How much does an apprentice earn in the Canton of Zurich?

The salary varies by profession and year of internship. There is no mandatory federal minimum wage, although some cantons have their own. Consult the cantonal labour office Zurich or the sectoral professional association for specific amounts. In general, the salary increases over the 2–4 years of apprenticeship. Remember that AVS/AI contributions (5.3%), LAMal, taxes and other social security contributions are deducted from the gross salary.

What are the rights of an apprentice in Switzerland?

The apprentice is entitled to a maximum of 45 hours per week (industry, offices, trade), a minimum of 4 weeks of annual leave (5 if under 20 years old), AVS/AI contributions of 5.3% paid by the employer, compulsory enrollment in LAMal within 3 months from the beginning, and protection from arbitrary termination (1 month term during the 1st year, then 2 months from the 2nd to the 9th year).

How much does health insurance cost for an apprentice?

The LAMal premium is private and varies by canton, region, age group and chosen deductible (from CHF 300 to CHF 2500 per year). The Canton of Zurich recognizes LAMal subsidies based on family income. Ask for detailed quotes from the coffers operating in your canton; there is no national fixed amount.

How do I find an internship in the Canton of Zurich?

You can search on the federal SECO portal, at the cantonal labour office Zurich, by contacting companies directly, by contacting professional associations in the sector, or by using specialised employment agencies. The Canton of Zurich offers free orientation advice at the cantonal vocational training office.

What is professional maturity?

Professional maturity is a federal certificate that can be obtained during an apprenticeship. It allows direct access to technical and agricultural university schools. It is achieved by attending courses parallel to the internship (2–4 years) and represents a recognized qualification higher than the federal certificate of training (AFC) alone.

Internship Zurich: salary, contract, maturity (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 24 August 2026

Young apprentice learning hands-on skills in Swiss professional workshop with mentor

Apprenticeship in the Canton of Zurich: how to find an internship, federal rights, salary, AVS/LAMal contributions and procedure to start the contract.

Context

In a nutshell

Maximum time 45 hours/week + 4 weeks minimum holiday
Apprentices under 20 are entitled to 5 weeks' holiday
AVS/AI/IPG: contributions 5.3% from the employee, 10.6% from the employer

Key facts

What: Apprenticeship /vocational training with contract and federal rights
Where: Canton Zurich (federal + cantonal regulations)
Who: Apprentices, companies, cantonal labour and training offices
Rights: Maximum hours, minimum holidays, AVS contributions, mandatory LAMal
Duration: 2–4 years depending on the profession

The Federal Apprenticeship System

In Switzerland, apprenticeship (internship or vocational training) is a federally recognized path that combines business practice and theoretical teaching at vocational schools. The Canton of Zurich applies federal regulations on labour law, social security contributions and taxes.

Apprentices enjoy specific rights guaranteed by the federal law on social security and Swiss labour law: maximum working hours, guaranteed holidays, compulsory access to social security (AVS/AI), and protection against arbitrary termination.

Federal Rights to Hours, Holidays, and Contributions

The maximum working time is set at 45 hours per week for sectors such as industry, offices and commerce. The guaranteed minimum holiday is 4 weeks per year; this duration increases to 5 weeks if the apprentice has not yet reached the age of 20.

The

Operational details

Salary, contributions and social security

How much an apprentice earns

The remuneration of the apprentice in the Canton of Zurich depends on the profession, the duration of the internship (2–4 years) and the year of apprenticeship. Some cantons have set minimum wages for apprentices; the specific figures for the canton of Zurich must be verified with the cantonal labour office or the professional association of the sector.

In general, salaries increase during the internship: the first year is usually the lowest, increasing in subsequent years. The sector also influences the remuneration: technical, craft and tertiary professions have different ranges. Consult the cantonal vocational training office for specific amounts suitable for your profile.

Social security contributions

Although young, the apprentice pays monthly mandatory federal contributions that finance la previdenza sociale svizzera:

AVS/AI/IPG: 5.3% of the gross salary is paid by the employee through withholding tax; the employer pays the counterparty (10.6% overall).
Unemployment Insurance (AD/AC): Contribution of 1.1% up to a federally set annual ceiling.
Accident insurance (LAINF/LAA): Rate between 0.7% and 1.5% depending on the sector; the employer pays part or all of it.
LPP (second pillar): If the apprentice earns above the coordination threshold (indexed every year), the obligation to register in the fund

Useful planning tools

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

Key points

Finding an Internship and Starting the Contract

Where to Look

Opportunities for internships in the Canton of Zurich can be found through:

Federal and cantonal portals with databases of companies that hire apprentices
Professional associations in the sector that report available positions
Direct research at companies of interest, including spontaneous applications
Agencies specializing in vocational training

The Canton of Zurich provides a cantonal office for vocational training that offers free consultation and guidance. Search for internship ads online and consult the relevant professional associations for your chosen profession.

Documentation and Contract

The internship contract must include the following information:

Anagraphic data of the apprentice and the employer
Profession
Duration of the internship (2-4 years depending on the profession)
Working hours and days off
Salary (monthly amount or hourly rate)
Guaranteed holidays (minimum 4 weeks, 5 weeks if under 20)
Termination modalities (usually 1 month during the first year)
Place of work

The contract must be signed by both parties and deposited with the competent cantonal authority within the deadlines established by the canton. Keep a copy for your records.

…

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an apprentice earn in the Canton of Zurich?: The salary varies by profession and year of internship. There is no mandatory federal minimum wage, although some cantons have their own. Consult the cantonal labour office Zurich or the sectoral professional association for specific amounts. In general, the salary increases over the 2–4 years of apprenticeship. Remember that AVS/AI contributions (5.3%), LAMal, taxes and other social security contributions are deducted from the gross salary.
What are the rights of an apprentice in Switzerland?: The apprentice is entitled to a maximum of 45 hours per week (industry, offices, trade), a minimum of 4 weeks of annual leave (5 if under 20 years old), AVS/AI contributions of 5.3% paid by the employer, compulsory enrollment in LAMal within 3 months from the beginning, and protection from arbitrary termination (1 month term during the 1st year, then 2 months from the 2nd to the 9th year).
How much does health insurance cost for an apprentice?: The LAMal premium is private and varies by canton, region, age group and chosen deductible (from CHF 300 to CHF 2500 per year). The Canton of Zurich recognizes LAMal subsidies based on family income. Ask for detailed quotes from the coffers operating in your canton; there is no national fixed amount.
How do I find an internship in the Canton of Zurich?: You can search on the federal SECO portal, at the cantonal labour office Zurich, by contacting companies directly, by contacting professional associations in the sector, or by using specialised employment agencies. The Canton of Zurich offers free orientation advice at the cantonal vocational training office.
What is professional maturity?: Professional maturity is a federal certificate that can be obtained during an apprenticeship. It allows direct access to technical and agricultural university schools. It is achieved by attending courses parallel to the internship (2–4 years) and represents a recognized qualification higher than the federal certificate of training (AFC) alone.