Minimum Wage in Switzerland

Cantonal Minimum Wages 2026

As of 2026, the following cantons have statutory minimum wages: Geneva: CHF 24.32/hour (highest in Switzerland), Neuchâtel: CHF 21.09/hour, Jura: CHF 20.60/hour, Ticino: CHF 19.60/hour, Basel-City: CHF 21.00/hour, Zurich: still under debate (initiative passed, implementation ongoing). Cantons without a minimum wage rely on collective agreements (GAV) to set floors. Importantly, cantonal minimums override lower GAV minimums.

GAV Sector Minimums

Collective agreements (GAV/CCT) in many sectors set binding minimum wages that apply to all firms in the sector if the GAV is declared generally binding (AVE). Key examples: L-GAV Gastgewerbe (hospitality): from CHF 3,950–4,550/month depending on qualification; LMV (construction): from CHF 24.50–27.80/hour; GAV cleaning: CHF 19.50–21.60/hour. These sector minimums are often higher than cantonal floors. Check the SECO GAV database (gav.ch) for your sector.

What If You Are Paid Below Minimum?

If your wage is below the applicable cantonal or GAV minimum, you have legal recourse: the minimum automatically applies, the difference can be claimed retroactively for 5 years (statute of limitations). For GAV violations, the sector's joint commission (Paritätische Kommission/PK) can audit and sanction employers. For cantonal minimums, cantonal labour inspectorates enforce compliance. Pro bono advice is available from unions and cantonal labour offices.

Context on the Swiss job market helps frame any career decision in Switzerland. Our gross-to-net salary guide shows what Swiss gross salaries look like after AVS, LPP and tax deductions. The salary negotiation guide covers how to use market data in offer discussions and which arguments work with Swiss recruiters. Our guide to working in Switzerland as a foreigner covers entry conditions, permit categories and practical relocation steps. The work permit guide explains B, C, G and L permit categories and processing timelines. For cross-sector salary benchmarks, the Switzerland salary guide covers all major roles and cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Switzerland have a national minimum wage?

No. The 2014 federal referendum rejected a CHF 22/hour national minimum. Instead, several cantons have set their own minimums, and many sectors have GAV minimums. In practice, market wages in Switzerland are generally much higher than minimum wages.

Which canton has the highest minimum wage in Switzerland?

Geneva, with CHF 24.32/hour in 2026. It was the first Swiss canton to introduce a statutory minimum wage in 2020.

I earn less than the GAV minimum, what can I do?

Contact the sector's joint commission (Paritätische Kommission) or your cantonal labour inspectorate. You can also claim the underpayment directly from your employer, retroactively for up to 5 years. Trade union advice is free for members.

Is there a minimum wage for domestic workers in Switzerland?

Yes. The NAV Hauswirtschaft (normal employment contract for domestic work) sets minimum wages for domestic cleaners, housekeepers, and caregivers employed in private households. As of 2026, the NAV minimum is CHF 18.75–22.00/hour depending on qualifications and region. The NAV is declared generally binding (AVE) in most cantons, meaning it applies to all households employing domestic workers, not only those affiliated with an employer association. Violations can be reported to cantonal labour inspectorates.

What is the 13th month salary in Switzerland?

The 13th month salary in Switzerland refers to an additional monthly salary paid once a year, typically in December. It is included in annual salary benchmarks as standard: when a Swiss employer quotes CHF 120,000 per year, this normally means 13 monthly payments of approximately CHF 9,231 each, not 12 payments of CHF 10,000. The 13th month is governed by the employment contract or collective agreement (GAV), not by statute. It is subject to social contributions (AHV/ALV) and income tax. Always clarify with a prospective employer whether a quoted annual figure includes or excludes the 13th month.