New Brunswick's minimum wage will increase by 50 cents at the end of March.

The rise announced Tuesday will take the province's lowest-paid workers to $7.75 per hour. It is the largest one-time minimum wage increase in the province's history.

This is the third rate-change in the province since October 2006, representing almost a 16 per cent increase to the starting wage level of $6.70.

Labour Minister Ed Doherty said the government will continue to ask for a rate review at least once a year by the minimum wage board to continue to adjust the rate to bring the province's pay more in line with the national average of $7.85.

"This increase will help provide wage increases to those most in need and will benefit thousands of New Brunswickers," Doherty said.

The minimum wage board assesses the pay on the basis of cost of living, transportation and food.

"They make a recommendation to government based on providing a balance between the employers and the employees," Doherty said.