Vacation pay · New Brunswick
New Brunswick vacation pay.
How much vacation pay you are owed in New Brunswick, and how many weeks of vacation time your years of service entitle you to.
New Brunswick pays vacation at 4% of gross wages with two weeks off, rising to 6% and three weeks after eight years of service.
Vacation pay is calculated on gross wages before deductions, and vacation time is the lesser of a monthly accrual or the annual maximum.
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Your vacation entitlement
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How New Brunswick vacation entitlement steps up
| Length of service | Vacation time | Vacation pay |
|---|---|---|
| From the first year up to 8 years | 2 weeks | 4% |
| 8 years and over | 3 weeks | 6% |
New Brunswick expresses vacation time as the lesser of a per-month accrual or an annual maximum: under eight years, at least one day per month worked or two weeks a year, whichever is less; after eight years, 1¼ days per month or three weeks a year. You can take vacation after one year of service, the employer must grant it no later than four months after it is earned, accumulated vacation pay is paid at least one day before the vacation begins, and the employer must give a week’s notice if it sets the dates.
Source, last verified 2 September 2026: Government of New Brunswick — Paid public holidays, vacation time and vacation pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much vacation pay does New Brunswick require?
4% of gross wages before deductions for employees with less than eight years of service, and 6% after eight years.
The percentage is applied to gross wages, so it is calculated before income tax, CPP and EI come off.
How much vacation time do I get in New Brunswick?
Under eight years, the lesser of at least one day per month worked or at least two weeks a year. After eight years, the lesser of 1¼ days per month or three weeks a year.
The "lesser of" wording matters for part-year employees: a few months of work earns days, not the full two weeks.
When can I take vacation in New Brunswick?
After one year of service. The employer must grant the vacation no later than four months after it is earned.
Accumulated vacation pay must be paid at least one day before the vacation begins, and the employer must give a week’s notice if it is setting the dates.
Is vacation pay calculated before or after deductions in New Brunswick?
Before. The province is explicit that the percentage applies to gross wages before deductions.
Vacation pay itself is then subject to the usual income tax, CPP and EI withholding when it is paid to you.
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 New Brunswick is set by New Brunswick 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.