Minimum wage for cleaners 2026 - all 26 cantons at a glance
CHF 20.35 per hour is the legal minimum for domestic workers - but the going rate is CHF 25-33. Check below in seconds what's fair in your canton, and what you risk if you pay less.
How much does a cleaner earn per hour in Switzerland? There is no national minimum wage, but the NAV Hauswirtschaft sets at least CHF 20.35/h for 2026. Cantons with their own minimum wage are higher - up to CHF 24.59/h in Geneva. In practice cleaners are paid CHF 25-33/h gross.
This applies when
For private employers who hire a cleaner directly in their own home (not a cleaning company). The NAV minimum applies Switzerland-wide; cantonal minimum wages take precedence where they are higher.
Official sources
Wage check: minimum & market
Am I paying enough? Compare your hourly wage against the legal minimum and the typical market wage.
What households in the canton typically pay.
Certificate = more pay
With a federal certificate: +CHF 2.25/h legal minimum - plus a higher market value. Certified workers cost a little more - but bring quality, trust and less turnover.
Explore the certificateOn top of the hourly wage, a holiday supplement of 8.33-13.04% is owed.
?NAV Hauswirtschaft vs. GAV Reinigung - which applies to you?
| Question | NAV (private household) | GAV Reinigung (cleaning firm) |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the employer? | Private household (you) | Cleaning company |
| Typical case | private cleaner, own contract | employed cleaning staff |
| Minimum wage 2026 | from CHF 20.35/h | from CHF 21.40/h (maintenance), CHF 23.40/h (special) |
| Holiday supplement | yes, 8.33% (4 weeks) | yes, per the GAV |
| 13th month | not mandatory | usually regulated |
This article covers the NAV Hauswirtschaft - the most common case, when you are the employer yourself. GAV Reinigung rates: Unia 2026, excl. holiday and 13th-month components.
Minimum wage and FAK rates by canton
The following table shows the applicable minimum wage and FAK contribution rate for each canton. Cantons with their own minimum wage are highlighted.
| Canton | Min. wage/hr | FAK rate | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basel-Stadt (BS) | CHF 22.20 | 1.65% | Since 2021, strict controls |
| Genf (GE) | CHF 24.59 | 2.22% | Highest minimum wage in Switzerland, annually indexed |
| Jura (JU) | CHF 21.40 | 2.75% | Since 2018, moderate enforcement |
| Neuenburg (NE) | CHF 21.35 | 1.80% | Since 2017, regularly adjusted |
| Tessin (TI) | CHF 20.35 | 1.60% | Industry-specific, strictest controls |
| All other 21 cantons | CHF 20.35 | 1.02-2.50% | NAV Domestic Work |
Show all 26 cantons with FAK rate
| Canton | Min. wage/hr | FAK rate | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aargau (AG) | CHF 20.35 | 1.45% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR) | CHF 20.35 | 1.60% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI) | CHF 20.35 | 1.60% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Basel-Landschaft (BL) | CHF 20.35 | 1.30% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Basel-Stadt (BS) | CHF 22.20 | 1.65% | Since 2021, strict controls |
| Bern (BE) | CHF 20.35 | 1.50% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Freiburg (FR) | CHF 20.35 | 2.27% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Genf (GE) | CHF 24.59 | 2.22% | Highest minimum wage in Switzerland, annually indexed |
| Glarus (GL) | CHF 20.35 | 1.40% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Graubünden (GR) | CHF 20.35 | 1.50% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Jura (JU) | CHF 21.40 | 2.75% | Since 2018, moderate enforcement |
| Luzern (LU) | CHF 20.35 | 1.35% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Neuenburg (NE) | CHF 21.35 | 1.80% | Since 2017, regularly adjusted |
| Nidwalden (NW) | CHF 20.35 | 1.50% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Obwalden (OW) | CHF 20.35 | 1.40% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Schaffhausen (SH) | CHF 20.35 | 1.30% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Schwyz (SZ) | CHF 20.35 | 1.30% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Solothurn (SO) | CHF 20.35 | 1.25% | NAV Domestic Work |
| St. Gallen (SG) | CHF 20.35 | 1.80% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Tessin (TI) | CHF 20.35 | 1.60% | Industry-specific, strictest controls |
| Thurgau (TG) | CHF 20.35 | 1.40% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Uri (UR) | CHF 20.35 | 1.70% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Waadt (VD) | CHF 20.35 | 2.37% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Wallis (VS) | CHF 20.35 | 2.50% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Zug (ZG) | CHF 20.35 | 1.35% | NAV Domestic Work |
| Zürich (ZH) | CHF 20.35 | 1.02% | NAV Domestic Work |
Source: SECO (NAV Domestic Work), cantonal legislation. As of: January 2026. The NAV rates apply to unskilled workers. Experienced and trained workers are entitled to higher wages (CHF 22.30 / CHF 24.55).
Minimum-wage map: your canton
Only 5 cantons have their own binding minimum wage. Everywhere else the NAV Hauswirtschaft applies. Click your canton.
Genf
applies to all qualifications
Official sourceSee registration in GenfMore details in the article Cleaner costs by canton.
This article covers the legal minimum. To see what hourly wage is fair and customary, read the guide Fair hourly wage for cleaners: recommendation by canton.
Market wage: what do households actually pay?
Honest answer: the minimum wage is the floor, not the going rate. In most cantons households pay CHF 25 to 31 per hour. Offer only the minimum and finding someone gets hard, and good people leave quickly. Budget with the market wage, not the minimum.
Minimum vs. market wage in all 26 cantons
| Canton | Minimum/h | Typical market wage/h |
|---|---|---|
| Aargau (AG) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 27.– |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 25.– |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 25.– |
| Basel-Landschaft (BL) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 28.– |
| Basel-Stadt (BS) | CHF 22.20 | CHF 30.– |
| Bern (BE) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 27.– |
| Freiburg (FR) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| Genf (GE) | CHF 24.59 | CHF 31.– |
| Glarus (GL) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 25.– |
| Graubünden (GR) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| Jura (JU) | CHF 21.40 | CHF 25.– |
| Luzern (LU) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| Neuenburg (NE) | CHF 21.35 | CHF 27.– |
| Nidwalden (NW) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| Obwalden (OW) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 25.– |
| Schaffhausen (SH) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| Schwyz (SZ) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 27.– |
| Solothurn (SO) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| St. Gallen (SG) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| Tessin (TI) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 25.– |
| Thurgau (TG) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| Uri (UR) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 25.– |
| Waadt (VD) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 28.– |
| Wallis (VS) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 26.– |
| Zug (ZG) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 30.– |
| Zürich (ZH) | CHF 20.35 | CHF 29.– |
Market wage: estimate based on FSO/SAKE data, rounded to whole francs. Minimum: cantonal statute (GE, NE, BS, TI, JU) or the NAV guideline for unskilled domestic workers.
What is right for your specific situation? Open the hourly-wage calculator.
How to agree on the wage
Above the minimum, fair and properly registered - here's what a good wage chat sounds like:
Agreeing the wage by WhatsApp
Maria
online
Hello! What would you pay per hour?
09:12Hi Maria! I was thinking CHF 28/h gross - holiday pay included. 😊
09:20That's fair, thank you!
09:21My pleasure! I'll register you properly - so you're insured too.
09:23Tip: with hourly pay, add the holiday supplement (usually 8.33%) on top - otherwise you effectively pay too little.
Not sure what's fair per hour? The hourly wage calculator for cleaners gives you a figure above the minimum in under a minute.
Key facts at a glance
- 1The NAV domestic work sets binding minimum wages: CHF 20.35/hr (unskilled), CHF 22.30 (experienced), CHF 24.55 (with certificate).
- 2Five cantons (GE, BS, JU, NE, TI) have introduced their own, partly higher minimum wages.
- 3In addition to the gross wage, a holiday supplement of 8.33% to 13.04% is owed.
- 4Underpayment risks retroactive wage claims, fines, and penalties up to CHF 10,000.
- 5Clino automatically checks whether the entered wage meets the legal minimum requirements.
Is there a minimum wage for cleaners in Switzerland?
Switzerland does not have a general national minimum wage. However, for domestic workers the Standard Employment Contract for Domestic Work (NAV)applies, which was enacted by the Federal Council and prescribes binding minimum wages.
The NAV distinguishes these qualification levels - depending on the experience and training of your domestic worker (EBA graduates: same rate as experienced):
Qualification pays off - each tier lifts the legal minimum wage:
A recognised certificate raises the NAV tier - lifting the cleaner's pay and market value.
Explore the certificate →Important
How to calculate this supplement correctly and show it on the payslip is covered in the guide to holiday pay in the hourly wage.
Cantons with their own minimum wage
Five cantons have introduced a cantonal minimum wage in addition to the NAV, which applies to all industries - including domestic workers. If the cantonal minimum wage is higher than the NAV, the higher rate applies.
Highest minimum wage in Switzerland, adjusted annually for inflation
Since 2021, popular initiative accepted
Since 2018, applies to all industries
Since 2017, regularly adjusted
Industry-specific, strictest controls in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the minimum wage for domestic workers varies by up to CHF 4.59 per hour depending on the canton. Geneva pays the most, while the NAV rate applies in 21 of 26 cantons.
Good to know: In all other 21 cantons, the NAV minimum wage of CHF 20.35/hr (unskilled) applies. However, market wages are almost everywhere significantly higher - between CHF 25 and 33/hr depending on the region. Calculate your costs with the Clino cost calculator.
Paying the bare minimum is risky
- •High churn: good cleaners switch to competitors who pay CHF 3-5 more.
- •If the qualification level is misjudged (e.g. "unskilled" instead of "experienced"), you automatically underpay.
- •On the next inflation/indexation adjustment you fall below the minimum overnight - without noticing.
- •A clear signal to your cleaner: "I take this seriously." Better retention, less search.
- •Buffer for cantonal adjustments - you stay compliant even after the next indexation.
- •Clino checks the wage automatically on every payslip and warns about underpayment.
Market wages for cleaners across Switzerland range CHF 25-33 gross. Sticking to the bare minimum costs you the worker.
Gross vs. net - what remains?
The minimum wage is a gross wage. The following deductions are made on the employee side:
AHV / IV / EO
Old age, disability and income replacement insurance
ALV
Unemployment insurance
UVG (NOA)
Non-occupational accident insurance (from 8 hrs/week)
Gross wage (before deductions)
- •Agreed hourly rate incl. holiday supplement
- •Basis for social insurance contributions
- •Must at least match the NAV minimum wage
Net wage (after deductions)
- •Amount paid out to the domestic worker
- •After deduction of AHV, ALV, UVG (approx. 7.8%)
- •At CHF 25.00 gross, approx. CHF 23.03 net
Calculation example: CHF 25.00 gross wage
As an employer, you additionally pay your contributions (AHV 5.3%, ALV 1.1%, UVG OA, FAK). Use our gross-net calculator or the payslip generator for an exact calculation.
What happens if the minimum wage is undercut?
The NAV for domestic work is not a guideline - it is binding. Underpaying risks back payments up to 5 years retroactively, fines, and personal liability for accidents.
Warning: Minimum wage is not a guideline
Retroactive wage claim
Your domestic worker can claim the difference to the minimum wage retroactively for up to 5 years - including holiday supplement and interest.
Fines and back payments
The compensation fund can levy back payments on social insurance contributions, calculated on the correct minimum wage.
Undeclared work risk
If social insurances are also not accounted for, this is considered undeclared work - with penalties up to CHF 10,000.
Insurance gaps
In case of an accident or illness of the cleaner, you are personally liable as an employer if no UVG insurance exists.
Tip: Register your domestic worker correctly and pay at least the NAV minimum wage. Clino automatically checks whether the entered wage meets the minimum requirements. Learn more in our step-by-step registration guide.
Currently paying through an agency? Learn how to hire your cleaner directly and insure them correctly.
When exactly must I register? - Thresholds, exceptions and deadlines.
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Frequently asked questions about minimum wage for cleaners
What is the minimum wage for a cleaner in Switzerland?
The NAV domestic work sets these minimum wages (EBA graduates: same rate as experienced): CHF 20.35/hr (unskilled), CHF 22.30/hr (4+ years experience) and CHF 24.55/hr (with certificate). In GE, NE, BS, TI and JU, higher cantonal minimum wages apply.
Which canton has the highest minimum wage?
Geneva (GE) has the highest minimum wage in Switzerland at CHF 24.59/hr. It is adjusted annually for inflation and applies to all industries. The actual market wages in Geneva are CHF 30-38/hr.
What happens if I pay less than the minimum wage?
The employee can claim the wage difference retroactively for up to 5 years. Additionally, fines and back payments from the compensation fund are possible. For undeclared work , penalties up to CHF 10,000 are possible.
Does the NAV minimum wage also apply to part-time work?
Yes. The NAV minimum wages apply per hour, regardless of the work percentage. Even with just a few hours per week, at least CHF 20.35/hr must be paid. Additionally, a holiday supplement of 8.33% to 13.04% is owed.
How do I calculate my cleaner's net wage?
From the gross wage, AHV/IV/EO (5.3%), ALV (1.1%) and if applicable NOA (1.432%) are deducted. At CHF 25/hr, this results in approx. CHF 23.03 net. Use the Clino calculator for an exact calculation incl. all cantonal specifics.
What is the typical hourly wage for a cleaner in Switzerland?
Market wages range from CHF 25 to 33 gross per hour depending on the canton - well above the legal minimum. Experience, qualifications and urban location push wages higher. See our fair wage guide and our interactive wage map for a detailed cantonal comparison.
What exactly happens if I pay below the minimum wage?
Three consequences hit you at once: (1) Your cleaner can claim the wage difference incl. holiday supplement and 5% default interest retroactively for up to 5 years - even after the contract ends. (2) The compensation fund recalculates social-insurance contributions on the correct wage, with back-payment owed by both employer and employee. (3) If registration is also missing, this counts as undeclared work (BGSA, AHVG Art. 88) - with fines up to CHF 10,000 and an entry in the undeclared-work register that blocks future public contracts.
Does the minimum wage also apply for cleaning under 8 hours per week?
The NAV minimum wage applies if the cleaner works an average of at least 5 hours per week for the same employer (Art. 2 NAV). Below that, pay is negotiable - though the NAV rates remain the fair benchmark. Regardless of hours, the following always apply: the holiday supplement (8.33-13.04%) and AHV/IV/EO/ALV contributions, even at just 2 hours per week. Non-occupational accident insurance (NBU/UVG) only kicks in from 8 hrs/week with the same employer.
What is the minimum wage for a cleaner in Zurich?
The canton of Zurich has no statutory minimum wage of its own, so the NAV Hauswirtschaft applies: from CHF 20.35/h (unskilled), CHF 22.30/h (experienced) or CHF 24.55/h (with a federal certificate), plus the holiday supplement. In the city of Zurich, however, the going rate is CHF 28-33/h, so the market sits well above the minimum.
Does the NAV or the GAV Reinigung apply to me?
If you employ the cleaner directly in your own home, the NAV Hauswirtschaft applies (from CHF 20.35/h). If you book a cleaning company whose staff come to you, their GAV Reinigung applies (from CHF 21.40/h maintenance, CHF 23.40/h special). What matters is who the employer is, not the activity itself.
Do I have to register my cleaner with the AHV (OASI)?
Yes. As soon as you pay wages for domestic work you are an employer and must register the person with the cantonal compensation fund - there is no minimum threshold for domestic work, contributions are due from the first franc. For low wages there is the simplified accounting procedure. Without registration, the work counts as undeclared.
Further guides
Current wage table by email
Minimum wage by canton, experience and qualification - all on one page.
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Sources & further information
- 1NAV Hauswirtschaft (SR 221.215.329.4) - Minimum wages - fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2010/724/de
- 2SECO - Employment law and standard employment contracts - seco.admin.ch/seco/de/home/Arbeit/Personenfreizugigkeit_Arbeitsbeziehungen/Arbeitsrecht.html
- 3FSIO - AHV contribution rates - bsv.admin.ch/bsv/de/home/sozialversicherungen/ahv/grundlagen-gesetze/ahv-beitragssaetze.html
- 4CO - Code of Obligations (employment) - fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/27/317_321_377/de
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