What is the minimum wage in Aargau?

Switzerland does not have a federal minimum wage, but compensation is determined through collective bargaining agreements (CLAs) by sector. Each CCL in force in Aargau establishes the minimum wage by level of training and professional category. If it does not fall under a CCL, the wage offer is determined by the direct agreement with the company. We recommend that you always check the CCL applicable to your industry before accepting an offer.

How does the salary change depending on the degree of training?

In Aargau, as in all of Switzerland, wage levels progress with the degree of training. An apprentice in vocational training (CFC) starts with a minimum remuneration set by the CCL. A CFC graduate accesses skilled worker positions with salaries 40-50% higher. A higher specialist degree (federal exams) and a university degree result in further salary increases, reflecting the higher qualification.

What contributions are deducted from my gross salary?

In Switzerland, the employee automatically pays 5.3% for AVS/AI/IPG (old-age pension, disability, loss of earnings benefit), 1.1% for unemployment contributions (AD/AC) up to the annual ceiling, and 0.7–1.5% for accident insurance (LAINF/LAA) depending on the sector. Added to these are the federal direct (IFD), cantonal and municipal taxes, which vary according to income, canton and personal situation. The [calcolatore stipendio](nav:calculator) quantifies the impact on net.

What are the main sectors they hire in Aargau?

Aargau is an important centre for manufacturing, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, machinery, finance, construction, healthcare, technology and telecommunications. The region is home to some of the largest pharmaceutical and chemical multinationals in Switzerland. These sectors generally offer competitive wages and well-structured collective agreements with clear career progressions.

How do I check if the salary offered is adequate?

First step: check the collective agreement applicable to your industry and profession — the CCL defines the minimum wage. Second step: use the [calcolatore stipendio](nav:calculator) to compare your offer with the average salary range by profession, experience, degree of training and canton. Step three: Calculate the net available and evaluate supplementary benefits. If the offer is less than the minimum CCL, contact the cantonal labour office in Aargau.

Aargau: salaries, sectors and levels of training (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 7 September 2026

Panoramic view of a Swiss city, symbol of economy and labor market

How salaries are structured in Aargau according to the degree of training, the sectors they hire and the collective agreements envisaged.

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.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Aargau?: Switzerland does not have a federal minimum wage, but compensation is determined through collective bargaining agreements (CLAs) by sector. Each CCL in force in Aargau establishes the minimum wage by level of training and professional category. If it does not fall under a CCL, the wage offer is determined by the direct agreement with the company. We recommend that you always check the CCL applicable to your industry before accepting an offer.
How does the salary change depending on the degree of training?: In Aargau, as in all of Switzerland, wage levels progress with the degree of training. An apprentice in vocational training (CFC) starts with a minimum remuneration set by the CCL. A CFC graduate accesses skilled worker positions with salaries 40-50% higher. A higher specialist degree (federal exams) and a university degree result in further salary increases, reflecting the higher qualification.
What contributions are deducted from my gross salary?: In Switzerland, the employee automatically pays 5.3% for AVS/AI/IPG (old-age pension, disability, loss of earnings benefit), 1.1% for unemployment contributions (AD/AC) up to the annual ceiling, and 0.7–1.5% for accident insurance (LAINF/LAA) depending on the sector. Added to these are the federal direct (IFD), cantonal and municipal taxes, which vary according to income, canton and personal situation. The [calcolatore stipendio](nav:calculator) quantifies the impact on net.
What are the main sectors they hire in Aargau?: Aargau is an important centre for manufacturing, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, machinery, finance, construction, healthcare, technology and telecommunications. The region is home to some of the largest pharmaceutical and chemical multinationals in Switzerland. These sectors generally offer competitive wages and well-structured collective agreements with clear career progressions.
How do I check if the salary offered is adequate?: First step: check the collective agreement applicable to your industry and profession — the CCL defines the minimum wage. Second step: use the [calcolatore stipendio](nav:calculator) to compare your offer with the average salary range by profession, experience, degree of training and canton. Step three: Calculate the net available and evaluate supplementary benefits. If the offer is less than the minimum CCL, contact the cantonal labour office in Aargau.