Switzerland has been for years, one of the favourite destinations among economic migrants. Many people choose to work in this country because of the high earnings, good working conditions, and stunning mountain landscapes. The main topic of today’s article will be earnings in Switzerland 2023 – check!
Entry and stay in Switzerland
At the outset, it is worth noting that Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, but belongs to the Schengen area. Due to this, travellers from other countries in this area can cross the border on one of the following documents:
- an ID card
- a passport
- a temporary passport
Attention! If you are going to Switzerland as a tourist for a period not exceeding 90 days, you do not need a visa or other additional documents.
In order to be able to stay legally in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- to sign an employment contract for a definite or indefinite period with a company operating in Switzerland;
- be delegated to work in Switzerland by an employer/company from an EU/EFTA country;
- to run your own business in an EU/EFTA country and operate in Switzerland on the basis of a self-employment contract.
Apart from that, you must complete the registration obligation, i.e. to find an apartment in Switzerland and report your stay at the nearest registration office or municipality office.
How to get a work visa for Switzerland?
How high are the earnings in Switzerland 2023?
In the table below, we present earnings in white-collar industries. These are highly appreciated professions in Switzerland with a high demand for specialists.
| Position | Average monthly earnings (gross) |
| Software engineer | CHF 10000 – 15000 (approx. EUR 10350 – 15525) |
| Doctor | CHF 12000 – 18000 (approx. EUR 12420 – 18630) |
| Architect | CHF 8000 – 12000 (approx. EUR 8280 – 12420) |
| Teacher | CHF 6000 – 9000 (approx. EUR 6210 – 9315) |
| Marketing specialist | CHF 8000 – 12000 (approx. EUR 8280 – 12420) |
| Nurse | CHF 6000 – 9000 (approx. EUR 6210 – 9315) |
In professions classified as blue collars, we as well have a chance for high earnings. Manual labour performed in hazardous conditions is adequately remunerated.
| Position | Average monthly earnings (gross) |
| Construction worker | CHF 4000 – 6000 (approx. EUR 4140 – 6210) |
| Electrician | CHF 4500 – 7000 (approx. EUR 4657 – 7245) |
| Plumber | CHF 4500 – 7000 (approx. EUR 4657 – 7245) |
| Cleaning lady | CHF 3500 – 5000 (approx. EUR 3622 – 5175) |
| Gardener | CHF 4000 – 6000 (approx. EUR 4140 – 6210) |
| Machine operator | CHF 4500 – 6500 (approx. EUR 4657 – 6727) |
| Truck driver | CHF 4500 – 7000 (approx. EUR 4657 – 7245) |
| Warehouseman | CHF 3500 – 5000 (approx. EUR 3622 – 5175) |
| Production worker | CHF 3500 – 5500 (approx. EUR 3622 – 5692) |
Attention! Please note that these figures are indicative and salaries may vary based on many factors such as experience, skills and location.
Earnings in Switzerland vs costs of living
Before we decide to go to Switzerland for work, we must also take into account costs of living in this country. Does it pay off?
Let us remember that the high earnings offered in Switzerland are also associated with high prices for food, renting an apartment or transport.
Get acquainted with examples of costs of living in Switzerland:
| Renting an apartment | around CHF 1700 – 2000 per month (EUR 1759 – 2070). On average, we will pay this much for a studio apartment or a small 2-room apartment. |
| Serafe – mandatory radio and television subscription | CHF 335 (approx. EUR 347) per year |
| Health insurance | around CHF 300 – 2000 per year (EUR 310 – 2070) |
| SIM card, Internet | for the cheapest package (8 GB) we will pay about CHF 14 (EUR 15) |
| Swiss Half Fare Card – monthly ticket for all means of public transport | CHF 120 per month (EUR 124) |
| Grocery shopping (bread, two bottles of water, 1 kg of chicken breast, 10 eggs, 1 kg of tomatoes, milk and potatoes) | around CHF 41.74 (EUR 43.20) |
Switzerland – where to look for a job?
More and more job offers in Switzerland appear on the europa.jobs portal. It is worth using our search engine and available search filters to find an offer tailored to your preferences.
Apart from that, you can find a job in Switzerland through such portals as:
- http://www.treffpunkt-arbeit.ch
- http://www.eures.europa.eu
- http://www.addeco.ch/de-ch
- http://www.aktivpersonal.ch
