Overview
Swiss tradespeople are protected by CCT (collective agreements) setting minima by canton and level. Median gross annual: CHF 65,000–95,000 depending on trade, experience and region.
Electrician (branch CCT)
- CFC entry-level: CHF 65,000–72,000
- CFC 3–5 yrs: CHF 72,000–82,000
- Team leader / foreman: CHF 85,000–100,000
- Federal certificate (project leader): CHF 95,000–120,000
- Federal master / qualified electrician: CHF 110,000–145,000
- Self-employed (net): CHF 90,000–180,000 depending on volume
Sanitary-heating (plumber)
- CFC entry: CHF 64,000–70,000
- CFC experienced: CHF 70,000–82,000
- Team leader: CHF 82,000–95,000
- Federal certificate: CHF 90,000–110,000
- Federal master: CHF 100,000–130,000
Joiner / carpenter
- CFC entry: CHF 62,000–68,000
- CFC 3–5 yrs: CHF 68,000–78,000
- Workshop leader: CHF 80,000–95,000
- Federal certificate: CHF 90,000–110,000
- Federal master: CHF 100,000–125,000
Painter / plasterer
- CFC entry: CHF 58,000–65,000
- CFC 3–5 yrs: CHF 65,000–75,000
- Team leader: CHF 75,000–88,000
- Federal certificate: CHF 85,000–105,000
By region
- Geneva, Vaud, Zurich, Basel: +5–12% above national median
- Bern, Lucerne, Aargau: national median
- Ticino, Jura, Valais: –5 to –15%
CCT and perks
- Mandatory 13th month
- 5 weeks holiday (6 from age 50)
- Travel allowance: CHF 16–30/day by canton
- Overtime: +25–50%
- Bad-weather work (heavy construction): 80% salary guarantee
Self-employed costs
- AVS/AI/APG fund: 10.6% of net income
- LPP (mandatory above CHF 22,680/yr): 14–18% of coordinated salary
- Professional liability: CHF 800–2,500/yr
- LAA non-occupational: 1–2% of salary
- VAT from CHF 100,000 turnover
Career tips
- Federal certificate and master add +CHF 15,000–30,000
- Going self-employed can double income but with admin load and risk
- Special certifications (Minergie, PV, KNX home automation) open well-paid niches