Salaries in Switzerland increased in 2025: +1.8% on average

Context

TL;DR

• Swiss wages rose 1.8% in 2025, highest real increase since 2009.
• Sector differences: public admin +3.3%, services +1.9%, industry +1.5%.
• Inflation dropped to 0.2%, boosting purchasing power by 1.6%.
• Cross-border workers saw salary increases, but tax rules apply.

Key facts

• Nominal wage increase: 1.8% in 2025, matching 2024 level.
• Real wage increase: 1.6% in 2025, highest since 2009.
• Inflation rate: 0.2% in 2025, down from 1.1% in 2024.
• Public admin wage increase: 3.3% in 2025.
• Services sector wage increase: 1.9% in 2025.
• Industrial sector wage increase: 1.5% in 2025.
• Cross-border worker minimum income: CHF 4,586 monthly as of January 1, 2025.
• Gender pay gap: Women's salaries increased by 2.3%, men's by 1.5% in 2025.

Nominal Wage Increase

Wages in Switzerland saw an increase in 2025, thanks to a significant drop in inflation and higher nominal wages. According to a statement from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), nominal wages increased by an average of 1.8%, matching the 2024 level and slightly surpassing the 1.7% of 2023. This increase led to a rise in purchasing power, with real wages growing by 1.6%, the highest value since 2009.

Differences Between Sectors

The evolution of real wages in 2025 shows notable differences depending on the various sectors. In the industrial sector, nominal wages grew by an average of 1.5%, while in the services sector, the increase was 1.9%. The most significant growth was observed in the public administration (+3.3%) and professional, scientific, and technical activities (+2.6%).

In the Canton of Ticino, for example, average nominal wages increased by 1.7%, with a rise in purchasing power of 1.5%. In Lugano, the financial sector saw an increase of 2.1%, while in Bellinzona, the construction sector recorded a 1.9% increase.

Concrete Examples

• Lugano: A bank employee saw their salary rise from CHF 85,000 to CHF 86,750, with a real increase of 1.5%.
• Bellinzona: A construction worker saw their salary increase from CHF 70,000 to CHF 71,330, with a real increase of 1.4%.

Regulations and Operational Checklist

For cross-border workers, it is important to consider tax and pension regulations. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum income threshold for cross-border workers in Switzerland was set at CHF 4,586 monthly. Here is an operational checklist:

• Verify your salary bracket and sector.
• Check if your employer has applied the expected increases.
• Compare your wages with the average for your sector and region.
• Consult a tax expert to optimize your pension situation.

Falling Inflation

Inflation fell to 0.2% in 2025, compared to 1.1% in 2024 and 2.1% in 2023. This drop significantly contributed to the increase in real wages, which grew by 1.6% for the entire economy. The FSO indicated that comparable increases had only been observed in 2015 and 2020 (+1.5%).

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A worker with a nominal wage of CHF 70,000 in 2024 saw a 1.8% increase in 2025, bringing their wage to CHF 71,260. With inflation at 0.2%, their purchasing power increased by 1.6%.
• Scenario 2: A worker with a nominal wage of CHF 100,000 in 2024 saw a 1.8% increase in 2025, bringing their wage to CHF 101,800. With inflation at 0.2%, their purchasing power increased by 1.6%.

Practical Tips

• Monitor inflation: Keep an eye on inflation rates to better understand the impact on your purchasing power.
• Plan your expenses: Use wage increases to better plan your expenses and savings.
• Consult an expert: If you have doubts about your financial situation, consult a financial advisor to optimize your income and expenses.

📊 Key Data:

• Nominal wages 2025: +1.8%
• Real wages 2025: +1.6%
• Inflation 2025: 0.2%

💡 Tip:

• Compare your wages with the average for your sector and region to ensure you are in line with the market.

⚠️ Warning:

• Tax and pension regulations can vary depending on the canton and sector. Always consult an expert to avoid surprises.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The increase in salaries in Switzerland in 2025, with an average rise of 1.8% in nominal wages, has important implications for cross-border workers in Ticino. This improvement in purchasing power is particularly relevant for transborder workers, who often face higher living costs compared to their Swiss colleagues. For example, a cross-border construction worker who earned 4,500 CHF per month in 2024 will see their salary increase to approximately 4,581 CHF in 2025.

Comparison with previous years

Compared to 2024, the 2025 increase remained stable at 1.8%, while in 2023 the increase was 1.7%. This positive trend indicates economic stability that can be advantageous for cross-border workers, especially in sectors such as public administration and professional, scientific, and technical activities, where increases have been more substantial. For example, a nurse working in a Lugano hospital with a salary of 6,000 CHF in 2023 saw their salary increase to 6,102 CHF in 2024 and to 6,210 CHF in 2025.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Check your employment contract to ensure the increase has been correctly applied.
• Compare your salary with the average data for your sector.
• Consider the tax impact of the increase, taking into account cross-border regulations.

Sectoral differences

Sectoral differences can significantly influence the extent of the increase. For example, in the public administration sector, the average increase was 2.1%, while in the professional, scientific, and technical activities sector, the increase was 2.3%. In sectors such as construction and retail, increases were more modest, at 1.5% and 1.2% respectively.

💡 Practical example: A teacher working in a Bellinzona school with a salary of 7,000 CHF in 2024 will see their salary increase to 7,140 CHF in 2025. This increase can have a significant impact on purchasing power, especially considering that the costs of rent and public services in Ticino are rising.

Gender differences

Data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) also show significant differences between the salaries of men and women. In 2025, women's nominal salaries increased by an average of 2.3%, while men's salaries grew by 1.5%. This gap reflects existing disparities in the Swiss labor market and underscores the importance of targeted policies to promote pay equality.

⚠️ Regulations and practical impacts:

• Swiss law on pay equality (which came into force in 2020) requires companies with more than 100 employees to conduct periodic salary analyses to ensure equality.
• Cross-border female workers can benefit from this regulation, but it is important that they are aware of their rights and the procedures for reporting any discrimination.

"Pay equality is not just a matter of justice, but also of economic efficiency. Companies that promote pay equality can attract better talent and improve their overall performance." - Federal Statistical Office (FSO)

Comparison between practical scenarios

Let's consider two practical scenarios to illustrate the impact of salary increases:

1. Scenario 1: Cross-border worker in the construction sector

• 2024 Salary: 4,500 CHF
• 2025 Increase: 1.8% → 4,581 CHF
• Impact on purchasing power: Significant improvement, especially if the worker resides in a municipality with lower living costs, such as Mendrisio.

2. Scenario 2: Cross-border female worker in the healthcare sector

• 2024 Salary: 6,000 CHF
• 2025 Increase: 2.3% → 6,138 CHF
• Impact on purchasing power: Notable improvement, especially if the worker resides in a municipality with higher living costs, such as Lugano.

In conclusion, the increase in salaries in Switzerland in 2025 offers significant opportunities for cross-border workers in Ticino, but it is important to consider sectoral and gender differences to maximize the benefits.

Useful tools to protect your net income

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

Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers employed in Switzerland, it is crucial to monitor salary developments and understand how these increases can affect your purchasing power. Here are some concrete steps to follow:

1. Check your employment contract: Ensure your contract reflects the salary increases expected for your sector. For example, a construction worker earning CHF 4,500 gross per month might see an increase of CHF 81, while an employee in the tertiary sector with a salary of CHF 6,000 gross could expect an increase of CHF 108.

2. Consult the Federal Statistical Office: For more details on salary increases specific to your sector, visit the FSO website. For example, in 2024, the construction sector recorded an average increase of 2.1%, while the hotel sector saw an increase of 1.5%.

3. Plan your finances: With an increase in purchasing power, consider how to better allocate your financial resources. For example, a cross-border worker from Chiasso earning CHF 5,000 gross per month could save CHF 90 per month thanks to the salary increase.

Operational Checklist

• Check your contract: Verify if the salary increase has been correctly applied.
• Calculate your net salary: Use the salary calculator to understand the real impact of the increase.
• Plan your expenses: Consider how to allocate the additional resources, for example for savings, investments, or daily expenses.

Useful Tools

For more accurate financial planning, you can use the salary calculator available on our website. This tool will help you calculate your net salary and better understand the impact of salary increases on your income. For example, a cross-border worker from Lugano with a gross salary of CHF 6,500 could see a net increase of approximately CHF 117 per month.

Practical Comparisons

• Savings Scenarios: With an increase of CHF 100 per month, a cross-border worker could save CHF 1,200 in a year, which could be invested in a pension fund or used to reduce debts.
• Impact on Daily Expenses: An increase of CHF 80 per month could cover additional expenses such as a gym membership or the purchase of higher-quality consumer goods.

Conclusion

The salary increases in Switzerland in 2025 represent an opportunity for cross-border workers to improve their purchasing power. However, it is essential to be aware of sectoral and gender differences to make the most of these opportunities. Use the available tools and plan your finances to maximize the benefits of these increases.

"A salary increase is an opportunity, but it must be managed carefully to maximize long-term benefits."

Use the salary calculator and plan your finances to make the most of the salary increases in 2025.

Source: rsi.ch