A profession in acute shortage, the plumber-heating technician is driven by energy transition: heat pumps, thermal solar panels, renovation. Comfortable salary, possibility of self-employment, demand guaranteed for the next 20 years.
The trade
18,000 plumbers / heating technicians active
Major shortage: 5,000+ open positions
Energy transition: replacing fossil heating with heat pumps (1 million boilers to replace by 2050)
Finishing CLA: protected salary minimums
CFC apprenticeship
CFC sanitary installer: 3 years
CFC heating installer: 3 years
CFC tinsmith (sheet metal/roofing): 3 years
Dual apprenticeship: 3-4 days/week company + school
Apprentice salary: CHF 700-1,800/month
Valued specialisations
Heat pumps: booming market, +20-30% salary
Thermal solar: roof panels
Air conditioning: growing market with climate change
Luxury sanitary: hotels, high-end residences
Salaries
Apprentice: CHF 700-1,800/month
Starting CFC: CHF 5,200-6,200/month
5-10 years XP: CHF 6,500-8,000/month
HP / solar specialist: CHF 7,500-9,500/month
Team leader: CHF 8,000-10,500/month
Self-employed master: CHF 120-220K/year
Diplomas
Federal sanitary installer diploma: 1-2 years post-CFC, access to public markets
Master craftsman diploma: essential for self-employment
Federal expert in building techniques diploma
Tips
B driving licence essential: daily travel
Learn German: much of the shortage in German-speaking Switzerland
Specialise in HP: differentiation and salary premium
Self-employment: 2-3 year ROI for a well-managed SME
Cantonal plumbing society: join for network and continuing education
