Minimal wage increases next year

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 06:35

Swiss workers can expect average nominal wage rises of just 1% next year, according to UBS economists surveying 400 companies

Adjusted for inflation, that leaves real wage growth at a meagre 0.2% — down from 0.4% this year.

Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metals and energy will see slightly higher increases; watchmaking, jewellery and retail will lag behind.

UBS also warns that an expected 5% rise in health insurance premiums will swallow much of the pay bump.

Unemployment is forecast at 3.1% this year, easing slightly to 3.0% in 2027.

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