Switzerland is often synonymous with high salaries, stunning landscapes, and a high standard of living. When I moved from Singapore to Switzerland in 2017, I was impressed by the salary level here. Singapore is a wealthy nation with a high cost of living, but compared to Switzerland, I felt that the average person has a lower purchasing power than those who live and work there. On the other hand, the cost of living in Switzerland is also much higher, so that corresponds to the high salary.

Why Switzerland is Known for High Salaries

Switzerland’s reputation as a high-income country is well-deserved. With one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, the Swiss economy is driven by powerhouse industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, and luxury goods. The country’s labor laws and strong workers’ rights also contribute to its high earning potential. But while salaries are impressive, it’s important to consider the cost of living, taxes, and regional differences to get the full picture.

Average Salaries in Switzerland

On average, Swiss workers earn significantly more than their counterparts in other countries. According to recent data, the average gross salary in Switzerland is around CHF 6,500 to CHF 8,000 per month (approximately 7,300 to 9,000 USD). However, after taxes and social security contributions, the net income is closer to CHF 5,000 to CHF 6,500 monthly.

It’s also worth noting that Switzerland has a gender pay gap, with women earning less than men on average. Efforts are being made to address this disparity, but progress is slow. It is a legacy issue. A few decades ago, it was very common for wives to stay at home and take care of kids, and the husbands worked. When my husband was a baby, there were no daycare services. So, his mom had to stay home to care for the kids.

Regional Differences in Salaries

Salaries in Switzerland vary significantly depending on where you live. Major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel offer the highest wages, reflecting their status as economic hubs. For example, the average salary in Zurich is around CHF 7,500 per month, while in smaller towns, it may drop to CHF 6,000 or less. As you can imagine, the cost of living is slightly lower in smaller towns given that the rent is much lower.

Language regions also play a role. German-speaking areas tend to have slightly higher salaries than French- or Italian-speaking regions. However, the cost of living in cities like Geneva can offset these differences, so it’s essential to consider both income and expenses.

Salary Level by Sector

Micheal Page released the salary report 2025 based on 585 job types and 15 key sectors. This report shows the highest-paying jobs in the Banking & Financial Services sector.

The lowest salary in the sector is Relationship Manager Assistant in the corporate and retail banking area with a min. CHF70,000/year. But when you progress to Relationship Manager in a large company, the salary range is from CHF150k to CHF220k. The average salary of a mid-career position is between CHF130k to CHF200k.

Even though the salary level is very high in the banking sector, the salary levels are generally even higher in investment banking and private banking. An average salary in an entry position (assistant/analyst) is already CHF100,000. This is not so common in other sectors though, a huge comparison is the insurance sector.

An Insurance Account Manager Assistant can get between CHF55k and CH65k max per year. This is an entry-level position. However, we need to recognize that getting an analyst banking position that requires higher education and other skillsets is far more difficult than an assistant insurance account manager.

If you progress in your career and become the team leader, the salary is between CHF105k to CHF140k.

Similar salary ranges can be seen in other sectors, such as NGOs, Human resources, etc. Most people start with a CHF90k salary, for senior roles, the average salaries vary from 120k to 180k, depends on the size of the company and the sector you are in.

What Does It Mean?

The numbers show that Swiss salaries are pretty high compared to most countries. But what about the cost of living? You can refer to my article on how much we spent in 2024. Although it does not represent all, it can give you some ideas of how much groceries, insurance, accommodation, and so on cost. Overall, if we add the tax, even living an average lifestyle without luxuries, the cost of living for a family of 3 in Switzerland would be more than CHF100,000.

As you can imagine if you live with your partner and both of you work full-time. Then life is pretty amazing here. You would have a more substantial purchasing power. Let’s assume each partner earns CHF90,000. After paying off the necessities, you would have at least CHF50k on vacations and other stuff. CHF50k is equal to most people’s yearly salary in some countries, if not more.

Saving a couple of thousand per month is pretty realistic for a single person on a CHF90k yearly salary. But from what I know, saving is not a particular popular culture here :). Young people like to spend money on cars, the newest gadgets, or shopping.

On the other hand, this also provides opportunities for couples to work part-time. Mostly, moms of young children work part-time. S they can take care of the children while still keeping their careers. Even earning a partial salary, it is still comfortable for a family to live here. When I was living in Singapore, I rarely knew any moms of young kids work part-time. They all work full-time and send the kids to daycare, or the grandparents will help to look after them. Daycare costs are tremendous (around CHF2700 to CHF3000 per month for a five-day per week of full-time care). In Switzerland, it makes even more sense for one parent to stay home with the kids.

Conclusion

After living and working in eight different countries, I’ve come to appreciate the unique advantages of Switzerland’s high salaries, even with the elevated cost of living. While expenses can be steep, the ability to save significantly is entirely possible with conscious spending and smart financial planning. Additionally, the higher income levels provide families with greater flexibility—such as allowing one parent to stay home and spend more quality time with young children, a luxury that isn’t always feasible in lower-income countries. This balance between earning potential and lifestyle choices is one of the most compelling aspects of life in Switzerland.