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Geneva Local Reference INFOrmation
INFOrmation

Working in Switzerland - Remuneration

Contents:
Introduction

Moving to Switzerland
Registration Procedures
Moving Goods
Moving Financial Assets
Cars, Driving & Licences
Finding Accommodation
Finding a School
Moving Checklist

Living in Switzerland
The System
Incomes & Taxes
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Cultural & Social Life
Educational System
Private Life
Transport
The Health System

Social Security
Social Security in Europe
E forms: General Overview
General Organisation
Sickness Insurance
Family Insurance
Old Age Pensions
EU Health Card
Unemployment Benefits

Working in Switzerland
Finding a Job
Applications
Recognition of Qualifications
Kinds of Employment
Employment Contracts
Remuneration
Working Time
Vocational Training
Leave
End of Employment
Special Categories
Self-employment
Representation of Workers
Work Disputes
Remuneration
Switzerland does not at present have a statutory minimum wage. Only certain collective labour agreements include binding provisions on remuneration. Even so, wage levels in Switzerland overall are higher than in other European countries. For example, average national gross pay was CHF 5 674 per month in 2006. However, levels vary considerably from sector to sector. The pay calculator provided by the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB/USS) can be used to determine age- and qualification-related pay levels in seven major regions of the country and over 40 sectors of the economy.

Wages and salaries in Switzerland are currently still determined on the basis of seniority. However, employers in both the public and the private sector are increasingly adopting the system of performance-related pay. Women’s pay is in general lower than men’s, irrespective of qualifications, but both the politicians and the social partners are constantly working to eliminate this differential.

Social security contributions deducted at source by employers in Switzerland are generally lower than in the majority of European countries. Net pay (i.e. gross pay less social security contributions deducted for occupational benefit schemes, unemployment benefit, insurance, etc.) is therefore higher in Switzerland than in other European countries, although overall the cost of living in this country is also higher than in the rest of Europe. Social security deductions from pay total some 15%. Income tax, calculated on the basis of net pay, is also about 15%.

A standard pay certificate does not exist in Switzerland. The kind of certificate used varies according to canton of residence, the firm concerned, remuneration level, etc. However, certain items must always be included, such as gross pay, contributions to old age and survivors’ insurance (AHV/AVS), invalidity insurance (IV/AI), loss-of-earnings insurance (LAV/APG/IPG), unemployment insurance (ALV/AC/AD), accident insurance (UV/LAA/LAINF) and the ‘second-pillar’ benefit fund (BUV/LPP). See the Related Topics and links opposite for more information.

Text last edited on: 04/2008

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
Reproduction is authorised.

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