SHARE
COPY LINK
For members

JOBS

How do nurses’ salaries in Switzerland compare to the rest of the world?

Switzerland is known for having some of the highest salaries in the world in a variety of industries, but how much do nurses earn - and how much does that compare with other countries?

How do nurses’ salaries in Switzerland compare to the rest of the world?
A nurses armband - which also looks a little like the Swiss flag. Photo by Julien Flutto on Unsplash

There are an estimated 215,000 nurses employed in Switzerland, which means roughly one nurse for every 11.4 residents. This is well above the EU average of one nurse per 8.4 residents. 

While the cost of living is a major factor, nurses in Switzerland do earn a comparatively high salary. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

How do you become a nurse in Switzerland – and how much do you earn?

To become a nurse in Switzerland you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship. 

This varies from other countries, particularly in the English-speaking world, where nursing tends to be a university course. 

Switzerland will generally recognise nursing credentials gained abroad, whether this is from university or an apprenticeship. 

READ MORE: Which jobs pay the most and least after a Swiss apprenticeship?

Nurses earn an average of between 4,920 and 6,060 francs per month – or CHF59,000 to CHF72,720 – depending on where they live and their experience. 

This puts them second-highest after IT workers among apprentice-based workers. 

This comes from various sources including official Swiss figures, along with those from Switzerland’s Lohn Computer comparison site and OECD figures. 

It also compares relatively favourably with white collar jobs such as architects (CHF6,250 per month) and teachers (CHF7,292). 

READ MORE: What do teachers earn in Switzerland – and where do they earn the most?

You can find out the average wage for your job at the following link. 

How does this stack up compared to other countries? 

It is perhaps no surprise to learn that Switzerland compares relatively favourably to other European countries when it comes to nursing salaries. 

According to OECD figures from 2017, Switzerland among the top nations for remuneration of hospital nurses among OECD countries. 

Luxembourg is in first place where nurses are paid CHF99,800 per year, followed by the United States (CHF69,000), Netherlands (CHF64,200), Iceland (CHF63,500), Australia (CHF63,000) and Ireland (CHF62,500). 

The OECD estimate for Switzerland of CHF59,000 is on the lower end of the scale, so while they had Switzerland in seventh, some more experienced nurses will be earning higher than the average in all of the above countries other than Luxembourg. 

Keep in mind that these figures do not take into account purchasing power or cost of living figures, which are of course notably high in Switzerland. 

READ MORE: Why is Switzerland so expensive?

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.

JOBS

What are the best ways to search for your next job in Switzerland?

Looking for a new job in Switzerland? We've put together some tips on where to search for that new role.

What are the best ways to search for your next job in Switzerland?

The good news is that, as a country that serves as a world centre of finance, pharmaceuticals, and research, Switzerland offers an environment very friendly to English speakers. Unlike some European countries, hiring is a flexible and open process. 

That said, some hints will help you in your Swiss job search. 

Know where to look 

Before beginning your job search, knowing where most of your industry’s jobs are is essential. 

As The Local Switzerland has previously discussed, Zurich is Switzerland’s financial capital, whereas most pharmaceutical players are based in Basel. 

The life sciences are concentrated in ‘Health Valley’, stretching from Geneva to Montreaux. 

Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, and St Gallen also have large universities that employ many researchers from abroad. 

Knowing where jobs are based will allow you to concentrate your search, and give you the time to more fully research and understand the needs of particular companies.

READ MORE: Where are the jobs in Switzerland for English speakers?

Develop your Xing as well as your LinkedIn profile

Most job seekers within professional working environments will have a LinkedIn profile to share with prospective employers. 

Xing is also a significant player in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, and it’s normal for German-speaking professionals to have an accompanying profile on that platform. 

Developing your presence on Xing can demonstrate that you are gaining a greater understanding of the Swiss working environment and establishing yourself as a long-term investment. 

READ MORE: Can you find a job in Zurich if you don’t speak German?

Use specialised job boards 

While many of the big job boards operate in Switzerland—Indeed and Monster, for example—several job boards focus on Swiss jobs specifically or service a key segment of the job market. 

Jobs.ch, jobup.ch, and Jobscout24 are popular sites within Switzerland and are often the first port of call for job seekers. Each has an English version and a user-friendly interface.

Several specialist job boards exist for specialised roles, such as those in the IT or medical research sectors.

Using a profession-based job board allows employers to draw from a more concentrated talent pool while offering job seekers a more significant opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills. 

SwissDevJobs.ch is a popular destination for IT professionals, whereas Praxisstellen.ch specialises in pharmaceutical and medical research jobs. SwissTopJobs.ch is an excellent place to look for C-suite jobs in the finance and banking sectors. 

Networking is essential 

While there is often a perception that job hunting in Switzerland is very process-oriented, you may be surprised to learn that many positions are filled via word of mouth. 

Suppose you have friends or former colleagues already found a position within a Swiss firm. In that case, asking what positions are opening and whether you could apply is not unreasonable or rude. 

Word of mouth and hiring through connections are common in the Swiss IT field, but they are also common within several other industries, particularly among startups. 

Read More: Where are Switzerland’s biggest international companies?

Use your initiative 

You may also be surprised to hear that simply applying to a firm with your resume isn’t looked down upon in Switzerland (or the German-speaking world). 

This is known as an Initiativbewerbung (or simply ‘application on the initiative’), and employers often regard it very favourably.

To make an Initiativbewerbung, you’ll need your Anschreiben or lettre de motivation (cover letter), Lebenslauf or resume (curriculum vitae or CV), testimonials from other employers, and copies of any relevant certificates or qualifications. 

When naming these files, remember to use the German terms—it will help when they are searched for later!

It’s worth taking the time to identify and address your application directly to the head or manager of the particular department you’re looking to work within. This will create a stronger impression, and there’s less chance of losing it in the daily flow of emails and information. 

SHOW COMMENTS