Wages and the Labor Market in Graubünden (cross-border guide)

Professional workspace in Graubünden Canton with salary documents and calculator on desk

Sectors with job openings, salary levels by education level, and collective bargaining agreements in the Canton of Graubünden: a guide to the Swiss system.

Context

At a Glance

  • Wages in Graubünden follow federal regulations; there is no cantonal minimum wage
  • Mandatory deductions: AVS/AI 5.3%, LPP 7–18% depending on age, private LAMal 300–2,500 CHF
  • Maximum 45 hours/week (office work), minimum 4 days of vacation, 2 weeks of paternity leave
  • Check salaries using the SECO calculator and FSO/BFS for sector-specific data

Key Facts

  • What: Wage structure and salary determination in the Canton of Graubünden
  • When: Systems in effect in 2026
  • Where: Canton of Graubünden, in accordance with Swiss federal laws
  • Who: Employees, employers, SECO, cantonal employment office
  • AVS/AI contributions: 5.3% employee, 10.6% total (including employer)
  • LPP contributions: 7% (ages 25–34), 10% (ages 35–44), 15% (ages 45–54), 18% (55+)
  • LAMal: Mandatory, deductibles 300–2,500 CHF, premiums vary by canton
  • Weekly hours: Max 45 hours (office/sales), 50 hours (other sectors)

The Canton of Graubünden follows the same Swiss federal principles for determining wages. Unlike some cantons (Geneva, Ticino, Basel-Stadt, Vaud, Jura, Neuchâtel), Graubünden has not established its own cantonal minimum wage. The standard remains the sector-specific collective bargaining agreement (CBA)—where applicable—or individual negotiation between the employee and employer. This does not mean a lack of protection: CBAs registered at the federal level guarantee sector-specific minimum wages for office work, retail, construction, healthcare, and the hospitality industry.

Operational details

Mandatory Contributions and Social Protection

Every paycheck in Switzerland, and therefore in the Canton of Grisons, includes mandatory deductions to fund social security. The old-age and survivors' insurance (AHV) and disability insurance (IV) require a contribution of 5.3% from the employee; the employer contributes an additional 5.3% (total 10.6%). Unemployment insurance (ALV) and employer insolvency compensation (EIB) absorb 0.55% from the employee up to an annual maximum. Accident insurance (UVG) is paid only by the employer (0.7% to 1.5% depending on the sector).

The second pillar, occupational pension (BVG/LPP), represents the company pension fund. It is mandatory for coordinated salaries — typically starting from around 22'000 CHF annually (the coordination threshold varies each year). The BVG/LPP contribution is progressive by age bracket: 7% for those aged 25 to 34, 10% for those aged 35 to 44, 15% for those aged 45 to 54, and 18% from age 55 until the reference age (65 for men, 64 for women). In the Canton of Grisons, it is the employer who negotiates the terms of the BVG/LPP plan with an insurance company and communicates the details to the employees.

Key points

Procedure for Checking and Reading Your Pay stub

To verify whether a paycheck is correct, the employee must first read and understand their busta paga svizzera. The main components are: gross salary (contractual amount before deductions), AVS/AI deductions (5.3%), AD/AC deductions (up to 0.55% up to the annual cap), LPP contribution (if applicable, ranging from 7% to 18% depending on age), advance income tax withholding (cantonal and municipal, proportional to gross pay and the canton of residence), and finally net pay (the amount actually deposited into the account). LAMal does not appear on the pay stub because it is a separately purchased policy.

An calcolatore stipendio tool allows you to quickly estimate your monthly take-home pay based on your gross pay by selecting the canton (Grisons), industry, age, and tax bracket. This tool helps you evaluate a job offer before accepting it or verify that your current paycheck is correct. The Federal Statistical Office (UST/BFS) publishes annual median wages by canton, sector, and education level—an essential reference for comparing your salary to the market.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cantonal minimum wage in the Canton of Graubünden?
No, the Canton of Graubünden has not set its own cantonal minimum wage. There is no federal minimum wage in Switzerland. The reference is the collective labour agreements (CCL) by sector — if applicable — or the individual agreement between worker and employer. To check if your sector is covered by CCL, consult the SECO portal where the texts of all federal contracts are recorded and you can search by canton and sector.
How do you calculate take-home pay from a gross salary in the Canton of Graubünden?
From the gross, the following are deducted: AVS/AI (5.3%), AD/AC (up to 0.55% up to the annual maximum), any LPP contribution (7-18% according to age group), cantonal and municipal tax withholdings. LAMal does not appear in the envelope because it is a private policy stipulated independently. Use an online salary calculator by choosing the canton of Graubünden for an accurate estimate of how much you will receive monthly.
What are the minimum federal vacation and leave entitlements?
As in the whole of Switzerland: minimum 4 weeks of holiday per year (5 for those under 20), 2 weeks of paternity leave (within 6 months of birth), 14 weeks of maternity leave at 80% through Income Loss Allowance (IPG). These rights are fixed by federal law and apply regardless of the canton, including in the Canton of Graubünden.
How can I check if my collective bargaining agreement is registered at the federal level?
On the SECO portal you can search for collective agreements by sector, canton and sometimes by company. If your industry has a registered CCL, the full text is public and specifies category minimum wages, trial duration, seniority increments and other conditions. If the company says it is not covered, always ask for written confirmation.
How much do LAMal premiums cost in the Canton of Graubünden?
Premiums vary by canton, geographical region, age group and choice of franchise (from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 per year). In the Canton of Graubünden there are various tariff regions and different sickness funds. The Canton provides subsidies to low incomes. For an accurate quote, contact a Swiss health insurance fund operating in Graubünden directly or use the Canton comparison tool.

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