Average Salary in Switzerland in 2025: By Canton, Profession, and Net Income

Switzerland is an increasingly popular destination for international job seekers, thanks to its attractive salaries, high standard of living, and stable economy. But what can you really expect to earn? Which professions and regions pay the most? And how much will you actually take home after taxes and deductions?

This article breaks down everything you need to know about salaries in Switzerland in 2025: from median income figures and top-paying jobs, to canton-by-canton differences and what that means for cross-border workers.

Key Salary Figures in Switzerland (2025)

Median and Average Salaries

In 2025:

• Median annual gross salary: CHF 88'200
• Average annual gross salary: CHF 95'000

The average is slightly inflated by top earners in finance, pharmaceuticals, and tech. The gap between median and average is relatively small (+7.7%), making median salary a good benchmark for typical earnings.

Gender and Sector Gaps

• Women earn on average 9.5% less than men.
• Public sector wages are on average 24% higher than those in the private sector, due to qualification levels and harmonized pay scales.

Average Salaries by Region

Top Paying Cantons in 2025

1. Zurich: CHF 120'000/year
2. Zug: CHF 118'000/year
3. Geneva: CHF 115'000/year
4. Basel-City: CHF 110'000/year

These cantons are economic hubs for banking, pharma, consulting, and multinational corporations.

Border Regions (Romandy, Ticino)

While Zurich and Basel dominate on salaries, cantons near France and Italy attract many cross-border workers.

• Ticino: Average salaries range between CHF 70'000–85'000/year, slightly below the national average, but still much higher than in Italy.
• Geneva: Attracts thousands of French residents working across the border, with among the highest average wages in the country.

How Much Do You Take Home? Net Salary Example

Let’s take a gross salary of CHF 6'000/month (common in many skilled jobs in urban areas):

• Social contributions: ~13–15%
• Withholding tax (single, no kids): ~10–12%
• Net salary: approx. CHF 4'500/month

For cross-border workers who live in France, Germany or Italy, this net income converts to a significantly higher purchasing power.

Top-Paying Jobs in Switzerland (2025)

Top 10 Highest Salaries

1. Specialist surgeon: up to CHF 800'000/year
2. Medical specialist: CHF 250'000/year
3. Bank director: CHF 200'000–600'000/year
4. CFO: CHF 180'000–320'000/year
5. CEO: CHF 150'000–400'000+/year
6. Senior IT / CTO: CHF 140'000–190'000/year
7. Tax attorney: CHF 130'000–190'000/year
8. Dentist: CHF 150'000–220'000/year
9. Airline pilot: CHF 170'000–180'000/year
10. Specialized engineer: CHF 110'000–165'000/year

Public Sector, Healthcare & Construction

• Nurse: ~CHF 85'000/year
• High school teacher: CHF 80'000–110'000/year
• Skilled construction worker: CHF 84'000/year

Lower Qualification Jobs (Zurich & Basel)

• Retail, logistics, cleaning: CHF 4'200–4'700/month gross
• Example: Contracted cleaner (with collective agreement): ~CHF 4'350/month

No federal minimum wage in most cantons, but sectoral collective agreements define minimums in practice.

Switzerland vs. Neighboring Countries: Cost of Living & Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Differences

• Rent: +90–150% more expensive than in neighboring countries
• Groceries: +60–85%
• Health insurance: mandatory private coverage (~CHF 350–400/month)

Cross-Border Purchasing Power

• Average net salary in Zurich/Basel: CHF 5'800–6'200/month
• Average net salary in Germany, France, or Italy: ~€2'500/month
• Gain in purchasing power for cross-border workers: +30–50% depending on location and profile

How to Calculate Your Net Salary in Switzerland

Main Deductions

• Social contributions: 13–17%
• Pension fund (LPP): ~7–8%
• Withholding tax: 8–16% (depends on canton and family status)
• Health insurance: not included (~CHF 350/month)

Salary Tools

• Jobs.ch – salary comparisons
• Lohncomputer.ch – net salary simulators

Currency Exchange: How to Convert CHF to EUR or USD Without Losing Money

Hidden Bank Fees to Watch Out For

• Traditional banks often apply poor exchange rates and SWIFT fees
• Example: Converting CHF 4'000 with a 2% margin = CHF 80 lost

A Smarter Option: ibani

• Competitive exchange rates
• No fixed fees or hidden commissions
• Named Swiss IBAN for salary deposits
• EUR/USD transfers within 24–48h
• Save up to €1'000/year compared to traditional banks

Conclusion

Whether you’re a doctor, teacher, engineer, or warehouse worker, working in Switzerland could dramatically improve your income and lifestyle. And if you live in a neighboring country, the financial advantage is even greater.

With partners like ibani, converting your salary and sending it home becomes fast, transparent, and cost-effective.

Disclaimer: All data in this article is based on publicly available sources as of 2025 and is provided for general information purposes only. We are not tax or HR experts. This article is meant to give you a realistic overview, not personal financial advice. For up-to-date and tailored information, consult official sources or salary calculators.