What is the Average Salary in Zürich?
According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office and World Salaries, the average salary in Zürich is CHF 100,000 per year or CHF 51.28 per hour, which is roughly 113,579.20 USD.
As you can see, the average salary in Zürich is very high compared to other countries. However, before you pack your bags and purchase a one-way ticket to this Swiss city, it's important to consider a few things.
The average salary in Zürich varies depending on the industry, experience level, and education. For example, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer is CHF 140,000 per year, while the average salary for a teacher is CHF 87,057 per year.
Based on info from the 2023 Mercer Cost of Living City survey, Zürich is the third most expensive city in the world, so it's important to factor that into your salary expectations. The monthly rental price for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city can set you back CHF 4,287 (4,869 USD). According to Numbeo, a family of four's estimated monthly costs are CHF 6,129.9 (without rent), while a single person's estimated monthly costs are CHF 1,685.2 (without rent).
Average salary in Zürich by industry
Finding a job in Switzerland can be challenging, particularly as Swiss employers are giving preference to locals over foreign workers. Nonetheless, you may be fortunate if you possess expertise in any of the following industries, as they are among the most sought-after sectors in Zürich.
Further analysing salaries in Zürich by profession
The figures presented above indicate the average salary for an industry as a whole. However, since various jobs are within each sector, we have further analysed and categorised the data to provide a more accurate average salary for each profession.
1. IT Specialists
Zürich is known for its strong technology and financial sectors, which require a skilled workforce in IT and related fields. Zürich is also home to many multinational companies and startups, creating a high demand for IT professionals. The city offers attractive salaries, a high standard of living, and a vibrant tech community, making it an attractive destination for IT specialists.
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2. Finance
The city of Zürich is known as a major global financial centre, with a strong presence of banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. Zürich is home to the Swiss Stock Exchange and is a hub for wealth management, private banking, and asset management. The demand for finance professionals, including roles in banking, investment management, risk management, and corporate finance, is consistently high in Zürich.
3. Health & Medical
Zürich has an excellent healthcare system and medical facilities, attracting local and international patients. The city has numerous hospitals, clinics, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies, creating a strong demand for healthcare professionals. Additionally, Zürich has a high quality of life and offers competitive salaries, making it an attractive destination for healthcare professionals to live and work in.
4. Management
Zürich is considered one of Europe's major financial and economic centres, attracting many multinational companies and organisations. As a result, there is a constant need for skilled managers to lead and oversee various business operations. The demand is particularly high in finance, consulting, pharmaceuticals, and technology industries.
5. Education
Switzerland, including Zürich, is known for its high-quality education system, which strongly emphasises providing quality education to its citizens. This creates a demand for teachers and educators at various levels, including preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education. However, it is important to note that competition for teaching positions in Zürich can be intense, especially in popular subjects and schools.
Average salary in Zürich by the highest-paid profession
In Zürich, the most lucrative professions are usually found in the following industries:
- Finance includes jobs such as investment bankers, financial analysts, and asset managers.
- Technology: This includes jobs such as software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts.
- Healthcare: This includes jobs such as doctors, surgeons, and dentists.
- Management includes jobs such as CEOs, executive directors, and managers.
- Law: This includes jobs such as lawyers, judges, and legal consultants.
The salary for each job will depend on factors such as company, level of experience, and education. Below are a few examples of the top-paying jobs in the city:
- Orthodontist: The average salary for an orthodontist in Zürich is CHF 273,067 annually.
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): The average salary for a CEO in Zürich is CHF 250,274 per year.
- Magistrate Judge: The average salary for a judge in Zürich is CHF 114,487 annually.
- ITS Director / Architect: The average salary for an ITS director or architect in Zürich is CHF 135,000 annually.
- Lawyer: A lawyer in Zürich earns an average salary of CHF 150,000 per year.
- Airline Pilot: An airline pilot in Zürich earns an average salary of CHF 148,118 annually.
- Investment Banker: An investment banker in Zürich earns an average salary of CHF 158,233 per year.
Average salary in Zürich by age
Below is a breakdown of the average salary in Zürich based on age groups. Please remember that these numbers are only estimations and can be influenced by various factors unique to each situation.
Average salary in Zürich by education level
The average salary in Zürich depends on education level and other factors like work experience, industry, and job position. To give a general idea, here are the average salaries in Zürich based on education level:
Factors to consider when it comes to the average salary in Zürich
In a previous section, we covered some key considerations to keep in mind. However, it's worth noting that additional factors can influence salaries in Zürich.
- Your nationality: Swiss nationals typically earn more than foreigners.
- Your gender: Men usually make more than women.
- Your age: Salaries tend to increase with age and experience.
- Your education: The more education you have, the higher your salary will be.
- Your skills: You can command a higher salary with specialised skills or experience.
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