Is there a cantonal minimum wage in Solothurn?

No, the Canton of Solothurn does not currently have a mandatory cantonal minimum wage. Wages are regulated by sectoral collective agreements and individual agreements between worker and employer. However, the Canton of Solothurn, like all Swiss cantons, is subject to federal legislation on maximum hours (45 hours/week industry, 50 hours other sectors), minimum holidays (4 weeks) and labour protection. Some Swiss cantons have adopted their own cantonal minimum wage.

How do you calculate the net from gross of an employment contract?

From the gross salary are subtracted: AVS/AI (5.3%), AD/AC (1.1%), LAINF (0.7-1.5%), LPP contributions (7–18% of the coordinated salary), federal/cantonal/municipal taxes, and LAMal premium (private, not a salary deduction but an additional cost). The online salary calculator tool allows you to simulate the net by entering the canton of residence (Slab), age group and family situation for a precise and personalized estimate.

What is the maximum weekly schedule under Swiss law?

The maximum hours are 45 hours per week for industry, offices and sales, and 50 hours per week for other sectors. This is the federal limit; some collective agreements may have shorter hours negotiated between unions and employers. Surpluses must be compensated with equivalent rest periods or additional payments.

How do collective labour agreements work in Switzerland?

Collective agreements (CCs) are agreements between trade unions and employers' associations that set minimum wages, hours, benefits and working conditions for entire occupational categories. Hundreds of CCs operate in Switzerland, covering most sectors. If your employer is covered by a CC, your salary must meet at least the minimums set by the CC itself. Ask the employer which CC applies to your role and check SECO's website for details.

Wages and market: sectors, training and contracts (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 24 August 2026

Swiss professionals in office meeting discussing employment contracts and salary structures.

Swiss wage system by level of training and sector. Collective agreements, where the cantonal minimum wage exists and how to calculate the net from the paycheck.

Context

In Brief

No federal minimum wage; some cantons have their own
Maximum working hours: 45 hours/week (industry, offices), 50 hours other sectors
Collective contracts determine minimum wages for professional categories
AVS/AI contributions: 5.3% employee, employer adds 10.6% total

Key Facts

What: Swiss salary structure regulated by training, sector, and collective contracts
When: Current system in place
Where: Nationwide Switzerland, all cantons including Solothurn
Who: SECO (Federal Department of Economic Affairs), UST/BFS (Federal Statistical Office), unions, employers
Working hours: Max 45 hours industry/offices, 50 hours other sectors
Vacations: Minimum 4 weeks annual leave; 5 weeks if under 20
Maternity: 14 weeks at 80% with loss of earnings compensation (LEC)

Operational details

How salaries vary by level of education

The level of education is the most significant factor in determining the initial salary and career progression in Switzerland. An apprentice who has completed an AFC in a craft profession earns a fraction of the salary of a high school diploma holder, who in turn earns less than a university graduate in the same field. The wage differential is substantial and is also reflected in the final pension calculated through the Professional Pension Foundation (LPP).

Swiss cantons periodically publish data on average salaries by level of education, compiled by SECO and UST/BFS at the federal level. However, specific data for Solothurn should be consulted with the cantonal administration or local chambers of commerce.

Sectors and salary prospects

The main sectors of the Swiss economy include manufacturing industry (metal and chemical), financial services, retail and wholesale trade, hospitality and catering, healthcare, education, and public administration. Each sector has its own collective agreements, and salaries vary significantly: financial services have higher average salaries than retail trade. At the national level, SECO and UST/BFS periodically publish statistics on average salaries by sector.

Mandatory contributions and net pay

A critical aspect often overlooked is the difference between the contractual gross salary and the actual net salary. Mandatory contributions include:

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Key points

What to check before accepting a job offer

When negotiating a job contract in Switzerland, it is essential to verify: 1. The applicable collective agreement: Ask your employer which CC covers your role. Consult the SECO website or contact the relevant trade unions and federations to know the minimum wages set by the specific CC. 2. The coordinated salary: In your pay slip, your employer will indicate the coordinated salary, which is used to calculate LPP contributions. It is not necessarily the same as the gross contractual salary. 3. Working hours and vacations: Check that the contract clearly specifies the weekly working hours (maximum 45 hours industry/offices, 50 hours other sectors) and the number of annual leave days (minimum 4 weeks, 5 if you are under 20 years old). 4. Benefits and allowances: Some CCs provide thirteenth salaries, bonuses, transportation allowances, or company contributions to health insurance. Ask your employer explicitly. 5. Termination and notice periods: The ordinary notice period is 1 month during the first year of employment, 2 months from the second to the ninth year, and 3 months from the tenth year of service.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cantonal minimum wage in Solothurn?: No, the Canton of Solothurn does not currently have a mandatory cantonal minimum wage. Wages are regulated by sectoral collective agreements and individual agreements between worker and employer. However, the Canton of Solothurn, like all Swiss cantons, is subject to federal legislation on maximum hours (45 hours/week industry, 50 hours other sectors), minimum holidays (4 weeks) and labour protection. Some Swiss cantons have adopted their own cantonal minimum wage.
How do you calculate the net from gross of an employment contract?: From the gross salary are subtracted: AVS/AI (5.3%), AD/AC (1.1%), LAINF (0.7-1.5%), LPP contributions (7–18% of the coordinated salary), federal/cantonal/municipal taxes, and LAMal premium (private, not a salary deduction but an additional cost). The online salary calculator tool allows you to simulate the net by entering the canton of residence (Slab), age group and family situation for a precise and personalized estimate.
What are the main sectors they hire in Switzerland?: The main sectors of the Swiss economy include manufacturing (metalworking and chemical), financial services, retail and wholesale trade, hospitality and catering, healthcare, education, and public administration. Each sector has its own collective agreements and salary bands. Specific data on the most dynamic sectors in the Canton of Solothurn should be consulted at the cantonal statistics office or local chambers of commerce.
What is the maximum weekly schedule under Swiss law?: The maximum hours are 45 hours per week for industry, offices and sales, and 50 hours per week for other sectors. This is the federal limit; some collective agreements may have shorter hours negotiated between unions and employers. Surpluses must be compensated with equivalent rest periods or additional payments.
How do collective labour agreements work in Switzerland?: Collective agreements (CCs) are agreements between trade unions and employers' associations that set minimum wages, hours, benefits and working conditions for entire occupational categories. Hundreds of CCs operate in Switzerland, covering most sectors. If your employer is covered by a CC, your salary must meet at least the minimums set by the CC itself. Ask the employer which CC applies to your role and check SECO's website for details.