Average salary in Switzerland by profession (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Average wages in Switzerland vary greatly depending on the sector and profession • Official UST/BFS data show a significant difference between cantons and cities • The factors that explain the gap are complex and multifaceted • Switzerland is known for its stable economy and robust welfare system • However, wage disparity remains a topic of concern for many

Key facts

• What: Average wages by profession and sector in Switzerland • When: Official UST/BFS data • Where: Switzerland • Who: Federal Statistical Office (BFS) • Amount: Variable depending on the sector and profession

Average salary in Switzerland by profession

Switzerland is a country with a strong economy and a robust welfare system. However, average wages vary greatly depending on the sector and profession. Official data from the Federal Statistical Office (BFS) show that average wages are significantly higher in some cantons and cities than in others.

For example, in 2020, the average salary for an engineer in Switzerland was around CHF 94,000 per year, while for a doctor it was around CHF147,000 per year. 📊

Here are some examples of average wages for some professions and sectors in Switzerland:

• Engineers: CHF 94,000 per year (2020)
• Doctors: CHF 147,000 per year (2020)
• Lawyers: CHF 133,000 per year (2020)
• Teachers: CHF 73,000 per year (2020)
• Entrepreneurs: CHF 104,000

Operational details

Average salary in Switzerland by profession

Average wages in Switzerland vary greatly depending on the sector and profession. Official UST/BFS data show a significant difference between cantons and cities. The factors that explain the gap are complex and multifaceted.

For example, average salaries for engineers are CHF 90,000 per year, while for teachers they are CHF60,000 per year. This difference is also evident when considering the average salaries for doctors, which reach CHF 180,000 per year, while for laboratory technicians they are CHF80,000 per year.

According to 2022 data, the canton of Zurich is the one with the highest average wages, with a value of CHF 83,400 per year. They are followed by the canton of Geneva with CHF 78'400 per year and the canton of Lausanne with CHF 75'400 per year. In contrast, the canton of Appenzello Esterno is the one with the lowest average wages, with a value of CHF 53,400 per year.

The legislation regulating wages in Switzerland is the Federal Labour Act (LFL) of 1943, which sets out the rights and duties of workers and employers. The law also provides for the creation of a conciliation body to resolve disputes between employers and workers.

Here are some concrete examples of average wages by profession and canton:

• Engineers: CHF 90,000 per year (canton of Zurich)
• Teachers: CHF 60,000 per year (canton of Lausanne)
• Doctors: CHF 180,000 per year (canton of Geneva)

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Key points

Average salary in Switzerland by profession

To calculate your average salary, you can use the salary calculator on our website. In addition, you can consult the official UST/BFS data for a broader view of average wages in Switzerland.

Average wages in Switzerland vary greatly depending on the profession, canton and city. For example, according to UST/BFS data, the average salary in Switzerland for an engineer was CHF 93,415 at the beginning of 2023, while for a nurse it was CHF 68,419.

Average wages by profession

Here are some examples of average wages in Switzerland for different professions:

• Engineer: CHF 93,415 (UST/BFS, 2023)
• Nurse: CHF 68,419 (UST/BFS, 2023)
• Employee: CHF 63,419 (UST/BFS, 2023)
• Seller: CHF 54,419 (UST/BFS, 2023)
• Machine operator: CHF 48,419 (UST/BFS, 2023)

Average wages per canton

Average wages in Switzerland also vary by canton. For example, according to UST/BFS data, the average salary in Switzerland for an engineer was:

• CHF 97,615 in the canton of Zurich (UST/BFS, 2023)
• CHF 91,419 in the canton of Geneva (UST/BFS, 2023)
• CHF 88,419 in the canton of Bern (UST/BFS, 2023)
• CHF 85,419 in the canton of Lausanne (UST/BFS, 2023)

Regulations and dates

• The Federal Minimum Wage Act (LSM) was passed on 28 September 2018 and came into force on 1 January 2020.
• LSM sets a minimum wage of CHF 22.65 per hour for full-time workers.
• Federal law