Job seekers: Explore opportunities and grow your career.

Across Switzerland, companies are sharpening their focus on professionals who bring specialist skills and industry know-how, especially in roles that drive growth, streamline operations, or strengthen business resilience. While some are taking a cautious approach to hiring, others are investing decisively in high-impact talent.

The 2026 Salary Guide for Switzerland provides a clear view of projected starting salaries across finance and accounting, IT as well as administrative and office support, paired with actionable insights on evolving pay trends. Whether you are building your team or planning your next career move, it is a valuable resource to stay ahead in a fast-changing market.

Hiring managers: Get customised salary data and insights from a Robert Half talent solutions professional.

Swiss compensation trends

As digital transformation accelerates and competition for specialist talent intensifies salary strategies in Switzerland are becoming more targeted. Employers are adjusting pay structures not only to stay competitive, but to reflect changing skill needs, flexible work models, and rising employee expectations. These insights are based on a Robert Half salary survey of 250 hiring managers and 500 professionals across Switzerland.

In Switzerland, salary decisions are becoming more dynamic. While many employers still lean on market benchmarks, they are also showing growing flexibility, especially when specialised skills are on the table. Striking the right balance between structured pay scales and skill-driven offers is key to staying competitive in today’s hiring market.

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of employers base salary ranges on industry benchmarks and online guides

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of employers say specialised skills influence their willingness to offer higher salaries

In Switzerland’s evolving work culture, salary has become the strongest lever to shift attitudes on office presence. While flexibility remains highly valued, many professionals are open to trading remote work for higher pay, but only if the offer feels worth it. For employers, this means thinking strategically about compensation when shaping return-to-office policies.

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of professionals would be willing to return to the office full-time in exchange for a higher salary.

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of professionals would be willing to return to the office full-time in exchange for up to 10% salary increase.

More professionals in Switzerland are ready to advocate for higher pay, but many still grapple with the pressure of making the right ask. Balancing confidence with clarity around value, and managing the fear of losing an offer, continues to shape how salary negotiations play out. For employers, transparency and open dialogue can help bridge the gap.

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of professionals feel confident about negotiating higher salary in 2026.

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of professionals say confidence, risk, and justifying pay all weigh equally as the top challenges in salary negotiations.

In Switzerland’s job market, professionals carefully consider the opportunities of pay progression. While many see value in staying in their current jobs, past experience shows that changing roles often results in faster salary increases. For employers, this highlights the importance of clear and transparent salary pathways to retain top talent and prevent them from looking elsewhere.

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of professionals believe staying with their current employer offers greater salary potential in 2026.

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of professionals say their salary increased the last time they changed employers.

Why should I trust your salary numbers?

The Robert Half Salary Guide has been published annually since 1950. It is regarded as a trusted source for employers, jobseekers, and institutions seeking to align their salaries with market standards. The report presents the current starting salaries for key positions in Switzerland, excluding bonuses or additional benefits. The salary data is derived from a detailed multistep process designed to ensure that the numbers realistically reflect the market. They are based on actual salaries of professionals successfully placed by Robert Half with companies across Switzerland.

Trends and salaries by professional field

Get projected 2026 starting salaries and salary insights in 3 professional fields.

Finance and accounting

IT

Administrative and office support

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2026 Salary Guide for Switzerland is a comprehensive salary survey that provides current salary trends and market-based entry-level salaries across three professional fields. The Salary Guide supports companies with recruitment, employee retention, and strategic workforce planning. At the same time, it helps professionals to realistically assess their market value, evaluate appropriate compensation packages, and prepare specifically for pay negotiation and career planning.

What is the Salary Guide from Robert Half?

The 2026 Salary Guide for Switzerland is a comprehensive salary survey that provides current salary trends and market-based entry-level salaries across three professional fields. The Salary Guide supports companies with recruitment, employee retention, and strategic workforce planning. At the same time, it helps professionals to realistically assess their market value, evaluate appropriate compensation packages, and prepare specifically for pay negotiation and career planning.

The 2026 Salary Guide for Switzerland by Robert Half is based on a multi-step analysis and reflects actual salaries professionals received when starting new positions. It is grounded in real salary data from successful placements between professionals and employers in Switzerland. Bonuses, additional benefits and perks are not included. Salaries are presented in percentiles to reflect varying levels of experience and to help better assess individual market value.

How accurate is the Salary Guide from Robert Half?

The 2026 Salary Guide for Switzerland by Robert Half is based on a multi-step analysis and reflects actual salaries professionals received when starting new positions. It is grounded in real salary data from successful placements between professionals and employers in Switzerland. Bonuses, additional benefits and perks are not included. Salaries are presented in percentiles to reflect varying levels of experience and to help better assess individual market value.

Employers use the salary guide to define salary levels that are competitive in the market as well as to support the attraction and retention of skilled professionals. Jobseekers refer to the data to understand their market value and confidently negotiate compensation based on their qualifications and experience. The 2026 Salary Guide for Switzerland by Robert Half provides both sides with a solid foundation for fair and market-aligned salary packages.

Why should I use the salary guide?

Employers use the salary guide to define salary levels that are competitive in the market as well as to support the attraction and retention of skilled professionals. Jobseekers refer to the data to understand their market value and confidently negotiate compensation based on their qualifications and experience. The 2026 Salary Guide for Switzerland by Robert Half provides both sides with a solid foundation for fair and market-aligned salary packages.

Yes. In the Rober Half Salary Calculator you will find current and market-aligned salaries for positions in finance and accounting, IT, as well as in administrative and office support roles for the cities Geneva and Zurich.

Can I find salaries specific to my location?

Yes. In the Rober Half Salary Calculator you will find current and market-aligned salaries for positions in finance and accounting, IT, as well as in administrative and office support roles for the cities Geneva and Zurich.

No. The salaries included in the 2026 Salary Guide from Robert Half reflect only base salaries, meaning salaries for professionals starting a new position. These do not include bonus payments or annual salary increases. Total compensation, including bonuses, salary increases, as well as other perks and benefits will be covered in the section “Perks and Benefits”.

Do salaries in the Robert Half Salary Guide Switzerland include bonuses or annual merit increases?

No. The salaries included in the 2026 Salary Guide from Robert Half reflect only base salaries, meaning salaries for professionals starting a new position. These do not include bonus payments or annual salary increases. Total compensation, including bonuses, salary increases, as well as other perks and benefits will be covered in the section “Perks and Benefits”.