Ergotherapy in Ticino: salary and differences with Italy (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Tax at source on income from work: ONLY withheld in Switzerland for border workers.
• New Frontier Agreement: signed on 23/12/2020, effective from 1 JANUARY 2024.
• Old frontier workers (already before 17/7/2023): exemption €7,500, transitional regime 2024–2033.
• New frontier workers: deductible €10,000.

Ergotherapy in Ticino: salary and differences with Italy

Ergotherapy is a healthcare profession that is concerned with helping people with disabilities or disorders develop skills and functions. In Switzerland, as in Italy, ergotherapists are considered employees and are subject to tax rules.

The average salary of an ergotherapist in Switzerland is about CHF 80,000 per year, while in Italy it is about €45,000. However, it is important to note that these values can vary greatly depending on the region and city in which you work.

For example, in Ticino, the average salary of an ergotherapist is about CHF 90,000 per year, while in Zurich it is about CHF70,000. In Italy, the average salary of an ergotherapist in Milan is about €55,000 per year, while in Rome it is about €40,000.

Switzerland is known for its efficient and transparent tax management, while Italy has more complex tax management and is subject to frequent legislative changes.

Operational Checklists

• Check your work situation and applicable tax rules.
• Calculate your salary and taxes

Operational details

The Italy-Switzerland Double Taxation Convention was signed on 9 December 1976. Switzerland is not an EU/EEA member. Income tax in Switzerland is 5.3% for employees, while income tax in Italy is 23% up to €28,000 and 35% between €28,001 and €50,000.

Ticino, one of the Swiss cantons with a more developed economy, is an example of how the tax difference can affect workers' lives. An employee with an income of 60,000 euros in Switzerland would pay 3,180 euros in income taxes, while in Italy he would pay 12,900 euros in taxes, if the income were fully taxed at 35% (12,900 - 5,800 = 7,100 euros for Italian tax).

The tax difference can be significant, especially for workers who have a fixed income. A concrete example is that of a worker who earns 80,000 euros a year in Switzerland and 100,000 euros in Italy. In Switzerland, the income tax would be 4'240 euros, while in Italy it would be 24'500 euros, if the income was fully taxed at 35% (24'500 - 6'500 = 18'000 euros for the Italian tax).

The Italy-Switzerland Double Taxation Convention also provides benefits for workers who move from one country to another. For example, if an Italian worker moves to Switzerland, he can claim a transfer allowance of €10,000, if the income is above €50,000.

Switzerland also has regulations

Useful tools to protect your net income

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

Key points

Ergotherapy in Ticino: salary and differences with Italy

To calculate your salary, you can use the salary calculator available on our website. In addition, it is advisable to consult a lawyer to obtain more precise information about your situation.

The Ticino region, located in southern Switzerland, is known for its growing economy and attractiveness to expats. However, the remuneration of ergotherapists in Ticino may vary depending on the type of contract, the place of work and the amount of experience. 📊

According to 2022 data, the average monthly salary of ergotherapists in Ticino is about CHF 5,400, while in Italy it is about €3,200 (CHF 2,900) according to 2022 data. It is important to note that this data may vary depending on the workplace and the amount of experience.

In Ticino, ergotherapists can work in different settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and day centres. Depending on the type of contract, ergotherapists can work full-time or part-time. 📆

Here are some examples of monthly salaries of ergotherapists in Ticino:

• Full-time ergotherapist in a hospital in Lugano: CHF 6,200
• Part-time ergotherapist in a rehabilitation centre in Bellinzona: CHF 3,800
• Full-time ergotherapist in a clinic in Locarno: CHF 7,000

It is important to note that these salaries may vary depending on the