Average Salary in Switzerland 2026: Which Job and Canton Pay Best?

Working in Switzerland attracts more and more people, especially for salaries that are significantly higher than in France or other EU countries. But how much can you really expect to earn? What are the average salaries by profession and canton? And above all, what is left in your pocket after taxes? In this article, we provide you with all the key figures to understand the Swiss labor market and the highest-paying sectors.

Average Salary in Switzerland: Key Figures for 2026

Evolution of the median salary in recent years
In 2026, analysts confirm that the gross median salary continues to rise. The Swiss median salary is around CHF 6,800 per month for a full-time position (over CHF 80,000 annually). The average salary (arithmetic mean) is higher, exceeding CHF 95,000 annually, driven by high incomes in finance and pharma.

Difference between median and average salary
The median salary is more representative of the "typical" income: 50% of employees earn less, 50% earn more. The average salary is pulled up by very high incomes. In Switzerland, the gap remains moderate compared to the US, but significant.

Gender pay gap, public vs private sectors
Women earn on average 9.5% less than men, a gap the Swiss government is actively fighting. In the public sector, entry-level salaries are often higher than in the private sector for less qualified positions, but the private sector offers much higher prospects for management roles.

Average Salary by Canton: Where Do You Earn the Most?

There is a real salary "Röstigraben" (divide). While salaries are high everywhere, they skyrocket in regions hosting finance and pharmaceutical giants.

The Top-Paying Cantons
Zurich, Zug, and Basel-City form the leading trio. In Basel, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry (Roche, Novartis) drives averages up. In Zurich and Zug, finance and attractive taxation for corporate headquarters boost remuneration.

Focus on Geneva and Western Switzerland (French-speaking)
Geneva remains the most attractive canton for expats and cross-border workers due to the language and salaries rivaling Zurich. However, competition is fierce.

The canton of Vaud (Lausanne) is an increasingly popular alternative: salaries are slightly lower than in Geneva, but the quality of life is often considered more relaxed.

Net Salary for a Cross-Border Worker
This is the #1 question. Let's take a standard gross salary of CHF 6,000/month in Geneva:

• Social Contributions (AVS/AI/APG/AC): ~13-15%
• Withholding Tax (Source Tax): ~10-12% (Varies by 2026 bracket)
• Net Salary paid to account: ~CHF 4,500

Once converted into Euros, the purchasing power for a cross-border worker living in France (or Germany/Italy) is considerable.

Average Salary by Job in 2026

The data below represents observed gross annual ranges. Use this as a benchmark for salary negotiations.

Salaries in Health, Education, Construction
Essential jobs remain well valued. A nurse earns about CHF 85,000/year. A cantonal teacher can start around CHF 80,000 and finish above CHF 110,000. A skilled construction worker earns around CHF 84,000/year depending on collective agreements.

Minimum Wage 2026 (Geneva)
This is a major specificity of Geneva. On January 1st, 2026, it was indexed.

• Geneva Minimum Wage (2026): 24.59 CHF / hour.
• This represents a gross monthly salary of about CHF 4,262 for 40 hours/week.
• Sectors concerned: Retail, cleaning, hospitality, unskilled services.

International Comparison: Cost of Living

The High Cost of Living
Be careful with the "Swiss dream". Salaries are high, but so is life:

• Housing: +90% to +150% more expensive in Switzerland (especially Geneva/Zurich).
• Food: +60% to +85% more expensive.
• Health: Health insurance (LAMal) is expensive and mandatory (expect 350-500 CHF/month per adult).

Real Purchasing Power for Cross-Border Workers
This is the winning equation. With a net average salary in Geneva (~CHF 6,000) and living costs in Euros (rent and groceries in France/Germany), the gain in purchasing power is estimated between +30% and +40% compared to a Swiss resident.

How to Calculate Your Net Salary

Social Contributions & Taxes

• Social charges (AVS/AI/APG/AC): approx. 13–15% of gross.
• LPP (Occupational Pension / 2nd Pillar): ~7–10% (depends on age and employer plan).
• Withholding Tax: Varies by canton and family status (Tariff A0, B0, C0...). Approx. 8–16%.
• Health Insurance: To be paid separately (not deducted from salary).

Useful Tools

• Jobs.ch: to estimate market gross salaries.
• Salarium (FSO): the official statistical calculator of the Confederation.

Converting Your Swiss Salary: Don't Lose on Exchange Rates

Avoid Hidden Bank Fees
Once you receive your net salary, repatriating it to your Euro account can be expensive if you use a traditional bank. They often apply a margin on the exchange rate (markup) in addition to transfer fees.

Example: On CHF 4,000, a 1.5% margin represents a CHF 60 loss every month.

The Ibani Solution
Ibani provides you with a dedicated Swiss IBAN (in your name) to receive your salary without fees. Upon receipt, we convert it at the real market exchange rate (much better than banks) and transfer it to your account.

Conclusion

Whether you are a doctor, mason, or teacher, working in Switzerland is an opportunity for both your career and your standard of living. For cross-border workers, it is even more advantageous financially. Are you ready to take the leap?

Note: The information presented in this article is based on data available in January 2026. It is provided for indicative purposes only.