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Becoming a carpenter / joiner in Switzerland

By The Agences-Placement editorial team·Jobs··1 min read

Traditional Swiss trade in full renaissance with ecological wood construction. Carpenter, joiner, cabinetmaker: 3 complementary routes with growing demand, particularly with chalets and modern wood construction.

Becoming a carpenter / joiner in Switzerland

The wood sector

  • 22,000 jobs carpenter/joiner/cabinetmaker
  • Wood construction booming: +8%/year (ecology, energy transition)
  • Chalets and contemporary buildings in wood
  • Players: Holzbau Schweiz, independent cantonal workshops

CFC apprenticeships

  • Carpenter CFC: 4 years, wood structure (roofs, framing)
  • Joiner CFC: 4 years, windows, stairs, fittings
  • Cabinetmaker CFC: 4 years, high-end furniture, restoration
  • Wood builder CFC: 3 years, industrial route

Salaries

  • Apprentice: CHF 700-1,800/month
  • Starting CFC: CHF 5,000-6,000/month
  • 5-10 years XP: CHF 6,200-7,800/month
  • Restoration / high-end specialist: CHF 7,500-9,500/month
  • Workshop head: CHF 8,000-10,500/month
  • Self-employed master: CHF 110-200K/year

Evolution

  • Carpenter/joiner team leader diploma
  • Carpenter foreman diploma (reference)
  • Federal expert in wood construction diploma
  • HES Bachelor in wood architecture (BFH-AHB Biel)

Tips

  • Discovery internship before choosing specialisation
  • Traditional workshop vs engineering office: 2 different routes
  • Mastery of digital tools: wood CAD, CNC
  • Strong wood tradition cantons: Bern, Valais, Ticino, Grisons
  • Self-employment: possible after 5-7 years + master diploma

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