In Alberta, an 8-hour shift typically includes one 30-minute break, which may be paid or unpaid depending on the employer. Some workplaces split this into two 15-minute breaks, but this is not required by law and depends on employer approval. For shifts longer than 5 hours but under 10 hours, the minimum requirement is still one 30‑minute break. Learn more about Alberta take home pay from the guide.

An 8-hour shift sounds straightforward, but break entitlements in Alberta often surprise employees. What the law guarantees and what employers commonly provide are not always the same, and small details in scheduling can change how breaks apply in practice.

Why break rules may differ between jobs

Break entitlements can vary depending on the type of work an employee performs and the structure of the business. Some industries have unique operational needs, safety requirements, or scheduling demands that influence how breaks are provided. While Alberta’s Employment Standards set the minimum rules, individual workplaces may offer more generous break policies based on their own practices, collective agreements, or the nature of the job

Are breaks paid or unpaid in Alberta?

In Alberta, employers are not required to pay employees for their breaks. The 30‑minute rest break during a shift can be paid or unpaid, depending on the employer’s policy. Some workplaces choose to pay for breaks as part of their compensation structure, while others do not. Explore more on how taxes affect take-home pay in Alberta.

When breaks are paid, the paid time becomes part of the employee’s gross income, which means it is included when calculating taxes, CPP contributions, and EI premiums.

Is 8 hours and 30 minutes overtime?

In Alberta, working 8 hours and 30 minutes is not automatically overtime. Overtime usually applies only after 8 hours in a day or 44 hours in a week, depending on how the employer schedules hours and whether averaging agreements are in place.

Estimate your take-home pay using our Alberta take-home pay calculator.