Overview
Public teaching is cantonal in Switzerland: each canton sets its own grid. Cross-canton gaps are significant. Median gross annual: CHF 85,000–110,000 at primary, CHF 110,000–160,000 at upper secondary.
Primary (HEP, 3-year bachelor)
Entry-level by canton:
- Geneva: CHF 95,000
- Vaud: CHF 84,000
- Zurich: CHF 89,000
- Basel-City: CHF 92,000
- Bern: CHF 80,000
- Fribourg: CHF 82,000
- Valais: CHF 75,000
- Ticino: CHF 68,000
Progression: +CHF 1,500–2,500/yr over 25–30 years. Cap after 25 yrs: CHF 115,000–140,000 by canton.
Lower secondary (HEP/University, bachelor+master)
Entry-level:
- Geneva: CHF 105,000
- Vaud: CHF 92,000
- Zurich: CHF 100,000
- Basel-City: CHF 102,000
- Ticino: CHF 78,000
Cap: CHF 135,000–165,000.
Upper secondary / gymnasium (master + didactics)
Entry-level:
- Geneva: CHF 115,000–120,000
- Vaud (gymnasium): CHF 115,000
- Zurich: CHF 110,000
- Basel: CHF 112,000
- Ticino (liceo): CHF 92,000
Cap: CHF 155,000–180,000+.
Special needs / support
- Learning support teacher: CHF 100,000–130,000
- Special education (institutions): CHF 90,000–115,000
- School logopaedist / psychomotor therapist: CHF 95,000–125,000
Workload
- Standard teaching load: 26–28 periods/wk (primary), 22–24 (lower sec), 20–22 (upper sec)
- Part-time very common (50–80%)
- School holidays: 13–14 weeks/yr (paid)
- Home work (prep, marking): estimated 10–20h/wk
Career moves
- School head: +CHF 15,000–35,000
- School inspector: CHF 140,000–180,000
- HEP trainer / didactician: CHF 120,000–160,000
- Cantonal pedagogical adviser: CHF 130,000–170,000
Tips
- Moving to a better-paying canton (Geneva, Basel-City, Zurich) raises salary by 10–25%
- HEP MAS in didactics, special education and school management open advancement
- Private schools (Le Rosey, Beau-Soleil, Institut Florimont) sometimes pay more but require more availability