What does a domestic helper really cost?

Depending on region, experience and qualifications, gross hourly wages for domestic helpers range between CHF 25 and CHF 35. This range is important to understand as it forms the basis for all further cost calculations.

For further calculations we use an example of CHF 30/hour . This is a realistic average for most regions of Switzerland.

Good to know: some cantons have minimum wages for cleaners, governed by the NAV domestic work regulations (standard employment contract). These minimums may exceed the examples shown here.

As an employer, you are required to pay an employer share of social insurance. These contributions are non-negotiable - they are set by law.

Total social contributions per month:

You can find the exact rates for your region at the relevant compensation office or via SUVA. The first step to correct payroll is registering your domestic helper with the relevant authorities.

Domestic helpers are also entitled to holidays. In Switzerland that is at least 4 weeks per year, often 5 weeks for older employees. (Quelle: SECO)

Two options for compensation:

1. 1. Monthly salary - holidays are taken with pay: With a fixed monthly salary no supplement is needed: the salary simply continues during the holidays.
2. 2. Hourly wage - statutory holiday supplement: With hourly pay you add the holiday supplement of 8.33% (4 weeks) or 10.64% (5 weeks) to every hour. It must be shown separately on the payslip - otherwise it counts as unpaid.

Example calculation with the 8.33% holiday supplement (4 weeks):

• • Annual wage: CHF 4,800 × 12 months = CHF 57,600
• • Holiday supplement (8.33%): CHF 57,600 × 8.33% = CHF 4,798 per year
• • That equals: around CHF 400 per month extra

Holiday pay is often added directly to monthly wages or paid separately. Important: holiday pay counts as part of gross wages - social contributions are also due on this amount!

Calculate the exact holiday entitlement and costs with our holiday pay calculator for domestic helpers - including calculations by workload and age.

Let's add all components together and see how much a domestic helper actually costs you.

Calculate your individual total costs with our gross-to-net salary calculator - in just a few seconds.

By the way: if you currently use a cleaning agency, hiring directly can be significantly cheaper - with the same convenience thanks to Clino.

Create your first payslip right away with our free payslip generator.

Here are practical tips on how to optimise the costs of a domestic helper:

1. 1. Fewer hours, higher efficiency

   20 hours per week instead of 40 can often suffice if time is well structured. Focus on the most important tasks.

2. 2. Choose a lower wage bracket

   An untrained domestic helper costs less than one with certification. CHF 25/hr instead of CHF 30 saves about CHF 800 + social contributions over 12 months. Those wanting to enter the industry can find all information in the guide to starting as a cleaner in Switzerland.

3. 3. Share a domestic helper with neighbours

   Two households, one domestic helper, shared costs. This saves admin effort and wage costs.

4. 4. Use Clino instead of self-managing

   At CHF 19.90/month, Clino costs you less than doing payroll yourself and risking errors. Plus you save ~5-10 hours of work per month.

5. 5. Negotiate the hourly rate at the start

   CHF 1-2 less per hour saves CHF 160-320 over a year. This is fairly negotiable, especially for long-term employment.

6. 6. Check cantonal FCA rates

   FCA contributions vary between 1.025% and 2.75%. Check whether your domestic helper works in a canton with a lower rate.

7. 7. Use tax benefits

   In many cantons, costs for domestic help are partially tax-deductible. Ask your tax authority or use Clino's tax return support.