Overview
Care professions (ASSC, ASE, AS, home care) are in very high demand in Switzerland, especially in nursing homes and home care (Spitex). Median gross annual: CHF 60,000–75,000.
ASSC (Healthcare assistant) — 3-year CFC
- Entry-level (post-CFC): CHF 60,000–68,000
- Experienced (3–7 yrs): CHF 68,000–78,000
- Senior (10+ yrs): CHF 78,000–88,000
- Middle management / supervisor: CHF 88,000–105,000
ASE (Socio-educational assistant) — 3-year CFC
- Entry-level: CHF 58,000–65,000
- Experienced: CHF 65,000–75,000
- Senior: CHF 75,000–88,000
Tracks: childhood (daycare), elderly (EMS), disability (specialised institutions).
Health auxiliary (AS) — Red Cross 200h training
- Entry-level: CHF 52,000–58,000
- Experienced: CHF 58,000–68,000
- Senior home care / lead: CHF 68,000–78,000
This short training (200h) opens healthcare to people without CFC. Many EMS and Spitex recruit at this level.
By canton (entry-level ASSC median)
- Geneva: CHF 67,000
- Vaud: CHF 65,000
- Zurich: CHF 65,000
- Basel-City: CHF 66,000
- Bern: CHF 62,000
- Ticino: CHF 55,000–58,000
- Valais, Fribourg: CHF 60,000–63,000
By sector
- University hospitals (HUG, CHUV, USZ, USB, Inselspital): +5–10% on median, ongoing training, specialisation paths
- EMS / nursing homes: median, more stable hours than hospital
- Home care / Spitex: median, travel allowance, more autonomy
- Daycare (ASE childhood): lower (-10–15%) but shorter days
- Disability institutions: median, often better conditions (Insieme, OSEO, etc.)
Allowances
- Night: +25–50%
- Weekend: +20–50%
- Public holidays: +50–100%
- Standby (Spitex): variable lump sum
Pathway to HES nurse
ASSC holders can join the HES nursing degree (bridge) after 2–3 yrs experience. The transition adds CHF 15,000–25,000.
Tips
- Federal certificate in long-term care and accompaniment adds CHF 8,000–15,000
- Spitex sometimes pay more than EMS and offer more autonomy
- The sector is in shortage: possible signing bonus in some cantons (GE, VD)