Cleaning Worker Hourly Wages Worldwide - Interactive Map 2026
What does a cleaner earn per hour - in Zürich, New York, Tokyo or Lagos? Our interactive world map shows hourly wages for domestic workers in over 50 countries, converted to CHF. Switzerland pays the highest by far.
Key Takeaways
- 1Swiss cleaners earn the most worldwide: CHF 29/h on average.
- 2Western Europe ranges from CHF 11-19, Eastern Europe CHF 4-7.
- 3In Southeast Asia and Africa, cleaners often earn less than CHF 2/h.
- 4Only 60% of countries have specific laws protecting domestic workers.
Interactive World Map: Cleaner Hourly Wages
Click a country to see details. Colors show hourly wage in CHF - from green (highest wages) to red (lowest).
Where does the data come from?
Hourly wages are based on the ILO Global Wage Report 2024/25, national labor statistics (BFS, Eurostat, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), data from cleaning platforms, and reports from domestic worker organizations. All values are averages for 2025/2026, converted at current exchange rates. In countries with large informal sectors, actual wages may be lower.
5 Key Findings
Switzerland leads the world
At CHF 29/h on average, Switzerland pays more than double most Western European countries. Australia (CHF 18) and Denmark (CHF 19) follow at a distance.
Massive wage gap: 1:30
Between Switzerland (CHF 29) and countries like Bangladesh or Nigeria (under CHF 1), there is a factor of over 30. This explains global migration patterns of domestic workers.
Europe itself is divided
Northwest Europe (CHF 11-19) vs. Southern Europe (CHF 5-8) vs. Eastern Europe (CHF 4-7) - the differences within Europe are larger than between some continents.
Regulation makes the difference
Countries with specific domestic worker legislation have significantly higher wages and better working conditions than countries without formal protection.
Live-in vs. hourly
In Asia and the Middle East, live-in arrangements (room & board) are common, which distorts hourly wage comparisons. Monthly salaries are often higher than the hourly rate suggests.
A cleaner in Switzerland earns more per hour than many domestic workers in developing countries earn per day.
What does that mean in practice for Switzerland? With our hourly wage calculator for cleaners you can work out a fair rate per hour in just a few seconds.
Wages by Region
Western Europe
Strong regulation, social insurance, collective agreements. Switzerland, Scandinavia, and Benelux countries lead.
Eastern Europe
Rapidly growing wages, increasing formalization. EU minimum wage directive having an impact.
North America
US with strong regional differences (NYC $25+ vs. rural $10). Canada more uniform.
Latin America
Important legal reforms (Brazil 2013, Mexico 2019). Significant informal work despite regulation.
Asia
Extreme range: Japan/Singapore (CHF 8-9) vs. India/Bangladesh (under CHF 1).
Africa & Middle East
Kafala system in the Gulf. Sub-Saharan Africa with very low wages and limited formal protection.
Oceania
Australia and New Zealand with strong worker protection and above-average wages.
Global Regulation of Domestic Work
ILO Convention 189 (2011) set global standards for domestic workers. Over 35 countries have ratified it. Yet millions of workers worldwide remain without formal protection.
ILO Convention 189
Switzerland has ratified ILO Convention 189. Clino helps you fulfill all obligations easily.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are wages so high in Switzerland?
High cost of living, strong worker protection through NAV, and canton-specific minimum wages (up to CHF 24.59/h in Geneva) drive wages up.
Are wages comparable in purchasing power?
Only partially. Purchasing power in Switzerland is high, but so are living costs. A cleaner in Switzerland can afford roughly the same as one in Western Europe.
What sources were used?
ILO Global Wage Report, national labor statistics, Eurostat, Swiss FSO, and data from cleaning platforms. All values are averages (2025/2026).
How do I calculate the total cost of my cleaner?
Add 13-15% social insurance contributions to gross wages (AHV/IV/EO/ALV, UVG). Use the Clino calculator for exact costs by canton. Wage calculator
What happens if I don't register my cleaner?
Undeclared work is illegal. Fines, back payments, and full personal liability in case of accidents. Read more: Black market risks
More on Cleaner Wages in Switzerland
Further reading
Pay your cleaner fairly - and register them properly
In Switzerland, registering your domestic worker is mandatory. Clino guides you step by step through payroll, contracts, and social insurance.
Get employed legally, without the awkward conversation
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