CCNT as the baseline
The CCNT (national collective agreement) of the hospitality industry applies throughout Switzerland for the vast majority of establishments. It sets minimum salaries per function and seniority category.
CCNT 2026 minimums (gross/month × 13)
- No training, entry-level: CHF 3,582/month → ~CHF 46,566/yr
- No training, 5 yrs exp: CHF 4,167
- CFC year 1: CHF 4,397
- CFC after 3 yrs: CHF 4,724
- CFC + federal certificate: CHF 5,170
- CFC + federal diploma / head chef: CHF 5,780
Multiply by 13 months.
In the kitchen (market median)
- Commis (no CFC): CHF 48,000–58,000
- CFC commis: CHF 58,000–68,000
- Chef de partie: CHF 65,000–80,000
- Sous-chef: CHF 80,000–105,000
- Head chef independent restaurant: CHF 90,000–130,000
- Head chef 4–5★ hotel: CHF 110,000–160,000
- Michelin / executive chef in luxury hotel: CHF 140,000–280,000+
Fine dining and starred restaurants
- Crissier (Anne-Sophie Pic), Schauenstein, Cheval Blanc, Le Bayview, Le Pont de Brent: top salaries, very high standards
- 2-star chef de partie: CHF 75,000–90,000
- Starred sous-chef: CHF 95,000–130,000
- Starred head chef: CHF 150,000–280,000+
Front of house
- Service apprentice: CHF 1,400/month
- Junior sommelier: CHF 4,200/month
- Senior sommelier (starred): CHF 6,000–8,000/month + tips
- Maître d'hôtel: CHF 5,500–8,500/month
- Restaurant manager: CHF 90,000–160,000
Tips (service included in Switzerland)
Service is included: tipping is not mandatory but 5–10% is common. Tips go to staff in most cases, on top of CCNT salaries.
CCNT allowances and perks
- Lodging and meals deductible or provided (lump sum CHF 990/month full board, CHF 345 room)
- 5 weeks holiday
- 13th month
- Overtime: top-up or time off
- 48h weekly rest (usually 2 consecutive days)
Career tips
- Moving into fine dining unlocks CHF 20,000–50,000 extra
- The federal certificate as system-restaurant chef (canteens, nursing homes, hospitals) guarantees a stable salary and better lifestyle
- Seasons (Verbier, Zermatt, Davos, St. Moritz) pay well but require flexibility; lodging often included
- Cities (Zurich, Geneva, Basel) pay better than rural areas
