Does the Canton of Solothurn have its own cantonal minimum wage?

There is no single federal minimum wage in Switzerland. Some Swiss cantons have their own minimum wages for specific sectors (trade, construction, health, cleaning) often set through collective labour agreements (CLAs) signed between employers' associations and trade unions. The situation varies significantly by canton. To check whether the canton of Solothurn has a cantonal or sectoral minimum wage, it is advisable to contact the cantonal Labour Office directly or consult the cantonal ordinances.

What are the monthly social security contributions deducted from the paycheck?

Mandatory contributions deducted from gross salary include: AVS/AI/IPG (5.3% for employee), AD/AC Unemployment (1.1% up to annual ceiling), and LPP on coordinated salary (percentage variable with age: 7–18%). Direct federal, cantonal and municipal tax is deducted at cantonal rates. LAMal (health insurance) is a private policy paid directly to the sick fund, not through a pay slip. The employer also pays its share of AVS/AI (5.3%), unemployment (1.1%) and LAINF (0.7-1.5% according to sector).

How long do I have to take out health insurance (LAMal) after the first day of work?

Every resident of Switzerland must take out health insurance within 3 months of arrival or the start of the employment relationship. If you do not insure yourself within this period, the sick pay fund covers the costs retroactively by applying an administrative penalty. LAMal is not a salary contribution, but a private policy with variable premiums by canton, age group and annual deductible (CHF 300-2,500). The Canton of Solothurn offers subsidies for low-income residents.

What are the days of holidays and leave guaranteed by Swiss federal law?

Federal law guarantees a minimum of 4 weeks of annual leave (20 working days), or 5 weeks if the worker is under 20 years of age. In addition to holidays, the law provides for: maternity (14 weeks at 80% of salary via loss of earnings allowance — IPG) and paternity (2 weeks from 2021). Many collective bargaining agreements offer additional holidays and more generous forms of leave. The terms of cancellation are: 1 month first year, 2 months from the second to the ninth year, 3 months from the tenth year onwards.

How do I calculate payroll tax deductions in the canton of Solothurn?

Tax deductions are made at three levels: federal (IFD), cantonal and municipal (variable rates per municipality in the Canton of Solothurn). The amount depends on gross income, marital status, number of dependent children, real estate, and donations. For a precise estimate of the net salary, it is recommended to use the tax and salary calculator, which automatically applies the federal, cantonal and municipal rates of Solothurn, allowing you to simulate different scenarios.

Labour Market Slab: Wages, Sectors and Levels (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 24 August 2026

Swiss professional workspace with documents and computer during working hours, representing career and employment.

Wages, training bands, collective agreements and social security contributions in the Canton of Solothurn. Guide to job search and recruitment procedures in Switzerland.

Context

In a nutshell

The Swiss labour market is divided into salary bands related to the degree of training (apprenticeship, diploma, university)
Collective agreements govern minimum wages, hours and contributions in many sectors
AVS/AI contributions (5.3%), LPP and LAMal are mandatory for each employee
Maximum hours: 45 hours per week (industry, offices, sales) or 50 hours (other sectors)

Key facts

What: Cantonal employment structure with salary levels for training
Where: Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland
Who: Employees, employers, professional categories
Maximum hours: 45 hours/week (industry, offices) or 50 hours (other sectors)
Minimum holiday: 4 weeks per year (5 if under 20)
Maternity: 14 weeks at 80% of salary through allowance (IPG)
Paternity: 2 weeks paid

In the Canton of Solothurn, as in every Swiss canton, the labour market reflects a professional structure based on training levels and pay levels defined by federal law and cantonal ordinances. The search for employment and the determination of salaries follow precise rules that directly affect the paycheck, social security contributions and compulsory insurance.

Salary bands by degree of training

The Swiss employment market is historically divided into three levels of qualification. The first is vocational apprenticeship (AFC — Federal Certificate

Operational details

Mandatory Contributions and Insurance Obligations

A worker's salary in the Canton of Solothurn consists of a gross part (the contractual salary) and a series of mandatory deductions. These reflect federal, cantonal contributions and insurance obligations established by Swiss laws.

First Pillar: AVS/AI/IPG

The Old Age and Survivors Insurance (AVS), Disability Insurance (AI), and Maternity/Paternity Loss of Earnings Indemnity (IPG) constitute the first pillar of Swiss pension provision. The dependent worker pays 5.3% of the gross salary; the employer pays 10.6% in total (with its own share of 5.3%). These contributions finance public pensions: from 64 years for women (65 for men), the worker receives a monthly AVS pension based on contributions paid and years of work.

Unemployment

Unemployment contributions (AD — Unemployment Insurance; AC — Unemployment Insurance for the Worker's Fault) total 1.1% up to a yearly maximum, divided between the dependent and the employer. These payments ensure a daily allowance if the worker loses their job involuntarily.

Accidents at Work Insurance

The Work Accidents Insurance (LAINF) is paid by the employer to an insurance company (SUVA or recognized private insurers) and varies from 0.7% to 1.5% depending on the activity sector. The employee does not contribute directly; the employer includes the cost in the operational budget.

…

Key points

## Research and application in the Soletta labour market The job search in the Canton of Soletta can take advantage of multiple channels. The Swiss national portal annunci di lavoro hosts thousands of open positions across all sectors and geographies. Local companies also publish offers on dedicated cantonal platforms, on the website of the Soletta-Nidvaldo Chamber of Commerce, and through Swiss placement agencies specialised by sector. Once the suitable position has been identified, the application procedure involves: 1. Drafting of the motivation letter (in German, the main language of the canton; sometimes in English or Italian for international roles) 2. Preparation of the updated curriculum vitae with photos, contacts, certified professional experience, spoken languages and technical skills 3. Sending via email or online platform indicated in the announcement 4. Preliminary interview (often on video call) 5. Meeting in person at the company (if the interview has been passed) 6. Signature of the individual employment contract (written document, mandatory) The employment contract must include: description of the role and duties, place of work, maximum weekly hours (45 hours for industry, offices, sales; 50 hours for other sectors), monthly or annual gross remuneration, start date, trial duration (maximum 3 months), guaranteed vacation days (minimum 4 weeks per year, or 5 if the worker is less than 20 years old), cancellation terms (1 month during the first year; Those who start an employment in the Canton of Solothurn should use the calcolatore di stipendio e imposte to simulate the tax, social security and insurance impact of their salary. The tool automatically applies the federal, cantonal and municipal rates of Solothurn, as well as AVS/LPP contributions, allowing you to plan your household budget accurately. Subscribe to the Frontaliere Ticino newsletter to receive monthly updates on the Swiss labour market, cantonal taxation and cost of living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Canton of Solothurn have its own cantonal minimum wage?: There is no single federal minimum wage in Switzerland. Some Swiss cantons have their own minimum wages for specific sectors (trade, construction, health, cleaning) often set through collective labour agreements (CLAs) signed between employers' associations and trade unions. The situation varies significantly by canton. To check whether the canton of Solothurn has a cantonal or sectoral minimum wage, it is advisable to contact the cantonal Labour Office directly or consult the cantonal ordinance
What are the monthly social security contributions deducted from the paycheck?: Mandatory contributions deducted from gross salary include: AVS/AI/IPG (5.3% for employee), AD/AC Unemployment (1.1% up to annual ceiling), and LPP on coordinated salary (percentage variable with age: 7–18%). Direct federal, cantonal and municipal tax is deducted at cantonal rates. LAMal (health insurance) is a private policy paid directly to the sick fund, not through a pay slip. The employer also pays its share of AVS/AI (5.3%), unemployment (1.1%) and LAINF (0.7-1.5% according to sector).
How long do I have to take out health insurance (LAMal) after the first day of work?: Every resident of Switzerland must take out health insurance within 3 months of arrival or the start of the employment relationship. If you do not insure yourself within this period, the sick pay fund covers the costs retroactively by applying an administrative penalty. LAMal is not a salary contribution, but a private policy with variable premiums by canton, age group and annual deductible (CHF 300-2,500). The Canton of Solothurn offers subsidies for low-income residents.
What are the days of holidays and leave guaranteed by Swiss federal law?: Federal law guarantees a minimum of 4 weeks of annual leave (20 working days), or 5 weeks if the worker is under 20 years of age. In addition to holidays, the law provides for: maternity (14 weeks at 80% of salary via loss of earnings allowance — IPG) and paternity (2 weeks from 2021). Many collective bargaining agreements offer additional holidays and more generous forms of leave. The terms of cancellation are: 1 month first year, 2 months from the second to the ninth year, 3 months from the te
How do I calculate payroll tax deductions in the canton of Solothurn?: Tax deductions are made at three levels: federal (IFD), cantonal and municipal (variable rates per municipality in the Canton of Solothurn). The amount depends on gross income, marital status, number of dependent children, real estate, and donations. For a precise estimate of the net salary, it is recommended to use the tax and salary calculator, which automatically applies the federal, cantonal and municipal rates of Solothurn, allowing you to simulate different scenarios.