Vacation pay · Manitoba
Manitoba vacation pay.
How much vacation pay you are owed in Manitoba, and how many weeks of vacation time your years of service entitle you to.
Manitoba gives two weeks of vacation and 4% vacation pay after each of the first four years, rising to three weeks and 6% once you complete five consecutive years with the same employer.
Completing the fifth year triggers a retroactive top-up: the extra 2% is owed on the prior year’s earnings that were already paid at 4%.
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Your vacation entitlement
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How Manitoba 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% |
Manitoba has a step other provinces do not: in your fifth year you earn 4%, but as soon as the fifth year is complete you become entitled to 6% on the prior year’s earnings, so the employer owes an extra 2% on wages already paid at 4%. On $40,000 that is an additional $800. If employment ends within the fifth year before it is complete, the payout is at 4% only. Vacation pay must be paid within ten months of being earned and no later than the last working day before the vacation starts.
Source, last verified 2 September 2026: Manitoba Employment Standards — Vacations and vacation pay fact sheet.
Frequently asked questions
How much vacation pay does Manitoba require?
4% of gross wages with two weeks of vacation for each of the first four years, and 6% with three weeks after completing five consecutive years with the same employer.
Manitoba expresses it as 2% per week of vacation, which is why the two figures line up with two and three weeks.
What is the Manitoba fifth-year retroactive top-up?
In your fifth year you earn 4%. The moment the fifth year is complete, you become entitled to 6% on the prior year’s earnings — so your employer owes an extra 2% on wages already paid at the lower rate.
Manitoba’s own example: $40,000 earned and paid at 4% is $1,600; on completing five years, a further $800 is owed. If employment ends within the fifth year before it completes, the payout stays at 4%.
Does overtime count toward Manitoba vacation pay?
No. Manitoba calculates vacation pay on gross wages meaning regular wages plus general holiday pay, and expressly excludes overtime wages, wages in lieu of notice, and the previous year’s vacation wages.
Commission, salary, hourly pay and productivity bonuses are all included.
What happens if a holiday falls during my vacation in Manitoba?
General holidays are not counted as vacation days. A general holiday falling during your vacation gives you another day off with pay, plus general holiday wages.
Vacation pay must be paid no later than the last day of work before the vacation, and within ten months of being earned.
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 Manitoba is set by Manitoba Employment Standards.
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.