current report indicates that rising costs in vital areas, such as childcare, housing, and transportation, have driven up the living wage across much of Alberta.

The report reveals that more than half of Alberta communities are experiencing financial challenges due to the province’s new flat parent fee system for toddlers. In April 2025, the government replaced the former childcare subsidy with a fixed monthly fee of $326.25, which is an adjustment from a system that provided families earning under $120,000 with up to $892 per month in grants and subsidies.

Costs associated with transportation have also increased in Alberta, influenced by factors such as rising vehicle insurance premiums, higher financing rates, and increased mileage due to population growth and traffic congestion. The report indicates that these escalating expenses further contribute to the upward trend in living wage rates.

Rental prices, while experiencing a slight decline in Edmonton recently, continue to impact living wage calculations. The report notes that if St. Albert had maintained the same average rental rates as last year, its living wage rate would be nearly $2 lower than currently calculated.

A living wage is defined as the hourly income required for a worker to cover basic expenses and maintain a modest standard of living, factoring in government transfers and taxes. The report considers three household types for its calculations: a two-parent family with two children, a one-parent family with one child, and a single individual working full-time.

Alberta’s living wage figures vary significantly across the province, ranging from a high of $31.80 in Jasper to a low of $18.15 per hour in Medicine Hat. The current minimum wage in Alberta remains at $15.00 per hour, the lowest in Canada, and has not changed since 2018.

The full 2025 Living Wage report is available online for those interested in exploring the findings in greater detail.