Overview
Swiss transport and logistics are in chronic shortage. Median gross annual: CHF 65,000–90,000. Supply chain and warehouse heads in high demand.
HGV driver (cat. C/CE)
- Cat. C entry-level: CHF 60,000–70,000
- Cat. CE / long-haul: CHF 68,000–82,000
- Senior international: CHF 78,000–95,000
- Specialist (ADR hazmat, tankers, refrigeration, cranes): CHF 80,000–105,000
Allowances: travel, overnight in cab (lump sum), weekend. The shortage is such that many companies offer signing bonuses (CHF 3,000–8,000).
Warehouse operative / forklift
- No CFC: CHF 52,000–62,000
- CFC logistics entry-level: CHF 62,000–72,000
- CFC experienced (3–5 yrs): CHF 72,000–85,000
- Cat. 1 and 2 forklift: CHF 60,000–75,000
- Warehouse foreman / team leader: CHF 85,000–110,000
Logistician / supply chain
- Logistics coordinator (CFC + exp): CHF 70,000–85,000
- Supply chain specialist: CHF 85,000–115,000
- Senior supply chain analyst: CHF 110,000–150,000
- Supply chain manager: CHF 130,000–180,000
- Head of supply chain / VP logistics: CHF 180,000–300,000+
Procurement / purchasing
- Junior buyer: CHF 80,000–95,000
- Senior buyer: CHF 105,000–145,000
- Strategic sourcing manager: CHF 130,000–180,000
- Chief procurement officer (CPO): CHF 200,000–400,000+
Sea / air / customs
- Freight forwarder / customs declarer: CHF 70,000–90,000
- Air / sea freight specialist: CHF 85,000–115,000
- Senior freight forwarder: CHF 110,000–150,000
Key companies: DHL, Kuehne+Nagel (HQ in Schindellegi), Panalpina (now K+N), DSV, DB Schenker, Geodis.
By employer
- CFF Cargo, La Poste, Galliker: market reference salaries
- Kuehne+Nagel, DHL, DSV: top of international logistics
- Migros / Coop logistics: solid salaries + generous pension
- Regional / family transporters: median to –10%
By canton
- Zurich, Basel (logistics corridor): +5–10%
- Geneva (airport logistics, Cargolux, transit): median to +5%
- Vaud: median
- Ticino (north-south axis, customs): median to –5%
- Aargau, Solothurn (logistics platforms): median
Titles and certifications
- CFC logistician: foundation
- Federal certificate logistics specialist: +CHF 10,000–15,000
- Federal diploma / master logistician: +CHF 20,000–30,000
- CSCP, CPIM (APICS): international, +CHF 10,000–25,000
- ADR permit (hazmat): +CHF 5,000–10,000 for drivers
Career tips
- Operations → planning / supply chain often doubles salary
- APICS, Six Sigma and lean certifications open senior roles
- Transport in shortage: fast hires, possible bonuses
- Drivers: long-haul international pays more but lifestyle is rougher