Working in Gastronomy in Switzerland: Salaries and Working Hours in 2025

If you're considering a career or already work in this field, it's essential to understand the basics about salaries and working hours.

Minimum Salaries in the Gastronomy Sector

According to the Collective Labor Agreement (CLA) valid from February 1, 2025, salaries vary depending on the professional category and the employee's level of experience.

Main Categories:

1. Category Ia: Employees without an apprenticeship.

   • Minimum gross monthly salary: CHF 3,706.
   • Hourly wage for a 43.5-hour workweek: CHF 19.61.

2. Category Ib: Employees without an apprenticeship who have completed a Progresso training.

   • Minimum gross monthly salary: CHF 3,935.
   • Hourly wage for a 43.5-hour workweek: CHF 20.82.

3. Category IIIa: Employees with a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (AFC) or equivalent.

   • Minimum gross monthly salary: CHF 4,519.
   • Hourly wage for a 43.5-hour workweek: CHF 23.91.

4. Category IV: Employees with a professional examination under Article 27 of the CLA.

   • Minimum gross monthly salary: CHF 5,282.
   • Hourly wage for a 43.5-hour workweek: CHF 27.95.

Trainees and employees with little experience may receive reduced salaries—up to a maximum of 8% lower—during their initial months of work, depending on a written agreement with the employer.

Working Hours in the Sector

The Swiss gastronomy sector offers different contractual options in terms of working hours:

• 42-hour week: Standard for many full-time employees.
• 43.5-hour week: Common in high-paced or seasonal businesses.
• 45-hour week: Typical for intensive roles, often in small enterprises.

Importance of Supplements

In addition to the base salary, the following supplements are significant:

• Vacation pay: 10.65%.
• Holiday pay: 2.27%.
• 13th-month salary: 8.33%.

These supplements are included in the calculation of the total salary but may vary depending on the regularity of working hours and contract type.

Conclusion

Working in the Swiss gastronomy sector offers competitive salaries and protected rights. However, understanding the details of your contract—including working hours and supplements—is essential for having a complete view of your options. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how to enhance your career in Switzerland, don't hesitate to contact us and follow our blog!