💡 Quick Examples — See How It Works ▼
1 Employment Information
2 Earnings
➕ Optional: Wage Breakdown ▼
3 Options
🧮 Step-by-Step Walkthrough ▼
Enter your details above to see the step-by-step math.
💰 What Counts as Wages? ▼
Included in Gross Wages
- Regular wages and salary
- Overtime pay
- Commissions
- Bonuses and incentive pay
- Statutory holiday pay
- Other remuneration for work performed
Generally Excluded
- Expense reimbursements
- Tips and gratuities paid directly by customers
- Severance pay
- Disability or insurance benefits
Note: This is a general guide. For specific interpretation, refer to the Nunavut Labour Standards Act and its regulations.
⚖️ Special Provisions ▼
4% Tier — Years 1–5
Vacation pay is 4% of total gross wages from the start date of work through the first five (5) years of employment. Vacation time is 2 weeks per year.
6% Tier — Year 6 and Beyond
Vacation pay increases to 6% of total gross wages for the sixth and subsequent years of work with the same employer. Vacation time increases to 3 weeks per year.
1-Year Continuous Employment Rule
An employee must complete 1 year of continuous employment to be eligible for annual vacation (vacation time). However, vacation pay at 4% still accrues from day one.
1-Day Payment Rule
Vacation pay must be paid at least one day before the beginning of the vacation, or at an earlier prescribed time.
Termination Payout
When an employee quits, is laid off, or is terminated, the employee is entitled to receive, at that time, whatever vacation pay has accumulated but has not already been paid.
All Employees Entitled
All employees are entitled to be paid vacation pay, no matter how long they were employed with the employer.
4 Tier Comparison Table
| Years of Service | Vacation Pay | Vacation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 4% (pro-rated) | 0 weeks (not yet earned) |
| 1 year to 5 years | 4% | 2 weeks |
| 6th year and beyond | 6% | 3 weeks |
5 Frequently Asked Questions
How is vacation pay calculated in Nunavut?
Vacation pay is 4% of gross wages for the first 5 years of employment and 6% of gross wages for the 6th and subsequent years under the Nunavut Labour Standards Act.
What is the vacation pay rate for the first 5 years?
4% of total gross wages from the start date of work through the first five years of employment.
What is the vacation pay rate after 5 years?
6% of total gross wages for the sixth and subsequent years of work with the same employer.
How much vacation time do I get?
2 weeks for years 1–5 and 3 weeks from year 6 onward. You must complete 1 year of continuous employment to be eligible for vacation time.
When do I get vacation time?
After completing 1 year of continuous employment, you are eligible for annual vacation. Your employer must give you the vacation time you are entitled to.
When must vacation pay be paid?
Vacation pay must be paid at least one day before the beginning of the vacation, or at an earlier prescribed time.
What happens on termination?
When an employee quits, is laid off, or is terminated, they are entitled to receive, at that time, whatever vacation pay has accumulated but has not already been paid.
Are all employees entitled to vacation pay?
Yes. ALL employees are entitled to be paid vacation pay, no matter how long they were employed with the employer.
Can my employer give more?
Yes. Employers can provide more than the statutory minimum (e.g., 5%, 7%, or 4 weeks). The higher amount applies. Toggle the "Custom rate agreement" option above to calculate with a custom rate.
6 Official Contact
Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0
Tel: 1-867-975-6322
Toll Free: 1-877-806-8402
Fax: 1-867-975-6367
This is a guide only. For interpretation and application purposes, refer to the Nunavut Labour Standards Act, its regulations, and amendments.
⚠️This tool is for information purpose only. We do not guarantee any claim.
It is made based on data publicaly available on official website of concerned department.
Last Updated: March 2026 | Official Determination Required