Short answer: In Newfoundland and Labrador, the minimum wage is $16.35 an hour from 1 April 2026. There is no lower wage for tipped staff: tips come on top of the full minimum wage. Yes.
Minimum wage and tips in Newfoundland and Labrador
| Newfoundland and Labrador | |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $16.35 an hour |
| In force since | 1 April 2026 |
| Lower wage for tipped staff | No |
Up 0.35 from 16.00. The rate is adjusted every 1 April with the national consumer price index under the Labour Standards Regulations.
No lower wage for tipped staff. Tips are not part of wages.
Upcoming changes
The rate is reset each 1 April, so the next change is due on 1 April 2027. The amount depends on the consumer price index and has not been announced.
Who owns the tips
Yes. Tips or gratuities are the property of the employee to whom or for whom they are given (Labour Standards Act, section 38(1)). Tips are excluded from the definition of wage. The Act sets no payment deadline for tips.
Tip pools
The Labour Standards Act does not set up tip pools. It says you cannot be required to share a tip with your employer, a manager or supervisor, or an employer's representative.
Can card fees come out of tips?
The Act lets an employer deduct only amounts that a provincial or federal law requires to be deducted from income (such as income tax), including from tips itemized on a card payment. It does not allow a card processing fee deduction.
Service charges
Yes. A surcharge or other charge paid instead of a tip is treated as a tip, so it belongs to the employee (Labour Standards Act, section 38(3)).
Income tax on tips in Newfoundland and Labrador
Tips are taxable income. The CRA says you must report all tips: direct tips go on your return and controlled tips (paid through your employer) should already be on your T4. We found no exemption or deduction for tips in federal or Newfoundland and Labrador tax rules.
The agency in charge is the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards.
Sharing tips fairly
To share a pool by hours or points, use the tip split calculator. For what a server owes support staff, use the tip-out calculator. Customs for visitors are in tipping in Canada.
Sources
- Minister Goosney Announces Increase to Minimum Wage Effective April 1, 2026
- Labour Standards Act, RSNL 1990 c L-2
- Individuals: Track and report your tips and gratuities
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Wages and rules change; check with the agency in charge before relying on a figure. This is general information, not legal advice.
Common questions
What is the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador?
$16.35 an hour, from 1 April 2026.
Is there a lower wage for tipped workers in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. Tipped workers get the full minimum wage, and tips come on top.
Can my employer keep my tips in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Tips or gratuities are the property of the employee to whom or for whom they are given (Labour Standards Act, section 38(1)). Tips are excluded from the definition of wage. The Act sets no payment deadline for tips.
Can my employer take card fees out of my tips in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Act lets an employer deduct only amounts that a provincial or federal law requires to be deducted from income (such as income tax), including from tips itemized on a card payment. It does not allow a card processing fee deduction.
Are tip pools allowed in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Labour Standards Act does not set up tip pools. It says you cannot be required to share a tip with your employer, a manager or supervisor, or an employer's representative.
App Store
Google Play