Figuring out what to pay your staff can be challenging as there are multiple factors to consider. We have put together some questions and ideas to help you narrow down a fair pay range for your potential employees.
Please note, these suggestions are based on hiring an employee; contract staff, respite support, or home share positions will have different pay ranges and guidelines.
Things to Consider:
- What are the responsibilities or duties of the role?
- What type of role is it? Full-time, part-time, etc?
- What is the minimum amount you are required to pay?
- Are you offering additional benefits (health or dental)?
- Where are you located? To be competitive, you may have to pay more for living wage expectations.
- Are you going to pay more for someone with education and/or experience?
Tips for Figuring Out What to Charge:
- Talk to other families to see what they are paying (find them through community groups, online groups such as social media groups, Vela Canada, or the Family Support Institute of B.C.).
- Look at other job boards and job postings (what are agencies paying, or other industries).
- Ask your current staff what is a fair pay range?
- Have a pay range in mind, but then ask the potential employee their wage expectations.
B.C.’s Minimum Wage:
British Columbia’s Employment Standards states that all employees must be paid a minimum wage. Minimum wage applies regardless of how employees are paid – hourly, salary, commission, or on an incentive basis. If an employee’s wage is below minimum wage for the hours they worked, the employer must top up their payment so that it’s equal to minimum wage.
Learn more on the Province of British Columbia’s Employment Standards: Minimum wage – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).
Community Living Contracts:
Individuals and families receiving Community Living B.C. (CLBC) funding will typically have a set dollar amount per hour to pay their staff (stated in their contracts). Depending on the contract, there may be some flexibility in the hourly pay, and individuals and families can pay a higher rate for fewer hours, or a lower rate for more hours. However, this may vary by region and the CLBC contract, so it is advised to review your contract and funding and speak to your CLBC analyst if you have questions.
Other Funding Streams:
For individuals and families who receive funding outside of CLBC, it is recommended to review your contract guidelines. These guidelines may help set what you can pay.
Average Pay Suggestions:
Many individuals with disabilities and/or their families pay an average rate of $22 – $26 per hour for daytime employees, and $17- $20 per hour for overnight employees. The exact pay will depend on what the employer can afford, as well as what the employee brings in experience, education, and value.
Should I Put the Pay Range on my Job Posting?
Yes. Starting November 1, 2023, the Government of B.C. has implemented a new law where all job postings must state the pay or pay range. This aims to eliminate discrimination around pay, making sure everyone is paid equally and fairly.
