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.

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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.