Vacation pay · British Columbia
British Columbia vacation pay.
How much vacation pay you are owed in British Columbia, and how many weeks of vacation time your years of service entitle you to.
British Columbia pays vacation at 4% of wages with two weeks of vacation time after 12 months, rising to 6% and three weeks after five years of employment.
Vacation pay accrues from your first day even though the time off is taken after a year. Anyone employed five calendar days or less is not entitled to vacation pay.
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Your vacation entitlement
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How British Columbia vacation entitlement steps up
| Length of service | Vacation time | Vacation pay |
|---|---|---|
| From the first year up to 5 years | 2 weeks | 4% |
| 5 years and over | 3 weeks | 6% |
Employees earn vacation time during their first year and take it after 12 months, but vacation pay accrues from the start. Anyone employed five calendar days or less is not entitled to vacation pay. Vacation pay must be paid at least seven days before the vacation begins, unless a written agreement puts it on every cheque.
Source, last verified 2 September 2026: Government of B.C. — Vacation and vacation pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much vacation pay am I owed in BC?
At least 4% of all wages paid in the previous year for the first five years, and at least 6% after five years of employment.
Vacation pay is calculated on regular wages, salary, commissions, statutory holiday pay, employment-standards paid sick days and previously paid vacation pay.
When do I get three weeks of vacation in BC?
After five years of employment. Vacation time goes from two weeks to three and vacation pay from 4% to 6% at the same point.
Vacation time is earned during the first year and taken after 12 months of employment.
When must vacation pay be paid in BC?
At least seven days before your annual vacation starts, unless you have agreed in writing to have it paid on every cheque instead.
The seven-day rule exists so that the money is in your hands before the time off begins, not after you get back.
Do short-term employees get vacation pay in BC?
Employees who work more than five calendar days do. Anyone employed five calendar days or less is not entitled to annual vacation pay.
Otherwise vacation pay accrues from the start of employment, even in the first year before any vacation time can be taken.
Estimate only — not legal advice
This calculator produces an estimate from the published employment-standards minimums. It is not legal advice and it is not a determination of what you are owed. Vacation entitlement in British Columbia is set by the B.C. Employment Standards Branch.
Collective agreements, employment contracts, exemptions for your occupation, averaging agreements and permits can all change the answer. For a binding answer, contact the employment-standards office named above or a lawyer.