Sectors growing in the Ticino labour market in 2026 (cross-border guide)

Aerial view of Lugano with office buildings and lake, symbol of the Ticino job market

Health, ICT, construction and training among the sectors with the highest demand for personnel: what changes for border workers.

Context

In a nutshell

  • Health, ICT, construction and training are looking for profiles in Canton Ticino.
  • Offers cover technical, healthcare and bilingual office roles.
  • Border workers with a G permit represent the majority of Italian workers.
  • The new Borderers Agreement is in force from 1 January 2024.

Key facts

  • What: Growth sectors in the Ticino labour market
  • When: 2026 scenario, structural data
  • Where: Canton Ticino, with a focus on Lugano, Bellinzona, Mendrisio, Locarno
  • Who: Border workers and residents in possession of a G or B permit
  • Amount: Average sectoral salaries not specified in the source
  • Reference: New Frontier Agreement signed on 23 December 2020, in force from 1 January 2024

The labour market in Canton Ticino shows sustained demand in 2026 in four main sectors: health, information technology, construction and training. These are sectors that benefit from structural trends that have already been underway for years, linked to demographic ageing, the digitalisation of companies and public construction sites for energy and mobility infrastructures. For a frontier worker, knowing these trends means orienting their continuous training and applications towards the niches with the greatest offer of positions.

Health and social health: demographic pressure

Ticino healthcare remains the sector with the largest number of vacancies. The ageing resident population

Operational details

For a border worker approaching the Ticino labour market, the first practical question is: where should you aim? The answer comes from three concrete variables — employment outlets, salary level and compatibility with the G permit.

Tax and contribution implications for border workers

Before accepting an offer, it is useful to remember the tax and contribution framework in force since 1 January 2024 with the new Borderers Agreement (signed on 23 December 2020, ratified in Italy by Law 83 of 13 June 2023). Old frontier workers — already on board before 17 July 2023 — benefit from an exemption of €7,500 and a transitional regime until 2033. The new frontier workers, on the other hand, have a deductible of €10,000. In both cases, the tax at source is withheld exclusively in Switzerland; Italy avoids double taxation through the tax credit indicated in the EC framework of model 730, as provided for by the Italy-Switzerland Double Taxation Convention signed on 9 December 1976. On the Swiss contributory side, the employee pays AVS/AI/IPG at 5.3%, AD/AC at 1.1% (with a ceiling of CHF 148'200), LAINF between 0.7% and 1.5% and LPP in percentage ranging from 7% to 18% by age group, from 25 years. At the Italian level, the progressive IRPEF rates apply (23% up to €28,000, 35% between €28,001 and €50,000, 43% over €50,000), managed through INPS and the Revenue Agency.

Comparison sectors: what they offer

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Useful tools for your case

To verify your within/over 20 km tax scenario, use the net salary calculator and the tax return guide.

Key points

Translating analysis into concrete action means proceeding step by step, without improvising. Here is an operational guide for the cross-border worker who intends to apply in the growing sectors of the Ticino job market.

Step 1 — Map your skills and verify your qualifications

Before applying, gather your certificates, diplomas and certifications. For regulated professions (healthcare, engineering), federal recognition is mandatory. You can contact the relevant Population Division / Migration Office of the Canton of Ticino for work permits and the Swiss Red Cross (CRS) for the recognition of foreign healthcare qualifications. Also keep references and letters of work experience.

Step 2 — Update your CV in Swiss format

The Ticino CV favours reverse chronological order, a passport-sized photo, precise indication of work permit and verifiable references. Include language skills (Italian native speaker, level of German and French) and technical tools specific to the role (CAD software, programming languages, medical devices).

Step 3 — Register on job search channels

The cantonal employment portals collect verified job listings; combine them with private agencies operating in the area. Also regularly consult the SECO portal for labour market statistics. For healthcare professions, EOC publishes calls for applications directly on its website.

Step 4 — Calculate the economic impact

Before accepting, simulate your net salary with the salary calculator. Bear in mind that on the Swiss side AVS/AI/IPG, AD/AC, LAINF and LPP contributions are deducted, while in Italy you will need to file your income tax return (Form 730) to benefit from the tax credit and avoid double taxation. If you also want to estimate the impact of the CHF/EUR exchange rate on your net pay, use the currency comparator.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sectors with the most jobs in Canton Ticino in 2026?
Health, ICT, construction and training are the sectors that register the most sustained demand. Healthcare is driven by demographic ageing and the need for nursing staff and OSS. ICT is growing due to the digitalization of Ticino SMEs. Construction benefits from public construction sites and energy upgrades, while training sees a constant demand for teachers and tutors, also thanks to the presence of SUPSI and USES.
How does taxation work for new border crossers from 2024?
From 1 January 2024, the new Borderers Agreement is in force, signed on 23 December 2020 and ratified in Italy by Law 83 of 13 June 2023. New frontier workers benefit from a deductible of €10,000. The tax at source is withheld only in Switzerland; Italy avoids double taxation through the EC tax credit of model 730, as provided for by the Convention of 9 December 1976.
What social contributions are withheld from the Swiss paycheck?
The employee pays AVS/AI/IPG at 5.3%, AD/AC at 1.1% (with a ceiling of CHF 148'200), LAINF between 0.7% and 1.5% and LPP ranging from 7% to 18% depending on the age group, from 25 years. The rates are managed at the federal level by the AFC/ESTV for the tax part and by the AVS compensation funds for the social security part.
How to apply for a job in Ticino coming from Italy?
The first step is the verification of the recognition of foreign qualifications at the Population Section/Migration Office of the Canton of Ticino. For regulated professions it is necessary to register in the federal register of competence (for example CRS for health professions). Subsequently, employment is sought through the cantonal portals, the SECO website and the private agencies active in the canton, attaching a CV in Swiss format.
Is it possible to telework from your Italian residence for a Ticino employer?
Cross-border teleworking is governed by the bilateral agreements and practice of the Population Section/Migration Office of the Canton of Ticino. For border workers with a G permit, a limited number of days of teleworking from Italy is generally allowed, as long as it does not exceed the threshold that triggers the obligation to register with the Swiss occupational pension SCHEME (LPP) or changes the nature of the employment relationship. Check on a case-by-case basis with the employer and the c

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