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What do cleaners earn in Switzerland – and where do they earn the most?

Cleaners in Switzerland earn an average of 31 francs per hour. But as with everything in Switzerland, what you get paid will depend largely on the canton.

Two 'caution wet floor' signs in the shape of banana peels.
Cleaners are well paid in Switzerland, but the amount they get per hour varies from canton to canton. Photo by Galen Crout on Unsplash

On a comparative basis, cleaners tend to be at the lower end of the pay scale. 

It’s the same case in Switzerland, although when compared to neighbouring countries, cleaning wages are relatively high. 

Across the country, cleaners in Switzerland earn an average of 31 francs per hour. 

READ MORE: What do teachers earn in Switzerland – and where do they earn the most?

But as a recent study put together by Swiss domestic worker agency Quitt, the amount you can earn will vary considerably from canton to canton. 

How do wages work in Switzerland? 

As The Local Switzerland has reported previously, Switzerland does not have a minimum wage at a federal level, although some cantons have put in place their own minimums. 

Basel City, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Geneva, and the Italian-speaking Ticino have put in place minimum wage standards. 

EXPLAINED: Which Swiss cantons have a minimum wage?

That said, workers in all industries have a relatively high minimum wage, due to unions and collective agreements. 

The value of these collective agreements can be seen by the fact that in all Swiss cantons, including those with a minimum wage, cleaners earn more than the statutory minimum. 

How much do cleaners earn in each Swiss canton? 

Cleaners in several cantons earn more than the 31 franc average, with most of these higher-paying cantons being in the German-speaking part of the country. 

Cleaners in French and Italian-speaking Switzerland earn less. 

Cleaners in Schwyz earn 32.15 per hour. Cleaners in Nidwalden earn CHF32 and 31.85 in Zurich. 

At the other end of the spectrum, cleaners in Neuchâtel earn 25.50 francs per hour. While this is much lower than their Swiss counterparts, it is still far higher than the statutory minimum of 20.08. 

Cleaners in Geneva (CHF26.80), Ticino (27.10) and Vaud (27.80) are also among the lowest paid. 

Why the variance? 

There are a number of factors underpinning why cleaners’ earnings vary from canton to canton. 

In some cantons, such as Graubünden, cleaners earn 31.70CHF, which is largely due to the high demand in the canton due to the number of holiday apartments. 

Cantons with higher income levels and lower tax also tend to pay cleaners better, Quitt spokesman Bernhard Bircher-Suits told Swiss news outlet 20 Minutes. 

“Wages are highest in high-income and low-tax cantons,” he said. 

The reason for the lower wages in French and Italian-speaking parts of the country is at least in part due to a greater number of cross-border workers, Bircher-Suits said, as well as a higher percentage of people working cash in hand jobs. 

A 2019 report by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) confirmed that cash work was more common in Latin Switzerland.

The study took into account more than 5,500 employment contracts of people in the cleaning business all across Switzerland and was published on October 30th, 2021. 

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GENEVA NEWS AND GUIDES

‘Things have changed’: Can you get a job in Geneva without speaking French?

Geneva must be up there when picturing an international city where language is no barrier. Does this hold true for those looking for a job? 

'Things have changed': Can you get a job in Geneva without speaking French?

Organisations such as the International Red Cross, the World Health Organisation, and the United Nations are either based in Geneva or have a significant presence there. 

Furthermore, the Geneva region has a population of over half a million, making it an ideal base for global businesses to reach Swiss (and European) markets. 

There is no doubt that the city is a centre of international diplomacy and business and has been for decades. 

Having said that, how hard is it to find a job in Switzerland’s largest francophone city? Or indeed anywhere in Suisse Romande in general? Do you have a chance of securing a role without French language skills? 

The expert view

Recruiters think you might find it challenging if you’re not planning to work for one of the major international bodies. 

Anthony Caffon, Director of Finance at Michael Page, a significant regional recruiter, told The Local: “From our perspective, as a large operator in West Switzerland, only a few roles don’t require candidates to speak French. 

“A few years ago, there was indeed a shortage of skills in the market, and coupled with major multinational companies located here, companies were open to employing non-French speakers. 

“We now notice a change. French is required in 90 percent of the roles we recruit outside international organisations. 

“Organisations would only take on non-French speakers in some highly technical roles, for which there is absolutely no local talent pool,” he said.

‘It was critical for wider job opportunities’

However, when surveyed, readers of The Local had differing perspectives on whether not knowing French was a hindrance to searching for a job in Geneva. 

Sofia, an American, responded: “It depends on the job and sector. French is desirable but not required for international organisations, NGOs, and many private companies such as EA Games or financial companies like Barclays.”

However, she noted that speaking French became more essential when settling in the country.

“It was critical for my Swiss naturalisation, but also to have a wider spectrum of job opportunities and better working relationships.”

Generally, to apply for Swiss citizenship in the canton of Geneva, one must achieve French oral B1 and written A2, as set in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

Michael, who lives near Lausanne, agreed with Sofia, telling The Local: “It depends if you work for a multinational or a local company.” 

“If you work for a multinational or Swiss company, you need French. But you can generally use English in the office at Nestle, BAT, PMI, Novartis, or WHO.”

Another respondent, Phil, believed that speaking French would assist in job searching. 

He stated, “I think it depends on your industry. If you work in the pharmaceutical area, then just English is fine.

“If you speak French, however, I think it’s easier to understand the application process and job descriptions.”

A Briton, Katie, thought speaking French could also help smooth the way when starting a new role in Geneva. 

She responded: “It shows you are curious about where you live. It helps build relationships with colleagues and, of course, for some jobs, it is needed.”

‘You can get by fine’

Those seeking to work in Geneva who don’t speak French shouldn’t fret just yet. 

An anonymous respondent from Ireland told The Local: “Some basic French is needed not to look utterly dysfunctional in casual social settings, but if the business works in English, then that is generally sufficient. 

“Once you can complete the technical requirements of your job well, you can get by fine,” they said.

“Some employers will specify that French and English are requirements on the job listings, even if you only need English to do the job. 

“Not having any French can put people off applying for many openings when, in fact, they might be fine applying anyway.”

What have you experienced finding a job in Geneva? Did you need French skills? Let us know in the comments. 

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