Aargau: salaries, sectors and levels of training

Context

In brief

• There is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland, some cantons have one.
• Salary levels depend on education, sector, experience.
• Collective agreements set minimum wages by sector.
• Maximum working hours 45-50 hours/week, minimum holidays 4 weeks.

Key facts

• What: Salary structure in Aargau according to education and sector
• When: System in place for all of 2026
• Where: Canton of Aargau, Switzerland
• Who: Private and public employees
• Maximum hours: 45-50 hours/week
• Minimum holidays: 4 weeks per year (5 for under 20s)
• AVS/AI contributions: 5.3% employee's share
• Maternity: 14 weeks at 80%

The labor market in the canton of Aargau follows the federal Swiss rules for determining wages, supplemented by cantonal regulations. Unlike some European countries, Switzerland does not have a federal minimum wage: wage determination occurs through collective labor agreements (CLA) and company agreements.

Salary Structure by Education Level

Salary levels in Aargau are strongly correlated with professional education level. Apprentices in vocational training (VET — Federal Vocational Baccalaureate) have salary scales defined by CLAs and progress from the first to the third year of apprenticeship. A vocational training diploma accesses positions of skilled worker or clerk, with higher compensation than apprentices. Holders of higher specialist diplomas (federal exams) or university degrees receive even higher compensation.

The salary structure reflects the educational investment: an engineering graduate earns on average more than a technical profession graduate, who in turn earns more than an apprentice. Collective contracts specify minimum wages for each education level and professional category.

Collective Agreements and Hiring Sectors

In Aargau, as in all of Switzerland, the main hiring sectors are manufacturing and industry (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery), finance and insurance, retail and wholesale trade, construction and real estate, healthcare and social services, technology and telecommunications.

Each sector has its own collective agreements defining minimum wages, benefits, and working conditions. For example, the pharmaceutical sector has generally higher wage standards than retail trade.

Working Conditions and Mandatory Contributions

The maximum working hours in Switzerland are set at 45 hours per week in the industrial and office sectors, and 50 hours in other sectors. The minimum guaranteed holidays are 4 weeks per year (5 for employees under 20). The employer must also pay mandatory contributions: 10.6% for AVS/AI/IPG (5.3% employee + 5.3% employer), 1.1% for unemployment contributions (AD/AC) up to the annual maximum, and LAINF/LAA contributions (0.7–1.5% depending on the sector) for accident insurance.

Maternity is covered for 14 weeks at 80% of salary (loss of earnings compensation — IPG), while paternity is guaranteed for 2 weeks. Trial periods in contracts are typically 1-3 months.

Operational details

Determining the right salary for a position in Aargau requires considering several factors beyond the level of education. Professional experience, technical specialization, managerial responsibility, and the company context influence the final compensation.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

If you are looking for a job in Aargau or evaluating a salary offer, here are the concrete steps to verify if the compensation is adequate and which tools to use.

Step 1: Identify the applicable collective agreement

The first step is to identify the collective agreement (CA) that applies to the role and sector. Most positions in Aargau fall under a specific sector CA (e.g., CA for chemistry, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, commerce). You can find the text of the contract on the company's website offering the job, on the website of the sector's employers' association, or at the Aargau cantonal employment office. The CA defines the minimum salary for your level of education and professional category. If the offer is below the CA minimum, it could be a sign of contractual issues.

Step 2: Compare with the market using the calculator

Use the salary calculator to verify the average salary range for your profession, level of education, experience, Aargau canton, and sector. Enter the profession (e.g., 'mechanical engineer', 'nurse', 'software analyst'), years of experience, level of education (apprenticeship, CFC diploma, higher specialist, degree), sector (manufacturing, healthcare, technology, etc.), and Aargau canton. The tool returns the national and cantonal median salary, allowing you to position the offer relative to the market.

Step 3: Calculate net salary and tax situation

A crucial aspect often overlooked: the gross salary does not correspond to the net amount available. Use the salary calculator to quantify the tax impact: the federal direct tax (FDT) represents about 8-12% of the gross (varies with income, age, marital status), to which is added the Aargau cantonal tax (varies with the specific municipality), municipal tax, AVS/AI/IPG contributions 5.3%, unemployment contributions (AD/AC) 1.1% up to the maximum, and LAINF/LAA contributions 0.7–1.5% (deducted by the employer). Example: a gross annual salary of CHF 80,000 could result in a net monthly salary of CHF 4,800–5,100, depending on personal and municipal situation.

Step 4: Evaluate additional benefits

In addition to the base salary, many companies offer contributions to the pension fund (LPP) above the legal minimum, bonuses and 13th salary, supplementary health insurance (health insurance with reduced deductible), additional leave beyond the legal minimum (4 weeks), smart working and flexibility, continuous training. These elements increase the overall value of the offer even if the base gross appears modest.

Step 5: Check notice periods and the first year

If you accept a job in Aargau, note that the probationary period is usually 1-3 months with a notice period of 1 week or 1 month. After the first year, the notice period becomes 1 month. From the 10th year of service with the same employer, the notice period increases to 3 months. This means that the first years represent a higher risk of unexpected termination. For any doubts about contracts, salaries, termination rights, contact the Aargau cantonal employment office or an independent labor consultant. Consultation is often free at public offices.