Switzerland is an attractive destination for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking employment opportunities. Among the various sectors where OFWs find work, domestic service is a significant area, offering roles such as housekeeping, childcare, and elderly care. Understanding the salary dynamics in this sector is crucial for prospective domestic workers aiming to relocate to Switzerland.
This article dives into the compensation structure, legal regulations, and living conditions that shape the employment landscape for domestic workers in this Alpine nation. It aims to equip OFWs with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and ensure their rights and well-being are safeguarded while working abroad.
Domestic Worker Salaries in Switzerland: A Guide for OFWs
The information presented in this article comes from a video by the YouTube channel “Pinoy Expat.” If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
One example that sheds light on the earnings of a domestic worker in Switzerland is a vlogger who works at Olivier Granger Consultant LLC. According to his January 2022 payslip, which serves as a representative sample, his monthly salary is 2,140 Swiss francs. Although he doesn’t have a more recent payslip, he indicates that the salary has remained similar this year, making this information still relevant for prospective workers.
Working Conditions and Compensation
- Occupation: Agent de ménage (cleaning agent)
- Employment Type: Part-time at 50 percent
- Work Schedule: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (four-hour workday)
- Monthly Gross Salary:
- 2,140 Swiss francs
- Approximately 2,236 US dollars
- Around 130,000 Philippine pesos
- Full-Time Compensation: Higher than part-time salary
- Family Allowance:
- 300 Swiss francs per child
- Provided by the government
- Contingent on parents’ AVS (Assurance Vieillesse et Survivants) contributions
- Available even for children of undocumented workers
The vlogger, whose occupation is designated as “agent de ménage” (cleaning agent), works part-time at 50 percent, translating to a four-hour workday from 8:30 am to 12:30 noon. His monthly gross salary of 2,140 Swiss francs is approximately equivalent to 2,236 US dollars or around 130,000 Philippine pesos. This salary reflects the wages for a part-time domestic worker; full-time positions would naturally offer higher compensation.
In addition to his salary, he receives a family allowance of 300 francs per child. This government-provided benefit is contingent upon the parents’ contributions to AVS (Assurance Vieillesse et Survivants), which is a form of social welfare contribution. The family allowance system is inclusive; even children of undocumented workers are eligible to receive this benefit as long as their parents contribute to AVS. This allowance helps support families, contributing an extra 300 francs per month per child to the household income, thus improving the financial stability of domestic workers with children.
Legal Protections and Social Benefits
Switzerland has strong labor laws and social protections in place, which are crucial for ensuring the well-being of domestic workers. These laws mandate fair wages, reasonable working hours, and access to social benefits, regardless of a worker’s immigration status. The AVS contributions not only secure family allowances but also ensure that workers have access to pension benefits in the future.
From his gross salary, the vlogger has several mandatory deductions, including:
- AVS Contribution: 113.40 Swiss francs. This contribution is part of the social welfare system, providing benefits such as pensions and family allowances.
- Unemployment Contribution: 23.55 Swiss francs. This allows him to apply for unemployment benefits if he loses his job, receiving around 80 percent of his monthly salary if he has 1 to 2 children.
- Tax at Source (Canton Geneva): 15.85 Swiss francs. Cantons in Switzerland function similarly to regions in the Philippines, each with its tax regulations.
- Pension Fund Contribution: 87.55 Swiss francs. This contribution ensures he will receive a pension upon reaching retirement age.
The total deductions amount to 241.25 Swiss francs, leaving him with a net pay of 1,898.75 Swiss francs per month. When converted, this is approximately 100,000 Philippine pesos.
Living Costs and Budgeting
While a net salary of 1,898.75 Swiss francs might seem high compared to wages in the Philippines, it’s important to consider that Switzerland is known for its high cost of living. The vlogger needs to budget carefully to ensure his salary covers all monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, food, and other necessities. Despite being on the lower end of the wage spectrum, he manages to pay his bills, send a portion of his earnings back to the Philippines, and meet his basic needs.
Additionally, working only in the mornings allows him ample free time in the afternoons, which he uses productively. He is learning the Swiss language and improving his writing skills, which are crucial for integration and better job opportunities in the future.
Cost of Living in Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for its high standard of living, which is accompanied by a correspondingly high cost of living. For domestic workers and other expatriates, understanding these costs is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning. Below, we break down the key expenses you can expect when living in Switzerland.
Housing
Housing is one of the most significant expenses in Switzerland. The cost of rent varies greatly depending on the city and the type of accommodation. Here are some average monthly rents:
- Zurich:
- One-bedroom apartment in the city center: 2,000 – 2,500 CHF
- One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: 1,500 – 2,000 CHF
- Geneva:
- One-bedroom apartment in the city center: 2,300 – 2,800 CHF
- One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: 1,800 – 2,300 CHF
- Basel:
- One-bedroom apartment in the city center: 1,800 – 2,200 CHF
- One-bedroom apartment outside the city center: 1,300 – 1,800 CHF
Utilities
Utilities, which include electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection, add to the cost of living. On average, expect to pay around 200 – 300 CHF per month for these services. Internet and mobile phone plans typically cost an additional 60 – 100 CHF per month.
Groceries
The cost of groceries in Switzerland can be quite high compared to other countries. Here are some average prices for common items:
- Milk (1 liter): 1.50 CHF
- Bread (500g loaf): 2.50 CHF
- Eggs (dozen): 4.00 – 5.00 CHF
- Chicken (1 kg): 15.00 – 20.00 CHF
- Apples (1 kg): 3.50 – 4.50 CHF
A monthly grocery bill for a single person can range from 300 to 500 CHF, depending on shopping habits and dietary preferences.
Transportation
Public transportation in Switzerland is efficient and widely used, but it also comes at a cost. Monthly transportation passes vary by city:
- Zurich: 85 – 110 CHF
- Geneva: 70 – 95 CHF
- Basel: 80 – 105 CHF
For OFWs considering employment as domestic workers in Switzerland, understanding the salary and benefits is essential. A part-time cleaning agent earning a gross salary of 2,140 francs per month, supplemented by family allowances, illustrates the financial aspects of such roles. Moreover, Switzerland’s robust legal framework and social welfare system provide additional security and support, making it a viable and attractive destination for OFWs.