Minimum wage of 4,400 euros per month: Which European country is proposing this?

While many countries have a guaranteed minimum wage, the amounts vary widely around the world.

Although some U.S. states adjust their minimum wage rates locally and countries like Bulgaria and Spain maintain relatively low levels, other European nations such as Ireland and the Netherlands offer minimum wages of around 2,300 euros per month. In France, the SMIC (interprofessional minimum wage for growth) stands at 1,449.93 euros gross following a 2.4% increase effective June 1, 2026, due to inflation.

A country that stands out in Europe

However, one European neighbor far exceeds these figures, with a minimum wage three times higher than the French level. In Switzerland—and more specifically in the canton of Geneva—the minimum wage is the highest in the world, with an hourly rate set at 24.48 Swiss francs. Converted to euros, for a full-time job, this equates to a gross monthly salary of approximately 4,400 euros, according to Mission Suisse. It should be noted, however, that this amount does not apply nationwide, as Switzerland does not have a single national minimum wage.

A particularly high cost of living

This particularly attractive wage is explained first and foremost by local economic realities. Indeed, Geneva ranks among the cities with the highest cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing, essential services, and food. The introduction of such a minimum wage is therefore directly aimed at preserving residents’ purchasing power in the face of significant daily expenses.