Salary & offers
From gross salary to money available each month
The amount transferred by an employer and the money available for everyday spending are different calculations. A useful estimate shows each layer explicitly: gross earnings, payroll deductions, taxes where relevant and household bills.
Editorial review: 16 October 2026
Collect the right inputs
Start with annual gross pay, payment frequency, employment percentage and bonus assumptions. Add age, pension-plan details, residence canton and municipality, permit status and household circumstances relevant to taxation. Payroll can explain which accident or other insurance contributions appear on the payslip. Occupational pension deductions depend on the plan and insured salary, so a single flat deduction percentage is a rough shortcut.
Read the payslip in layers
Employee contributions normally include social-insurance items such as OASI/DI/IC and unemployment insurance, with occupational pension and other applicable deductions. Tax at source may also be deducted for employees subject to that system. Where income tax is paid separately, reserve money for it. Ask for an illustrative payroll calculation based on your own situation and check what assumptions it contains. Treat a calculator result as an estimate until payroll and tax details are confirmed.
Check whether the estimate covers an ordinary month or a month with additional salary payments.
Build the spending budget
Basic health-insurance premiums are generally a separate household bill. Include premiums for each family member, potential cost sharing, rent, utilities, transport and childcare. FOPH's premium comparison helps compare the intended location and insurance model. Spread annual bills over twelve months, while keeping the actual salary-payment calendar visible. This reveals whether a lower ordinary monthly payment with a year-end instalment fits your cash needs.