Swiss Payroll Calculator 2026: Gross to Net for Employers
This Swiss payroll calculator shows both sides of the payslip for 2026: what the employee receives net and what you, the employer, actually pay. Enter the gross monthly salary, the canton, the employee's age and the number of children. The tool applies AHV/IV/EO (5.3% + 0.7% + 0.25%), ALV (1.1%), non-occupational accident insurance (around 1.3%) and an age-based BVG pension contribution (7% / 10% / 15% / 18%). It then adds employer contributions, occupational accident insurance and family allowances of about CHF 200–250 per child. Example: a CHF 8,000 monthly gross in Zurich for a 38-year-old with one child costs the employer roughly CHF 9,650 per month — about 121% of gross — while the employee takes home around CHF 6,750 before source tax. Switzerland's social charges are lower than DE/FR/IT but BVG scales sharply with age. Last updated June 2026.
How to use this calculator
- 01Enter the agreed gross monthly salary in CHF.
- 02Select the canton — it influences source tax and family allowances.
- 03Enter the employee's age — BVG contributions step up at 25, 35, 45 and 55.
- 04Add the number of children under 16 for family allowances.
- 05Compare the 'Employee net' panel with the 'Total employer cost' panel.
- •A Swiss employer pays roughly 120–130% of gross salary all-in.
- •AHV/IV/EO is 10.6% total, split equally between employer and employee.
- •BVG pension scales by age: 7% (25–34), 10% (35–44), 15% (45–54), 18% (55–65).
- •Family allowances are CHF 200–250 per child under 16, paid by the employer.
- •Source tax (Quellensteuer) applies to B-permit holders and reduces net pay further.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an employee really cost in Switzerland?
Plan for 120–130% of the gross salary. On a CHF 100,000 annual gross you typically pay CHF 120,000–130,000 once AHV/IV/EO, ALV, accident insurance, BVG, family allowances and admin are included.
What is the AHV/IV/EO contribution rate in 2026?
Total 10.6% — 8.7% AHV + 1.4% IV + 0.5% EO — split 50/50 between employer and employee (5.3% each).
How is the 13th salary handled?
The 13th is normally paid in December (sometimes split with June). It is subject to all the same social and tax deductions as ordinary salary.
What is BVG and how much does the employer pay?
BVG is the mandatory occupational pension (second pillar). The employer must pay at least 50% of the total contribution. Rates rise with age: 7% / 10% / 15% / 18% of the insured salary.
Do I need to withhold source tax for a B-permit holder?
Yes. B and L permit holders earning under CHF 120,000 are taxed at source. The employer deducts the cantonal source-tax tariff and pays it to the cantonal tax administration monthly.
↗
Estimate monthly payments, total interest and amortization for European mortgages.
Project the future value of investments with compounding and recurring contributions.
Calculate monthly payments, total interest and full amortization schedule for any loan.