Is there a cantonal minimum wage in Aargau?

Canton Aargau, like most Swiss cantons, has not introduced its own minimum wage. However, collective bargaining agreements, where in force, set sectoral minimum wages. There is no Swiss federal minimum wage either. If your contract is covered by a CCL, the minimum wage is the one provided for in the contract.

How do you calculate net from gross in Aargau?

From the gross salary are subtracted: federal, cantonal and municipal taxes; AVS/AI contributions (5.3%); AD/AC contributions (1.1% up to the maximum); LAINF/LAA (0.7–1.5% depending on the sector); and the contribution to the second LPP pillar (variable by age group). The resulting net also depends on the personal situation and the canton of domicile. Use a specific calculator for an accurate estimate.

What are the minimum holiday rights in Switzerland?

Each employee is entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation per year. Anyone under the age of 20 is entitled to 5 weeks. These are federal legal minimums; collective agreements and individual agreements may provide for longer periods.

What to do if the salary is not paid correctly?

If the salary does not correspond to the contract or the law, ask the employer for clarification. If the problem persists, you can contact the cantonal labour office in Aargau for free mediation, or consult a lawyer specialising in labour law.

Wages and the labour market in Aargau: a guide (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 3 September 2026

Modern Swiss office with employees at work, representing the Swiss labor market.

How does the labour market in the canton of Aargau work? Wages, sectors, taxation and contributions according to Swiss federal and cantonal regulations.

Context

In brief

No federal minimum wage: some cantons have their own
Maximum 45 hours/week (industry) or 50 hours (other sectors)
Minimum holidays 4 weeks; 5 under 20 years
Social contributions: AVS/AI 5.3% employee, LPP variable by age group

Key facts

What: Salary structure and labor rights in Switzerland
Where: Canton of Aargau (applies federal and cantonal regulations)
Who: Employees and companies in the Swiss market
Hours: 45–50 hours weekly depending on the sector
Holidays: Minimum 4 weeks annually; 5 for those under 20 years

The job market in the canton of Aargau follows the federal Swiss structure, where there is no national minimum wage, but some cantons have introduced their own cantonal minimum wages. Those working in Switzerland must know the fundamental rights: maximum working hours, minimum holiday duration, social contributions, and income tax.

The maximum working hours are set at 45 hours per week for industry, offices, and commerce, while other sectors can apply 50 hours. The minimum holidays are 4 weeks per year for adult employees, with 5 weeks for those under 20 years. Maternity is covered for 14 weeks at 80% through the maternity allowance (IPG), while paternity is 2 weeks.

Salary structure and training

Salaries in Switzerland vary significantly based on the level of education. Those with vocational training (CFC) or a high school diploma have access to different positions compared to those with a university degree. Companies operating in Aargau often follow collective labor agreements that set minimum wages and employment conditions for specific sectors.

Termination of the employment contract follows federal timelines: 1 month during the first year, 2 months from the 2nd to the 9th year, and 3 months from the 10th year onwards.

Operational details

Taxation of employment income in Switzerland operates at three levels: federal (direct federal tax, DTF), cantonal, and municipal. The canton of Aargau applies its own cantonal rates, while municipalities have additional multipliers on the cantonal tax. A worker in Aargau sees both tax and social security contributions deducted from their paycheck.

Useful planning tools

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

Key points

Anyone looking for work or negotiating a new contract in the canton of Aargau must be aware of their rights and the standard procedures. Here are the key steps to navigate the Swiss job market.

Evaluating a Ticino job offer? Simulate your net payslip: enter gross salary, marital status and municipality for a detailed breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cantonal minimum wage in Aargau?: Canton Aargau, like most Swiss cantons, has not introduced its own minimum wage. However, collective bargaining agreements, where in force, set sectoral minimum wages. There is no Swiss federal minimum wage either. If your contract is covered by a CCL, the minimum wage is the one provided for in the contract.
How do you calculate net from gross in Aargau?: From the gross salary are subtracted: federal, cantonal and municipal taxes; AVS/AI contributions (5.3%); AD/AC contributions (1.1% up to the maximum); LAINF/LAA (0.7–1.5% depending on the sector); and the contribution to the second LPP pillar (variable by age group). The resulting net also depends on the personal situation and the canton of domicile. Use a specific calculator for an accurate estimate.
What are the minimum holiday rights in Switzerland?: Each employee is entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation per year. Anyone under the age of 20 is entitled to 5 weeks. These are federal legal minimums; collective agreements and individual agreements may provide for longer periods.
What to do if the salary is not paid correctly?: If the salary does not correspond to the contract or the law, ask the employer for clarification. If the problem persists, you can contact the cantonal labour office in Aargau for free mediation, or consult a lawyer specialising in labour law.