Since May 1, 2026, the CCNT (National Collective Labor Agreement) of the hotel and restaurant sector came into force with new salary scales, declared of general compliance by the Federal Council. The scale ranges from 3,713 francs per month for unskilled workers to 5,293 francs for those with a federal brevet. All amounts are for full-time employees 18 years of age or older. The agreement affects some 34,000 establishments and more than 270,000 workers throughout the country, and is valid until the end of 2027.
What is worth knowing is that this agreement applies to practically the entire sector, regardless of the canton. It is one of the few areas in Switzerland where there is a uniform national minimum wage base, which means that if your employer pays you below those thresholds, it does not comply with the law. It is not a recommendation, it is not a goal: it is the legal minimum. And the fact that it's generally applicable means that it applies even if your contract doesn't explicitly mention it.
In the hospitality industry there is a lot of turnover and many people start without knowing exactly how much they should charge. Many employers respect the agreement, but others know that those who do not know it do not claim it. If you work in this industry, or know someone who works, it's worth knowing these numbers by heart. And if you have doubts about whether your situation fits the CCNT, the Cantonal Labour Office or the UNIA union can guide you at no cost.