How Much Do Housekeepers Earn in Switzerland? (Take-Home Pay)
A guide for housekeepers in Switzerland: hourly and monthly pay, deductions and net take-home, with a calculator.
Quick answer: In Switzerland a housekeeper usually earns CHF 28–32 per hour gross (the NAV minimum is lower). About 6.4% (AHV/IV/EO 5.3% + ALV 1.1%) is deducted from the gross wage; the calculator below shows your exact net.
Gross, deductions and net
What you agree with the family is usually the gross wage. Your contributions are deducted: AHV/IV/EO 5.3% and ALV 1.1%, together 6.4%. Without a C permit, a withholding tax (Quellensteuer, ~5%) may also apply. The employer pays its contributions on top — that doesn't reduce your wage.
Hourly and monthly pay
- Hourly: experienced housekeepers with good references usually get CHF 28–32 in the Zurich area.
- Plus an 8.33% holiday supplement on the hourly wage (4 weeks' holiday).
- With references and ID verification, the higher end is easier to command.
The minimum you must be paid
The standard contract (NAV) sets minimum wages: unskilled CHF 20.35, from 4 years' experience 22.30, skilled/EFZ 24.55 (2026). Some cantons (e.g. Geneva) are higher. The calculator flags any offer below the legal minimum.
Board and lodging (for live-in roles)
If you live in, free lodging and meals count as salary in kind (AHV reference value: about CHF 990/month for full board and lodging), added to your cash wage and subject to contributions.
What the deductions buy you
The 6.4% isn't lost: it counts towards your AHV pension and unemployment insurance. Working registered protects you for accident, illness and unemployment.
How to earn more
References, reliability and ID verification are decisive when a family pays above average. 👉 See families hiring near you and create your profile.
Conclusion
Your net is the gross minus about 6.4% (plus withholding tax where it applies). Knowing market rates, the NAV minimum and the holiday supplement, you can judge any offer confidently — the calculator above gives the exact net.
See also
- How much it costs (the family's view) — the other side of the same sum.
- Being hired legally — AHV, contract and insurance.
Official sources
Rules and amounts can change — check the official sources:
FAQ
What is a housekeeper's net pay in Switzerland?
Net is the gross minus about 6.4% (AHV/IV/EO + ALV), plus withholding tax (~5%) without a C permit. The calculator above shows the exact figure.
How much per hour do housekeepers earn?
Usually CHF 28–32 per hour in the Zurich area for experienced housekeepers, plus an 8.33% holiday supplement. The NAV minimum ranges from CHF 20.35 to 24.55.
Do board and lodging count as pay?
Yes. For live-in roles, free lodging and meals are salary in kind (AHV value about CHF 990/month), added to your cash wage.
Are the deductions worth it?
Yes. They count towards your AHV pension and unemployment insurance and protect you in case of accident, illness or unemployment.