Alberta Living Wage Network Releases 2024 Living Wage Rates in partnership with 21 Communities
The Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN) is pleased to announce the 2024 living wage rates for 21 communities across the province.These updated figures highlight the hourly wage required for individuals and families to meet their basic needs and maintain a modest standard of living.
The living wage is calculated based on the local costs of housing, food, childcare, transportation, clothing, healthcare, continuing education, a small amount which allows people to participate in the community,and savings for unexpected costs. It accounts for all government benefits and taxes and is based on the needs of three household types: a family of four, alone-parent family with one child, and a single individual.
2024 Living Wage Rates by Community:
Airdrie: $24.30
Barrhead: $24.50
Bonnyville: $23.60
Brooks: $18.50
Calgary: $24.45
Cold Lake: $19.55
Drayton Valley: $19.85
Edmonton: $20.85
Fort McMurray: $23.50
Grande Prairie: $18.85
High River: $21.50
Jasper: $31.40
Lethbridge: $20.00
Lloydminster (AB/SK): $18.75
Medicine Hat: $17.55
Red Deer: $18.90
Rocky Mountain House: $23.75
Special Areas: $22.60
Spruce Grove: $20.65
St. Albert: $21.75
Stony Plain: $21.30
These rates reflect variations in affordability across Alberta, influenced by factors such as housing costs, childcare expenses, and local economic conditions. The small and mid-sized cities such as Brooks and Medicine Hat demonstrate lower living wage thresholds while others are much higher due to some communities experiencing a housing crisis and some rural communities with higher transportation expenses and childcare costs.
Living Wage: A Tool for Equity and Stability
The living wage is not a mandatory minimum wage but a benchmark for employers and policymakers. It underscores the importance of fair compensation to ensure families can thrive, participate in their communities, and manage unforeseen expenses.
Quotes from the Alberta Living Wage Network
"A living wage is about helping workers and families live with dignity. It’s not just a number; it’s a promise that people can meet their basic needs. Employers across Alberta who pay a living wage are making areal difference in their communities, and we’re grateful for their support in building a fairer, stronger Alberta for everyone."
- Franco Savoia, Chair, Alberta Living Wage Network
"We work closely with communities across Alberta to support annual living wage calculations and raise awareness about the cost of living in Alberta. For us, employers are our partners in ensuring Alberta workers and their families can access the basic necessities of daily life."
- Ryan Lacanilao, Coordinator & Economist, Alberta Living Wage Network
Employer Quotes
"Our organization was the first certified Living Wage Employer in Lethbridge and we have been able to not only maintain our team, but keep them engaged and enthusiastic about our work, increase our capacity as an organization, and have had an easier time recruiting because we are a Living Wage Employer."
- Danielle McIntyre, Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge
"With the affordability crisis being experienced all across our country, and as a workers' rights organization, it's essential for us to do our part to ensure that our employees have what they need, not just to live, but to thrive. We are proud to have provided a raise to our employees earlier this year, ensuring that they are compensated well above the living wage so that they can provide for themselves and their families, enjoy their lives outside of work and take care of their physical and mental well being. We encourage all Alberta employers to take similar steps: it benefits not just employees, but the workplace as a whole."
- Carolyn Krahn, Workers' Resource Centre
Resources
See the full methodology including a breakdown for each community.
View ALWN’s common questions and answers about living wages and how employers can get certified.
About the Alberta Living Wage Network
The Alberta Living Wage Network is a network of community organizations and municipalities with the goal of advancing a coordinated living wage movement in Alberta. The network assists communities in their annual living wage calculation and has certified more than 130 living wage employers in the province. For more information, visit livingwagealberta.ca and follow@livingwageab on Twitter or Instagram.