How much does an apprentice earn in Switzerland during the internship?

The minimum wage varies depending on the canton and the professional sector. Although Switzerland does not have a federal minimum wage at the national level, many cantons, including the canton of Thurgau, have set specific minimum amounts for apprentices. Typically, the first year's salary is a percentage of a skilled worker's salary (about 30-50%), with increases expected in subsequent years. For exact amounts in the canton of Thurgau, consult the cantonal vocational training office.

How long is an apprenticeship in Switzerland?

The duration varies between 2 and 4 years depending on the profession and sector. Most apprenticeships last 3 or 4 years. Upon completion, the apprentice takes a final exam and obtains a nationally recognized federal vocational training certificate. After the certificate, those who wish to continue their studies can take a professional maturation course (1-2 additional years) to access professional university schools.

What are the main rights of the apprentice during the internship?

The apprentice is entitled to a minimum wage (variable per canton), minimum 4 weeks of paid vacation per year (5 if underage), sufficient rest between working days, safety and protection at work according to federal standards, and quality professional education by the employer. All these rights are governed by the Swiss Bond Code (CO) Articles 344a-360.

What is professional maturity and what is it for?

Professional maturity is a recognized federal diploma that accompanies the regular internship. It allows direct access to university vocational schools (SUP/FHS) without the need to pass additional entrance exams. It is useful for those who wish to continue their higher education in the technical sector. Maturity requires additional training effort, but opens up wider career opportunities.

How is social security guaranteed during the apprenticeship?

The apprentice is compulsorily covered by federal social security: AVS/AI (5.3% of the gross salary borne by the worker, 10.6% overall), LAMal health insurance (privately with sickness funds, individual premiums), LAINF accident insurance (generally borne by the employer), and LPP occupational insurance (mandatory from a certain age, with percentage contributions on the coordinated salary). These contributions guarantee protection in the event of illness, accident, unemployment and old age.

Apprenticeship and training in Canton Thurgau (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 7 September 2026

Young apprentice undergoing practical training in a Swiss vocational workshop

Practical guide to the apprenticeship system in Switzerland: how to find an apprenticeship, learn about the apprentice's rights and the training contract.

Context

In brief

Apprenticeship in Switzerland: dual system (internship + vocational school)
Duration: 2-4 years, with federal certificate at the end
Apprentice rights: contractual protection (CO), social security, cantonal minimum wage

Key facts

What: Dual apprenticeship system in Switzerland (company internship + vocational school)
When: Duration 2-4 years, final exam with federal certificate
Where: Canton of Thurgau and other 25 cantons (federally coordinated system)
Who: Young people after compulsory schooling, craft/commercial/service companies
Legislation: Rights and duties regulated by the Code of Obligations (CO) arts. 344a-360
Social Security: AVS/AI 5.3% (employee), mandatory LAMal, LPP for eligible by age

Apprenticeship in Switzerland represents a pillar of the national vocational training system. In the Canton of Thurgau, as in the other twenty-six Swiss cantons, the system follows federal regulations regarding workers' rights, social security, and contractual protection, coordinated by the Confederation.

The Swiss model is based on a dual system: the young apprentice works in a company to gain practical experience while receiving theoretical instruction at a public vocational school (usually one or two days a week). This approach allows the apprentice to earn a salary during training. Apprenticeship is intended for those who have completed compulsory schooling and wish to pursue a technical, craft, commercial, or service profession.

The duration varies depending on the profession: usually two, three, or four years. At the end, the apprentice takes a final exam that includes practical, theoretical, and sometimes work project tests. Those who pass the exam receive a federal vocational training certificate, recognized nationally and internationally.

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Operational details

The internship contract and the rights of the apprentice

The internship contract is a legal document that regulates the relationship between the apprentice and the company. According to the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) articles 344a-360, the contract must contain essential information: the duration of the internship, the title of the profession, the weekly working hours, the gross salary, the paid holidays and the duties and rights of both parties. The contract must be signed before the start of the internship, and a copy must be given to the apprentice.

The apprentice is entitled to a minimum wage. Although Switzerland does not have a federal minimum wage, many cantons, including the canton of Thurgau, have set minimum amounts for apprentices. The amounts vary depending on the level of training (first, second, third, fourth year) and the professional sector. For specific amounts in the canton of Thurgau, consult the cantonal vocational training office or the professional association of the sector.

During the apprenticeship, the apprentice is covered by federal social security. Mandatory contributions include:

AVS/AI (old age, disability, unemployment): 5.3% of the apprentice's salary, 10.6% overall (inclusive of the employer's contribution)
Health insurance (LAMal): mandatory by federal law for all residents, privately contracted with health insurance funds, with variable individual premiums

Useful planning tools

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

Key points

Step-by-step procedure: Starting an apprenticeship

The search for an internship usually follows a fixed annual calendar. Below are the main steps:

1. June-August: Search and application. Consult online portals for internship offers at the national and regional levels, prepare a CV and a cover letter, and send applications to companies offering the desired profession.

2. September-November: Selection interviews. Participate in meetings with selected companies, demonstrate interest, technical skills, and professional motivation.

3. December-January: Contract signing. Once you receive the offer, sign the internship contract before the indicated deadline (usually end of January).

4. Following August: Official start of the internship. Begin the dual path at the company and the vocational school.

5. During the internship: Regularly check your rights (salary, vacation, pension, safety) and comply with contractual obligations.

Checking salary, pension, and rights

During the apprenticeship, it is important to periodically check that the gross salary is in accordance with the cantonal minimum amounts, that the pension contributions (AVS/AI, LAMal, LAINF, LPP) are correctly deducted, and that the employer respects contractual rights. In case of doubts or disputes, the cantonal office of vocational training offers support and advice.

To estimate the net monthly salary of an apprentice in the Canton of Thurgau, consult the salary calculator. To better understand your social security obligations AVS/AI/LPP, consult the dedicated guides or contact the cantonal office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an apprentice earn in Switzerland during the internship?: The minimum wage varies depending on the canton and the professional sector. Although Switzerland does not have a federal minimum wage at the national level, many cantons, including the canton of Thurgau, have set specific minimum amounts for apprentices. Typically, the first year's salary is a percentage of a skilled worker's salary (about 30-50%), with increases expected in subsequent years. For exact amounts in the canton of Thurgau, consult the cantonal vocational training office.
How long is an apprenticeship in Switzerland?: The duration varies between 2 and 4 years depending on the profession and sector. Most apprenticeships last 3 or 4 years. Upon completion, the apprentice takes a final exam and obtains a nationally recognized federal vocational training certificate. After the certificate, those who wish to continue their studies can take a professional maturation course (1-2 additional years) to access professional university schools.
What are the main rights of the apprentice during the internship?: The apprentice is entitled to a minimum wage (variable per canton), minimum 4 weeks of paid vacation per year (5 if underage), sufficient rest between working days, safety and protection at work according to federal standards, and quality professional education by the employer. All these rights are governed by the Swiss Bond Code (CO) Articles 344a-360.
What is professional maturity and what is it for?: Professional maturity is a recognized federal diploma that accompanies the regular internship. It allows direct access to university vocational schools (SUP/FHS) without the need to pass additional entrance exams. It is useful for those who wish to continue their higher education in the technical sector. Maturity requires additional training effort, but opens up wider career opportunities.
How is social security guaranteed during the apprenticeship?: The apprentice is compulsorily covered by federal social security: AVS/AI (5.3% of the gross salary borne by the worker, 10.6% overall), LAMal health insurance (privately with sickness funds, individual premiums), LAINF accident insurance (generally borne by the employer), and LPP occupational insurance (mandatory from a certain age, with percentage contributions on the coordinated salary). These contributions guarantee protection in the event of illness, accident, unemployment and old age.