The house cleaner salary in Switzerland is a topic of interest both for people looking for work in the cleaning sector and for individuals wanting to hire a house cleaner. In 2026, rates vary considerably depending on the canton, status (declared or not), and type of arrangement. This article provides a complete overview of pay in the home cleaning sector in Switzerland. We also explain how MénageSimple offers the best conditions for both professionals and clients.
Average house cleaner salary in Switzerland in 2026
In Switzerland, the gross hourly wage for a house cleaner typically falls between CHF 25 and CHF 35 per hour for declared work. This amount varies depending on several factors:
- The canton and city (rates are higher in Geneva and Zurich than in Valais or Jura)
- The professional’s experience
- The type of contract (direct employment, placement via an agency, self-employed)
- The regularity of services (one-off vs recurring)
- Whether social charges are included or not
The type of arrangement strongly influences net income. Working through a platform like MénageSimple provides access to regular clients while benefiting from full social coverage.
Salary comparison by canton in Suisse Romande
Here’s an estimate of the gross hourly rates for a declared house cleaner in Suisse Romande in 2026:
- Geneva: CHF 28-35/hour. The most expensive canton in Suisse Romande, due to the high cost of living and cantonal minimum wage.
- Vaud: CHF 27-33/hour. Lausanne and the Riviera are at the top of the range, rural areas slightly below.
- Neuchâtel: CHF 25-30/hour.
- Fribourg: CHF 25-30/hour.
- Valais: CHF 24-29/hour.
- Jura: CHF 24-28/hour.
These amounts represent the gross rate paid to the professional. The total cost for a private employer includes social charges (AVS/AI/APG, accident insurance, pension). This represents roughly 12-15% in additional charges.
MénageSimple operates in over 150 cities across the cantons of VD, GE, VS, FR, and NE. This broad coverage helps professionals find clients close to home, reducing unpaid travel time.
Declared vs undeclared house cleaner: the salary difference
This is the most sensitive topic in the sector. In Switzerland, a significant portion of domestic work is done off the books. Undeclared rates are generally lower (CHF 20-28/hour), since neither the employer nor the employee pays social charges.
However, this apparent saving is misleading, and the risks are real:
- For the house cleaner: no accident coverage, no AVS contributions (reduced pension), no unemployment insurance, no legal protection in case of dispute.
- For the individual: risk of fines if inspected, liability in case of accident at the home, no guarantee of reliability.
Working on a declared basis offers essential security for both parties. At MénageSimple, all our professionals are 100% declared and insured. They benefit from full social coverage: AVS, accident insurance, pension. Peace of mind for everyone.
The legal framework: the CCT Nettoyage and the placement model
In Switzerland, the cleaning sector is governed by the Collective Labour Agreement (CCT) for cleaning. This agreement sets minimum wages, working conditions, and rights for employees in the sector.
To check legal obligations, consult the AVS guide on employing household staff. The Federal Statistical Office also publishes updated data on wages in Switzerland.
There are several collaboration models:
- Direct employment: the individual hires the house cleaner directly. They manage social declarations, the contract, and accident insurance. It’s the traditional model but involves significant administrative burden.
- Placement agency: a company connects the client and the professional. The agency handles admin (contracts, social charges, insurance). This is the model used by MénageSimple.
- Self-employed: the house cleaner works independently. They invoice clients directly and manage their own charges.
The placement model, like MénageSimple’s, offers the best balance. The professional gets full social protection, and the client has zero administrative burden. Plus, MénageSimple’s responsive customer service quickly handles any questions or issues.
How much does a house cleaner cost for the client?
The cost for an individual depends on the model chosen:
- Declared direct employment: CHF 28-38/hour all-inclusive (salary + social charges + insurance).
- Via MénageSimple: from CHF 34/hour. This rate includes the professional’s salary, social charges, liability insurance, and full administrative management. Plus, cleaning products are included: the house cleaner brings all necessary supplies.
- Undeclared: CHF 20-28/hour, but with all the risks mentioned above.
The price difference between declared and undeclared work is often CHF 5-10 per hour. For a 3-hour weekly service, that’s roughly CHF 60-120 per month. A small premium for total peace of mind.
With MénageSimple, you also get total flexibility: adjust the frequency, duration, or cancel easily. Booking takes just a few clicks on our website. No paperwork, no stress.
How to increase your income as a house cleaner in Switzerland
If you work in the home cleaning sector, here’s how to optimise your income:
- Work on a declared basis: clients willing to pay a fair rate look for professionals who are above board. You’ll access a better quality of clientele.
- Specialise: end-of-lease cleaning, ironing, or post-renovation cleaning command higher rates.
- Join MénageSimple: on our recruitment page, you can apply to receive regular clients without having to prospect. We handle invoicing, payments, and admin.
- Build client loyalty: a regular client is more profitable than a stream of one-off jobs. Reliability and quality of work are your best assets.
- Optimise your travel: group your clients by geographical area to minimise unpaid travel time.
At MénageSimple, every professional is rigorously selected (interview, reference checks). This ensures quality assignments and lasting client relationships.
The evolving home cleaning market in Switzerland
The home cleaning market in Switzerland is undergoing transformation. Digitalisation is pushing more and more clients towards platforms that simplify booking and ensure compliance. At the same time, regulatory requirements are tightening, making undeclared work increasingly risky.
For professionals, this evolution is positive: it values the profession, improves working conditions, and enables stable income. For clients, it brings transparency, quality, and simplicity. MénageSimple, as a local Suisse Romande company, has been driving this transformation for several years. Discover reviews from our clients and professionals.
FAQ: your questions about house cleaner salaries in Switzerland
What is the minimum wage for a house cleaner in Switzerland?
There is no single federal minimum wage in Switzerland, but some cantons have set minimums. In Geneva, the minimum wage is CHF 24.32/hour (2026). In the canton of Vaud, it’s about CHF 21.09/hour. The CCT Nettoyage also sets minimum wages for the professional sector.
Is it legal to employ a house cleaner off the books in Switzerland?
No. Every employer must declare their domestic staff and pay the corresponding social charges (AVS/AI/APG, accident insurance). Failing to comply risks fines and prosecution. That’s why going through a platform like MénageSimple simplifies everything: we handle all the admin.
How much does a declared house cleaner cost per month?
For a 3-hour weekly service via MénageSimple, expect about CHF 400-500 per month, all-inclusive (salary, charges, insurance, management, cleaning products). The exact amount depends on the duration and frequency of visits.
How do I become a house cleaner with MénageSimple?
Visit our recruitment page to apply. We’re looking for experienced, reliable, and motivated professionals in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva, Valais, Fribourg, and Neuchâtel. All our team members benefit from full social coverage and guaranteed replacement in case of absence.
