Minimum Wage Switzerland 2026

Minimum Wage in Switzerland: No Federal Law, But Cantons

Switzerland has no national minimum wage. But more and more cantons are introducing their own minimum wages. In 2026, new adjusted minimum wages apply in several cantons.

Cantons with Minimum Wage 2026

• Based on 180 hours/month (full-time 42 hrs/week)
  ** Ticino: CHF 19.75 for industries without CLA, CLA wages apply where applicable

Cantons Without Minimum Wage

Most cantons have no statutory minimum wage:

• Zurich, Bern, Aargau, St. Gallen, Thurgau
• Graubünden, Valais, Fribourg
• Zug, Schwyz, Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden
• Schaffhausen, Appenzell, Glarus, Solothurn

In these cantons apply:

• Collective Labor Agreements (CLA) with industry-specific minimum wages
• Standard Employment Contracts (NAV) with minimum wages for certain professions
• Free wage agreements between employer and employee

Geneva: The Highest Minimum Wage

CHF 24.59 per Hour

Geneva has the highest minimum wage in the world (purchasing power adjusted). In 2026, it rises to CHF 24.59/hour.

Annual Adjustment

The Geneva minimum wage is adjusted annually to the National Consumer Price Index (CPI):

Who is Affected in Geneva?

The minimum wage applies to:

• All employees in the Canton of Geneva
• Regardless of industry or qualification
• Also for temporary work and internships (with exceptions)

Exceptions:

• Apprentices during training
• Trainees in education (limited duration)
• Persons in integration programs

Basel-Stadt: CHF 22.20 from 2026

Phased Introduction

Basel-Stadt introduced the minimum wage in stages:

Lucerne: New from 2026

CHF 22.75 as Starting Point

Lucerne introduces a cantonal minimum wage for the first time in 2026:

• Hourly wage: CHF 22.75
• Monthly wage (full-time): approx. CHF 4,095
• Annual adjustment: Linked to inflation

Political Background

The Lucerne electorate approved the minimum wage initiative in 2024. The law comes into force in 2026.

Who Benefits from the Minimum Wage?

Typical Minimum Wage Jobs

How Many People Are Affected?

Estimates suggest that in Switzerland about 300,000-400,000 people work for wages below CHF 22/hour. In minimum wage cantons, approximately 30,000-50,000 people benefit directly.

Collective Labor Agreements (CLA) vs. Minimum Wage

What is a CLA?

A Collective Labor Agreement is an agreement between employer associations and unions. It regulates:

• Minimum wages for the industry
• Working hours
• Holiday entitlement
• Other working conditions

Relationship Between CLA and Cantonal Minimum Wage

Impact on Employers

Adjustment Needs

Employers in minimum wage cantons must:

• Check wages – Are all above minimum wage?
• Adjust – Increase wages if necessary
• Document – Proof of wage payment

Possible Consequences

Critics fear:

• Job cuts in low-wage industries
• Price increases for services
• Relocation of jobs

Supporters emphasize:

• Increased purchasing power for low earners
• Less working poor
• More stable domestic demand

FAQ

Can my employer pay less than minimum wage?

No. In cantons with minimum wage, it is binding. Violations can be reported and penalized.

What to do if I earn less than minimum wage?

1. Document: Keep payslips
2. Discuss: Point it out to employer
3. Report: Inform cantonal labor inspectorate
4. Claim: Demand difference retroactively

Does minimum wage also apply to part-time employees?

Yes. The minimum wage is an hourly wage and applies to all employment levels.

Are 13th month salary and bonuses counted?

The 13th month salary can be proportionally counted depending on cantonal regulations. In Geneva, for example, it is distributed over 12 months.

Why doesn't Switzerland have a national minimum wage?

In 2014, voters rejected a national minimum wage initiative (76% No). Since then, individual cantons have introduced their own minimum wages.

Budget Planning on Minimum Wage

With a minimum wage of CHF 4,000-4,400 gross, the budget is tight. All the more important to save on fixed costs:

Conclusion

In 2026, six cantons have a statutory minimum wage: Geneva, Basel-Stadt, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Ticino. Geneva leads with CHF 24.59/hour, Lucerne joins newly.

For employees in these cantons, this means a wage floor that cannot be undercut. In cantons without minimum wage, CLA regulations or free wage agreements continue to apply.