How much does a border cook earn in Ticino? (cross-border guide)

The New Frontier Agreement of 23/12/2020 provides for frontier workers to be treated similarly to Swiss workers. Here's what's changing for border cooks in Ticino.

Context

In a nutshell

  • The New Frontier Agreement provides for frontier workers to be treated similarly to Swiss workers.
  • Frontier workers are exempt from double taxation between Switzerland and Italy.
  • Switzerland applies tax at source only in the case of employees.

How much does a border cook earn in Ticino?

Ticino is one of the richest regions in Switzerland, with a high demand for work in the tourism and catering sector. Border cooks are an important part of the industry staff, and their salary is an important aspect to consider.

Under the rules of the New Frontier Agreement, frontier workers are treated similarly to Swiss workers. This means that border cooks in Ticino earn a salary similar to that of Swiss cooks. The minimum wage in Switzerland is around CHF 4,500 per month, but cooks can earn up to CHF8,000 per month or more, depending on experience and position.

Concrete example

Suppose a border cook works in a restaurant in Lugano. He earns CHF 6,000 a month, which is a fairly common figure for an experienced cook in a city like Lugano. However, his salary may vary depending on his experience and position.

Instructions for Entrepreneurs

If you're an entrepreneur working with border cooks, it's important to know how to treat them similarly to Swiss workers. Here are some instructions

Operational details

The tax at source in Switzerland is 5.3% for employees and 1.1% for taxpayers with income up to CHF 148,200. The deductible for new frontier workers is CHF 10,000.

Border cooks in Ticino can benefit from the CHF 10,000 deductible. But how does a border chef earn in Ticino? Here is some useful information to understand it.

Net income of a border cook in Ticino

To calculate the net income of a border cook in Ticino, we have to consider several factors. First, we need to know that taxable income is gross income minus tax deductions. In Switzerland, taxable income is calculated on the basis of gross income, which includes basic salary, allowances and premiums.

Suppose a border cook in Ticino earns a gross income of CHF 80'000 per year. After applying the excess of CHF 10,000, the taxable income becomes CHF70,000.

Taxation in Switzerland

The tax at source in Switzerland is 5.3% for employees and 1.1% for taxpayers with income up to CHF 148,200. Therefore, the tax on the part of taxable income above CHF 148'200 is 5.3%.

In our example, the taxable income is CHF 70'000, so the tax is 5.3% on CHF 70'000, which is equivalent to CHF 3'710.

Net income

The net income of a border cook in Ticino is the taxable income minus the tax. In our example, the net income is CHF 66'290 (CHF 70'000 - CHF

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

To know your income, you can consult the Frontaliere Ticino salary calculator. The calculator provides an estimate of net income based on the information provided.

The income of a border cook in Ticino depends on several factors, such as the type of contract, the number of hours worked and the level of experience. Under current regulations, frontier workers can enjoy a number of benefits, including income tax exemption for the first 90,000 francs of annual income.

However, it is important to note that frontier workers are subject to Swiss labour market rules, which may vary by region and type of work. In Ticino, for example, frontier workers may be subject to a workers' rent tax (TA) of around 10% on gross income.

To get a more precise idea of your income, you can consult the Frontaliere Ticino salary calculator. Based on the information provided, the calculator provides an estimate of net income based on the following information:

  • Type of contract (fixed-term or indefinite)
  • Number of hours worked per week
  • Level of experience (frequent, occasional or initial)
  • Type of job (cook, waiter, etc.)

Here is an example of how the calculator works:

  • Contract Type: Fixed Term
  • Number of hours worked per week: 30 hours
  • Level of experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the allowance for new frontier workers in Switzerland?
The allowance for new frontier workers in Switzerland is CHF 10,000.
What is the percentage of tax at source in Switzerland?
The percentage of tax at source in Switzerland is 5.3% for employees and 1.1% for taxpayers with income up to CHF 148'200.
What does the New Switzerland-Italy Border Agreement provide for workers?
The New Frontier Agreement, in force since 1 January 2020, guarantees frontier workers treatment similar to that of Swiss workers. A key benefit is the exemption from double taxation between Switzerland and Italy, ensuring that tax at source is applied only on income from employment.
How much can a border chef with experience in Ticino earn?
A border cook experienced in Ticino can earn between CHF 6,000 and CHF8,000 per month, or even more, depending on experience and location. The minimum wage in Switzerland is around CHF 4,500 per month, but specialised figures such as chefs often far exceed that threshold.
What obligations does a Swiss employer have towards frontier workers?
A Swiss employer must treat frontier workers similarly to Swiss workers. This includes the regular payment of salary, the provision of a written employment contract with clear conditions (salary, holidays) and compliance with the rules of the New Frontier Agreement, avoiding any discrimination.

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