Overview
Nursing is well valued in Switzerland. Median gross annual: CHF 78,000–95,000 depending on experience and canton. Cantonal collective agreements (CCT) set precise grids.
By level (public hospital)
- Graduate, entry-level: CHF 75,000–82,000
- 3–5 yrs: CHF 82,000–92,000
- 5–10 yrs: CHF 90,000–105,000
- 10+ yrs, specialised: CHF 100,000–125,000
- Manager / unit lead: CHF 115,000–145,000
By canton (entry-level median)
- Geneva (HUG): CHF 82,000
- Vaud (CHUV): CHF 80,000
- Zurich (USZ): CHF 80,000
- Basel (USB): CHF 81,000
- Bern (Inselspital): CHF 78,000
- Ticino (EOC): CHF 70,000–76,000
- Valais / Jura: CHF 75,000–80,000
Specialities (top-up)
- Anaesthesia: +CHF 5,000–10,000
- ICU: +CHF 5,000–12,000
- ER: +CHF 3,000–8,000
- Operating theatre: +CHF 4,000–9,000
- Neonatology / specialised paediatrics: +CHF 4,000–8,000
Allowances
- Night shifts: +30% to +50%
- Weekends: +20% to +50%
- Holidays: +50% to +100%
- On call: variable lump sum
Public vs private
- Public hospitals: strict grids, linear progression, 13th month, 5–6 weeks holiday, funded continuing education
- Private clinics (Hirslanden, Genolier, Swiss Medical Network): base salary sometimes 5–10% higher but more demanding (productivity, more shifts)
- Nursing homes (EMS): CHF 72,000–85,000, less physically demanding but lower prestige
Career tips
- Specialise: post-graduate training (anaesthesia, ICU) adds +CHF 8,000–15,000
- Experience in major university hospitals (HUG, CHUV, Inselspital, USZ, USB) is valued everywhere in Switzerland and internationally
- ASI (Swiss Nurses Association) publishes indicative grids by canton
