There is disclosed a switching apparatus for a starter comprising a resistor for suppressing a startup current of a motor when an engine is started, an electromagnetic relay for bypassing the resistor to energize the motor after the motor is started, a function for pushing a pinion of the starter toward a ring gear, an electromagnetic switch for opening and closing a main contact of the motor circuit. The resistor, the electromagnetic relay, and the electromagnetic switch are integrally accommodated inside a housing formed of a metallic bottomed frame and a contact cover, and are connected to the motor circuit via two external connection terminals fixed to the contact cover. The apparatus can facilitate connectivity to the vehicle side by reducing the number of cables and can enhance an installation property.