Payroll in Switzerland

Wages

Daily minimum wages range from 158.40 CHF to 195.84 CHF. Monthly minimum wages range from 3,456 CHF to 4,272 CHF.

Cantonal minimum wages, excluding those based on piecework, are set at 24.48 CHF per hour in Geneva. This rate applies across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and services.

Salaries

The overall annual average salary in Switzerland is approximately 85,000 CHF per year, with monthly ranges from 6,000 CHF to 8,000 CHF, depending on the position and experience. The monthly median salary in Switzerland is around 6,500 CHF.

By gender, the average annual salary for men is 90,000 CHF, while the annual average salary for women is 78,000 CHF.

Salaries by location in Germany

Zurich: Known for offering salaries 25% higher than the national average for junior roles and 20% higher for mid-level roles, especially in sectors like finance, technology, and pharmaceuticals.

Geneva: Offers salaries 15% higher than the national average for senior positions, particularly in international organizations and diplomacy.

Bern: Salaries have remained stable, aligning closely with the national average across various sectors. As your employment partner in Switzerland, we can provide you with resources and insights about average employee compensation in various job positions, so you can be better equipped to make a competitive employment offer.

Payroll frequency

In Switzerland, employees are typically paid on a monthly basis, with salaries disbursed on or before the last working day of each month, as specified in the employment contract or collective labor agreement. Swiss labor law requires that remuneration be paid at least once a month, ensuring regular income for employees.

In addition to regular monthly wages, it is customary for employees to receive a 13th-month salary, often paid in December. This additional payment is commonly stipulated in collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts and is disbursed according to the terms outlined therein. Employers are required to adhere to the agreed-upon schedules for these payments to maintain compliance with labor regulations.