Free Tool
Vacation Pay Calculator
See how much vacation time and vacation pay an employee has earned, based on your province or territory and their years of service. Free, no sign-up.
Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere. The math runs in your browser.
How We Calculate This
Rules checked October 8, 2026. Each figure was checked against the employment standards law and the government's guidance page. Where they say different things, we follow the law. A few points are not settled by the law itself. We say so where they come up. For those points, check with the employment standards office for that jurisdiction.
The calculator multiplies the wages you enter by the vacation pay rate for the employee's years of service. Enter only the earnings that count in that jurisdiction. The calculator does not take out overtime, tips or other items for you.
Alberta
2 weeks after each of the first 4 years, 3 weeks after 5 consecutive years. Vacation pay is 4 percent with 2 weeks and 6 percent with 3 weeks. Time on leave counts as service.
Monthly Paid Employees
For a monthly paid employee, each week of vacation is paid at the monthly wage for normal hours divided by 4 1/3. That works out to the monthly wage times 3/13 for each week.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Salary, wages and commissions for work; Vacation pay paid in the previous year.
Leave out: Overtime pay; Vacation pay for the current year; General holiday pay; Termination pay; Discretionary bonuses; Expenses and allowances; Tips and gratuities.
Vacation pay paid in one year counts as wages for the next year's calculation. An employer who pays vacation pay each pay period does not have to calculate vacation pay on that vacation pay.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
The year of employment runs from the hire date. An employer may use a common anniversary date for all staff. Vacation must be given within 12 months after it is earned.
Next tier: 3 weeks and 6 percent for the year that completes 5 consecutive years.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Allowed. Vacation pay may be paid at any time, including on every cheque. If it has not been paid, it is due no later than the next regular payday after the vacation starts, or 1 day before the vacation if the employee asks.
When Someone Leaves
Before the first year is finished: 4 percent of wages. After that: any unpaid vacation pay already earned, plus 4 or 6 percent of wages since the last anniversary. Paid within 10 consecutive days after the end of the pay period in which employment ends, or within 31 days after the last day of work, depending on how employment ends.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as commissioned outside salespeople, real estate brokers, securities representatives, commission-only insurance agents, film extras, teachers and construction workers, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
British Columbia
2 weeks after 12 consecutive months, 3 weeks after 5 consecutive years. Vacation pay is 4 percent after 5 calendar days of employment and 6 percent after 5 consecutive years. The 6 percent applies to the wages of the year that completes 5 years.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Salary, wages, commissions and production or hours-based incentives; Overtime pay; Statutory holiday pay; Vacation pay already paid; Bonuses that meet the wages definition; Compensation for length of service and termination pay.
Leave out: Gratuities; Discretionary money not tied to hours, production or efficiency; Allowances and expenses.
Total wages are the base. Vacation pay received becomes part of total wages.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
The year runs from the hire date. An employer may set a common vacation date. Vacation must be taken within 12 months after it is earned.
Next tier: 6 percent and 3 weeks for the year that completes 5 consecutive years.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Allowed only with agreement. Otherwise, vacation pay is due at least 7 days before the vacation starts. Paying it on every scheduled payday needs a written agreement or a collective agreement.
When Someone Leaves
Unpaid vacation pay is paid with final wages: within 48 hours if the employer ends the job, or within 6 days if the employee quits.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as listed professionals, fishers paid by share, nursing students, volunteer firefighters and hand harvesters paid a piece rate with vacation pay included, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Manitoba
2 weeks after each of the first 4 years, 3 weeks after 5 consecutive years. Vacation pay is 2 percent of wages for each week of vacation: 4 percent or 6 percent. The year that completes 5 years gets the extra 2 percent on that year's wages.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Regular wages, salary and commissions; General holiday pay; Productivity bonuses; 2 percent per vacation week of the value of board and lodging, if provided.
Leave out: Overtime pay; Wages in lieu of notice; Vacation pay.
Wages for the year of employment. Board and lodging adds 2 percent of its value for each week of vacation.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
The year runs from the hire date. A common anniversary date is allowed, with a pro-rated first part year. Vacation must start within 10 months after it is earned.
Next tier: 6 percent and 3 weeks for the year that completes 5 consecutive years.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Allowed only with the employee's agreement. Otherwise, vacation pay is due no later than the last working day before the vacation, unless the employee agrees to another time.
When Someone Leaves
4 percent of wages since hire or the last entitlement date, plus another 2 percent if 5 consecutive years are completed. Paid within 10 working days after employment ends.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
The Employment Standards Code does not leave any group of workers out of vacation pay. A contract or collective agreement may give more.
New Brunswick
Under 8 years: the lesser of 2 regular work weeks or 1 day per calendar month worked, paid at 4 percent. 8 or more years: the lesser of 3 regular work weeks or 1.25 days per month, paid at 6 percent.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Salary, wages and commissions; Overtime pay and other pay for work.
Leave out: Public holiday pay and pay instead of a holiday; Vacation pay; Gratuities; Honoraria.
Wages for the vacation pay year.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
The vacation pay year runs July 1 to June 30. Vacation is given within 4 months after the vacation pay year ends.
Next tier: 3 weeks and 6 percent once the employee has 8 years of continuous employment.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Vacation pay is due at least 1 day before the vacation. The law does not say whether it can be paid on every cheque. The safe approach is to pay it in a lump sum before the vacation. Check with the New Brunswick Employment Standards office before paying it another way.
When Someone Leaves
4 or 6 percent of wages for the vacation pay year not yet paid, no later than the final pay.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as farm workers on a farm with three or fewer employees, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Newfoundland and Labrador
After 12 continuous months with at least 90 percent of normal hours: 2 weeks, paid at 4 percent of total wages for the 12 months. After 15 years: 3 weeks at 6 percent. An employee under 90 percent gets vacation pay but not the time off.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Wages, salary and commissions; Overtime pay; Holiday pay.
Leave out: Tips and gratuities.
Total wages, including commissions and overtime. Tips are not included.
Vacation Pay Already Paid
The law does not clearly say whether vacation pay already paid counts toward the next year's vacation pay. The safe approach is to count it. Check with the Labour Standards Division of Newfoundland and Labrador for a firm answer.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
12 continuous months from the start of employment or the end of the last vacation period. Vacation is given within 10 months after it is earned.
Next tier: 3 weeks and 6 percent after 15 years of continuous employment.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Allowed, if the employee is told and it is shown in the payroll record. Otherwise, vacation pay is due at least 1 day before the vacation.
When Someone Leaves
Vacation pay owed at the tier rate, paid within 1 week after employment ends. No vacation pay is owed before 5 consecutive work days.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
The Labour Standards Act does not leave any group of workers out of vacation pay.
Northwest Territories
2 weeks after each of the first 5 years, 3 weeks after the sixth and later years. Vacation pay is 4 percent of wages in each of the first 5 years and 6 percent of wages from the sixth year on.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Regular pay and commissions; Overtime pay; Bonuses in the employment agreement; Recall and shift premiums; Termination pay; Profit sharing; Statutory holiday pay; Vacation pay.
Leave out: Tips and gratuities.
Every form of pay except tips. Holiday pay, overtime pay, termination pay and vacation pay all count as wages.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
12 months from the hire date and each anniversary. Vacation begins within 6 months after it is earned.
Next tier: 6 percent from the start of the sixth year; 3 weeks after the sixth year.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Vacation pay is due at least 1 day before the vacation. The law does not provide for paying it on every cheque. The safe approach is to pay it before the vacation. Check with the Northwest Territories Employment Standards Office before paying it another way.
When Someone Leaves
Unpaid vacation pay for past years plus the rate on the current part year, paid with final wages within 10 days.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as territorial public service employees and inmates in work programs, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Nova Scotia
2 weeks and 4 percent. After more than 8 years: 3 weeks and 6 percent. The eighth year's wages earn 6 percent because they are paid after 8 years are complete.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Wages, salary and commissions; Overtime pay; Holiday pay.
Leave out: Vacation pay; Gratuities.
Wages for the 12-month period.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
Each 12-month period of employment. Vacation is given within 10 months after the period.
Next tier: 6 percent on the eighth year's wages; 3 weeks after 8 years.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Allowed. It can be paid on each cheque, or added to the hourly rate if that is made clear to the employee. Otherwise, vacation pay is due at least 1 day before the vacation.
When Someone Leaves
4 percent, or 6 percent if employed more than 8 years, of wages not yet covered, paid within 10 days.
Leaving in the Eighth Year
For a final payout, 6 percent applies only if the employee has been employed more than 8 years on their last day. For the normal yearly payment, the eighth year's wages get 6 percent, because that pay is due after the employee has passed 8 years.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as real estate, automobile and mobile home salespeople, outside commission salespeople, people working on fishing vessels, athletes and some domestic workers in a private home, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Nunavut
2 weeks for each of the first 5 years, 3 weeks for each later year. Vacation pay is 4 percent in a 2-week year and 6 percent in a 3-week year, so 6 percent starts in the sixth year.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Regular pay and commissions; Overtime pay; Holiday pay; Vacation pay.
Leave out: Tips and gratuities.
Every form of pay except tips. Vacation pay is treated as wages.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
12 consecutive months from the hire date or an anniversary. Vacation begins within 10 months after it is earned.
Next tier: 3 weeks and 6 percent from the sixth year.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Vacation pay is due at least 1 day before the vacation. The law does not provide for paying it on every cheque. The safe approach is to pay it before the vacation. Check with the Nunavut Labour Standards Office before paying it another way.
When Someone Leaves
Unpaid vacation pay for past years plus 4 or 6 percent of the current part year, paid with final wages within 10 days.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as trappers, commercial fishers and members of designated professions, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Ontario
2 weeks if employed less than 5 years, 3 weeks at 5 years or more. Vacation pay is 4 or 6 percent. The 6 percent applies to the whole entitlement year if 5 years is reached by its end.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Regular wages and commissions; Non-discretionary bonuses; Overtime pay; Public holiday pay; Termination pay; Room and board allowances; Domestic or sexual violence leave pay.
Leave out: Vacation pay; Tips and gratuities; Discretionary bonuses; Expense and living allowances; Benefit plan payments; Severance pay.
Wages earned in the period, not counting vacation pay.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
The standard vacation entitlement year starts on the hire date. An employer may use an alternative vacation year, with a stub period to bridge the gap. Vacation is taken within 10 months after the year ends.
Next tier: 3 weeks and 6 percent for the year in which 5 years is reached.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Allowed only with agreement. The default is a lump sum before the vacation starts. It can be paid on each payday if the employee agrees in writing and the pay statement shows it separately, or at another time if the employee agrees.
When Someone Leaves
All vacation pay owed, by the later of 7 days after employment ends or the next regular payday.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as listed professionals, teachers, commercial fishers, real estate salespeople, outside commission salespeople and farm workers in primary production, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Prince Edward Island
2 weeks and 4 percent under 5 years. 3 weeks after completing 5 years, and 6 percent once 5 years are completed. The rate on the fifth year's own wages is not settled. Check with the Prince Edward Island Employment Standards Branch.
The Fifth Year
The Act says vacation pay builds up at 4 percent while fewer than 5 years are completed. Read that way, the fifth year's wages earn 4 percent even though the vacation earned in that year is 3 weeks. The government guide pairs 3 weeks with 6 percent. The calculator uses the safer 6 percent on the fifth year's wages. This point is not settled. Check with the Prince Edward Island Employment Standards Branch.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Salary, wages and commissions; Overtime pay; Cash value of meals or lodging, at the maximum deduction set by order.
Leave out: Holiday pay; Vacation pay; Leave pay; Tips and gratuities; Benefits.
Wages plus the cash value of meals or lodging provided by the employer.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
Each year of continuous employment from the hire date. Vacation is granted within 4 months after the year ends.
Next tier: 3 weeks and 6 percent after 5 completed years.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Allowed only for some employees. Per pay period only if the employee elects it in writing before the end of the first pay period, and only for an employee hired to work less than 90 percent of standard hours or for less than one continuous year. Otherwise, vacation pay is due by the last day of the next pay period after the vacation ends.
When Someone Leaves
Any accrued vacation pay not yet paid, by the last day of the next pay period.
Paying Before the Vacation
The government guide says to pay vacation pay at least 1 day before the vacation. That also meets the Act's deadline.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as salespeople paid mainly by commission, farm labourers on a non-commercial farm and athletes, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Saskatchewan
3 weeks after each year, 4 weeks after 10 years. Vacation pay is 3/52 or 4/52 of wages for the year. For example, 28,000 dollars at 3/52 is 1,615.38 dollars, rounded to the nearest cent.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Salary, wages and commissions; Earned bonuses; Overtime pay; Public holiday pay; Vacation pay; Pay instead of notice.
Leave out: Discretionary bonuses not tied to work.
Wages for the year or the part of the year before the entitlement.
Tips
The law does not say whether tips count as wages. The safe approach is to leave tips out unless the employer pays them as wages for work. This point is not settled. Check with Saskatchewan Employment Standards.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
Year of employment from the hire date. An employer may set a common date. The employee must be allowed to take the vacation within 12 months after becoming entitled to it. If it is not taken, vacation pay is due within 11 months.
Next tier: 4 weeks and 4/52 after 10 years.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Not provided for. Vacation pay is paid for the vacation actually taken, either before the vacation if the employee asks or on the normal payday. If vacation is not taken, it is paid within 11 months. The law sets these times and does not provide for adding it to every cheque.
When Someone Leaves
Vacation pay on all wages not yet covered, whether or not a full year is completed, within 14 days.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
The Saskatchewan Employment Act does not leave any group of workers out of vacation pay.
Yukon
At least 2 weeks after each completed year. Vacation pay is 4 percent of wages in the year. There is no higher tier.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Wages, salary and commissions; Overtime pay; Holiday pay; Vacation pay.
Leave out: Gratuities; Discretionary payments not related to hours or production; Damages for wrongful dismissal; Expenses.
Wages in the year of employment. Vacation pay paid is treated as wages.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
12 consecutive months from the hire date or an anniversary. Vacation starts within 10 months after it is earned.
Next tier: No higher tier.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Vacation pay is due at least 1 day before the vacation. If the employee agrees in writing not to take vacation, it is paid within 10 months. The law does not provide for paying it on every cheque. The safe approach is to pay it before the vacation. Check with Yukon Employment Standards before paying it another way.
When Someone Leaves
Unpaid vacation pay for past years plus 4 percent of wages in the current part year, within 7 days. The part-year amount is owed only after 14 days of continuous employment.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as members of the employer's family and Government of Yukon employees, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Federal
2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 consecutive years, 4 weeks after 10. Vacation pay is 4, 6 or 8 percent of wages in the year of employment.
Which Earnings Count
Count: Regular earnings and commissions; Overtime premium pay; General holiday pay and premiums; Personal, family violence, medical and bereavement leave pay; Vacation pay; Production and safety bonuses, flight pay, northern allowances.
Leave out: Tips and gratuities; Expense reimbursements; Pay in lieu of notice; Severance pay; Unjust dismissal compensation.
Every form of pay for work except tips. Vacation pay, holiday pay and some leave pay are treated as wages.
The Vacation Year and the Next Tier
12 months from the hire date or anniversary, or a calendar or other year set by the employer with notice, with a pro-rated part year. Vacation begins within 10 months.
Next tier: 3 weeks and 6 percent after 5 consecutive years; 4 weeks and 8 percent after 10.
Vacation Pay on Every Cheque
Not provided for. Vacation pay is paid within 14 days before the vacation, or on the regular payday during or after the vacation if paying before is not practical or that is the usual practice. The regulations set these times and do not provide for adding it to every cheque.
When Someone Leaves
Unpaid vacation pay plus the rate on wages in the current part year, within 30 days.
Which Jobs Are Left Out
Some workers, such as student interns, have different rules. The calculator does not check for these groups. If one applies, check with the employment standards office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vacation Pay the Same as Vacation Time?
No. Vacation time is the weeks off. Vacation pay is the money for that time, set as a percentage of wages. In Saskatchewan it is a fraction: 3/52 or 4/52.
Which Years of Service Does the Calculator Use?
Most places use the years completed at the end of the year the wages were earned, so the year that reaches the tier gets the higher rate. The Northwest Territories and Nunavut give 6 percent on wages from the sixth year on. Nova Scotia gives 6 percent on the eighth year's wages, but a final payout uses the years on the last day. New Brunswick looks at years of continuous employment when the vacation is given.
Can an Employer Put Vacation Pay on Every Cheque?
Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia allow it. British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario allow it with the employee's agreement, and Ontario also needs it shown on the pay statement. Prince Edward Island allows it only for some part-time and short-term employees who choose it in writing. Saskatchewan and federal rules set other payment times. In New Brunswick, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the law does not provide for it. Pay it before the vacation, or check with the employment standards office there first.
What Is Owed When Someone Leaves?
Any vacation pay not yet paid, plus the rate on wages earned since the last vacation year. Deadlines run from 48 hours to 31 days, depending on where the employee works and who ended the job.
Does a Short Job Earn Vacation Pay?
Usually yes. British Columbia starts after 5 calendar days, Newfoundland and Labrador after 5 consecutive work days, and Yukon pays the part-year amount after 14 days.
Do Managers Get Vacation Pay?
Yes, in every jurisdiction here. Some salespeople, professionals, fishers, farm workers and others have different rules. Each section lists them.
What If a Contract Gives More?
The calculator shows the minimum under employment standards law. A contract or collective agreement may give more, and then the larger amount applies.
Is Anything I Enter Saved?
No. The math runs in your browser. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Rules Checked: October 8, 2026 · Source: the Act and the government employment standards page for each province and territory, linked when you choose one.
General information about employment standards minimums for vacation time and vacation pay, not legal advice. A contract, a collective agreement or the common law may give the employee more. Where the law does not settle a point, we say so. For that point, check with the employment standards office for that jurisdiction.
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