Effective September 1, 2026, the Northwest Territories’ minimum wage will increase from $16.95 per hour to $17.20 per hour. This increase is based on the percentage changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the average hourly wage for 2025.

In 2022, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) changed the way it calculates and adjusts the minimum wage. The new method has ensured moderate, predictable, and regular increases to the minimum wage rate, which helps provide stability and certainty for the territory’s business community while helping Northwest Territories’ residents keep up with the cost of living.  

This is the fourth consecutive year of using the minimum wage rate adjustment method. It ensures minimum wage earners receive a raise while keeping financial impacts on businesses more manageable. This measured approach fosters stability to ultimately build a stronger economy and workforce in the NWT. 

This past spring, a minimum wage survey conducted by the GNWT received close to 200 responses from employees and employers. A What We Heard Report summarizing the feedback collected will be published on our website later this summer.

While the GNWT is committed to using the annual formula, further public engagement will occur to help inform decisions about the minimum wage for 2027, which will include directly engaging with the NWT business community.

For more information on minimum wage in the NWT visit: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/en/minimum-wage

For media requests, please contact:

Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: ecepublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca