In the furniture giant, the wage difference is abyssal between the two borders.
It is one of the favorite stores of the French. The 5th, according to a study carried out in early 2024. With its imposing yellow and blue hangars widely visible from a distance, Ikea has established itself in France as one of the references in terms of furnishings and the development of its accommodation. The Swedish brand, with its affordable prices and its promise of furniture that is easy to mount, has attracted a large part of the population.
If many go there only from time to time to stroll or do their shopping, for others, going to the product chain with unpronounceable names is part of everyday life. According to figures communicated by the company, 12,000 people work in France at Ikea. It must be said that there are many positions: from creation to sale, including communication or human resources and even customer service, there are many opportunities.
For this tens of thousands of French people, Ikea has therefore turned into a professional opportunity, whether on the shelves, at the checkout, in the back shop or offices. The seller’s position is most sought after by the brand: it is the one that concentrates the most advertisements among the 34 stores spread across the territory.
In its offers, the Swedish group is transparent on what it pays to its employees. The remuneration is announced immediately: a seller touches, at least, 1840 euros gross monthly, or 1435 euros net per month. An amount “from” and which can therefore vary depending on the experience in the field. In addition, financially, Ikea pays a 13e month and pay a bonus according to the results of the company. Another, seniority, is paid after two years.
If it does not grant tickets-restaurants, the company allows employees to eat at the store canteen for less than 3 euros. It also offers a 15% reduction on products. Finally, additional leave-beyond the five legal weeks per year can be obtained after three years in the company.
But it is not in France that Ikea is established. In Switzerland too, the brand has 10 stores. Again, it is for the sale on shelves that there are the most job offers. In the middle of the Alps, employees also benefit from a very advantageous corporate restoration and more leave with 28 days a year. In addition, remuneration is not the same.
If it is not indicated on the post sheet and the communication refuses to make any precision, Ikea Switzerland has announced that it had passed, at 1er January 2025, his minimum wage at 4,300 Swiss francs per month, or 4,500 euros gross per month. Or 2.5 times more than on the other side of the border. At least on paper.
For a frontier, this corresponds to 3924.70 euros net per month. However, this amount does not take into account health insurance, which must be paid in addition. A cross -border owner affiliated to the Swiss regime (LAMAL) must pay around 210 euros per month for this. Fees to which are added, in particular, those linked to the journeys between home and work. For a person installed in Switzerland, monthly expenses can represent 4000 euros per month (housing, food, taxes, transport, insurance, etc.).