Is there a federal minimum wage in Switzerland?

No, there is no mandatory federal minimum wage in Switzerland. The fixing of minimum wages is the responsibility of the cantons. Some cantons such as Geneva, Neuchâtel and Basel-City have adopted laws on cantonal minimum wages; others entrust it to collective labour agreements. In the Canton of Graubünden, it is necessary to check with the Cantonal Labour Office whether a cantonal minimum wage regulation is in place.

How much do social contributions cost in Switzerland?

An employee pays 5.3% of the coordinated salary to AVS/AI/IPG, 1.1% up to an annual ceiling for AD/AC (unemployment insurance), 0.7-1.5% for LAA/LAINF (accident insurance, variable percentage by sector). In addition, it is mandatory to pay the occupational pension (LPP/BVG) from 7% to 18% of the coordinated salary depending on age. The employer pays additional contributions for social contributions.

What is the maximum working time in the Canton of Graubünden?

In Switzerland, the maximum hours are 45 hours per week for industry, offices and commerce; 50 hours for other sectors. These federal limits also apply to the Canton of Graubünden. The minimum guaranteed holiday is 4 weeks (5 for those under 20). Termination of employment follows scales: 1 month in the first year, 2 months from the second to the ninth, 3 months from the tenth onwards.

How is the net salary calculated in Graubünden?

Social contributions are subtracted from the gross salary (AVS/AI/IPG 5.3%, AD/AC 1.1%, LAA, LPP 7-18% variable by age). Then the direct federal tax, the cantonal tax (of Graubünden) and the municipal tax (of the municipality of residence in Graubünden) are calculated. The result is net salary, which generally accounts for 65-75% of the gross.

Do collective labour agreements bind wages in Graubünden?

Yes, if a sector is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CCL), the employer is obliged to comply with the minimum wages, seniority scales and benefits set by the CCL, although it may offer higher salaries. To check if your sector has a CCL in Graubünden, please contact the Cantonal Labour Office.

Labour market in Graubünden: wages and levels (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 2 September 2026

Mountain landscape of Canton Grisons with residential and business areas representing the Alpine Swiss economy and labor market.

Complete guide to wage structure, taxation and social contributions in the Canton of Graubünden. Salaries, training levels and collective agreements.

Context

In brief

There is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland: cantons set it independently
Social contributions: AVS/AI/IPG 5.3% for the employee, LPP from 7% to 18% depending on age group
Maximum hours: 45 hours per week (industry, offices), 50 hours in other sectors
Minimum holidays: 4 weeks, 5 for those under 20; maternity 14 weeks at 80%

Key facts

What: Federal salary structure applied in the Canton of Graubünden
When: current regulation 2026
Where: Canton of Graubünden and all Swiss cantons
Who: Employees in the private sector
Amount: AVS/AI/IPG 5.3% for the employee (10.6% total with employer)

In Switzerland, wages are not defined by a single federal law but by negotiations between employer and employee, sectoral collective agreements, and cantonal laws. In the Canton of Graubünden, as in all Swiss cantons, gross pay consists of several elements: basic salary, possible bonuses and allowances, to which social charges (contributions for old-age, disability, and loss-of-earnings insurance - AVS/AI/IPG, unemployment and insolvency insurance - AD/AC, accident insurance - LAA/LAINF, professional pension fund - LPP) are added.

Taxation occurs at three levels: federal, cantonal, and municipal. The Canton of Graubünden, like every Swiss canton, has its own cantonal tax rates that apply a multiplier to the municipalities of residence. This means that the same gross salary generates different tax burdens depending on the municipality in Graubünden where the worker resides. To understand how these apply to your salary, consult the tax calculator.

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Operational details

Salary levels by education level

The Swiss salary structure is primarily stratified according to the level of education. Those entering the labor market with initial professional training (VET - Vocational Education and Training) typically earn less than those who have completed university or higher education. However, the salary difference depends heavily on the sector, experience, individual negotiation, and adherence to sectoral collective agreements.

In the Canton of Grisons, as in all Swiss cantons, collective labor agreements (CLA) set minimum wages, seniority scales, and additional benefits for specific sectors or professions. For example, in tourism, construction, trade, and industry, CLAs have significant relevance. It is not possible to specify the details of each CLA in force in Grisons without direct access to the cantonal registers, but it is certain that consulting the cantonal labor office will provide a complete list of contracts applicable to the sector of interest.

Taxation and net salary

A crucial aspect for those entering the labor market in Grisons is understanding the difference between gross and net salary. The gross salary is subject to three distinct deductions. First, the federal direct tax (FDT) is calculated by Bern according to national income brackets. Second, the cantonal and municipal tax is applied by the Canton of Grisons and the individual municipalities of residence with their own rates. Third, mandatory social contributions (AHV/AIV/IPG 5.3%, AD/AC 1.1%, LAA/LAINF 0.7-1.5%, LPP 7-18% depending on age) are deducted directly from the gross salary. The final result is the net salary, which generally represents 65-75% of the gross, depending on total income, marital status, and canton of residence.

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Key points

Negotiation procedure and preliminary checks

Before signing an employment contract in the Canton of Grisons, it is crucial to verify some key aspects. First, check if the sector is covered by a collective labor agreement (CLA). If so, the salary offer must respect the minimums set by the CLA, although employers often offer higher salaries to attract talent. If there is no CLA, the salary is the result of direct negotiation but must still comply with the limits set by the Canton of Grisons (if it has set a minimum wage).

Checklist for entering the job market

Six essential steps before accepting an offer:

Check the sector: contact the cantonal employment office to find out if there is a CLA in your sector. If there is, the employer must respect the minimums set by the collective agreement.

Compare offers: use the salary calculator to estimate the net from the gross offered, taking into account the cantonal and municipal taxes of Grisons.

Check the pension: ask the employer what the contributions to the LPP (pension fund) are and at what rate they are paid. Robust pension provision is essential for your future income.

Check health insurance: LAMal (health insurance) is mandatory for residents in Switzerland; some employers contribute to the premium, others do not.

Record details: ensure the contract clearly specifies working hours, holidays (minimum 4 weeks), any bonuses, payment methods, and notice periods (1/2/3 months depending on seniority).

Plan your budget: with the calculated net, plan essential expenses (rent, food, transportation, health insurance) and verify that the salary covers your cost of living in the Canton of Grisons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a federal minimum wage in Switzerland?: No, there is no mandatory federal minimum wage in Switzerland. The fixing of minimum wages is the responsibility of the cantons. Some cantons such as Geneva, Neuchâtel and Basel-City have adopted laws on cantonal minimum wages; others entrust it to collective labour agreements. In the Canton of Graubünden, it is necessary to check with the Cantonal Labour Office whether a cantonal minimum wage regulation is in place.
How much do social contributions cost in Switzerland?: An employee pays 5.3% of the coordinated salary to AVS/AI/IPG, 1.1% up to an annual ceiling for AD/AC (unemployment insurance), 0.7-1.5% for LAA/LAINF (accident insurance, variable percentage by sector). In addition, it is mandatory to pay the occupational pension (LPP/BVG) from 7% to 18% of the coordinated salary depending on age. The employer pays additional contributions for social contributions.
What is the maximum working time in the Canton of Graubünden?: In Switzerland, the maximum hours are 45 hours per week for industry, offices and commerce; 50 hours for other sectors. These federal limits also apply to the Canton of Graubünden. The minimum guaranteed holiday is 4 weeks (5 for those under 20). Termination of employment follows scales: 1 month in the first year, 2 months from the second to the ninth, 3 months from the tenth onwards.
How is the net salary calculated in Graubünden?: Social contributions are subtracted from the gross salary (AVS/AI/IPG 5.3%, AD/AC 1.1%, LAA, LPP 7-18% variable by age). Then the direct federal tax, the cantonal tax (of Graubünden) and the municipal tax (of the municipality of residence in Graubünden) are calculated. The result is net salary, which generally accounts for 65-75% of the gross.
Do collective labour agreements bind wages in Graubünden?: Yes, if a sector is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CCL), the employer is obliged to comply with the minimum wages, seniority scales and benefits set by the CCL, although it may offer higher salaries. To check if your sector has a CCL in Graubünden, please contact the Cantonal Labour Office.