- Doctoral students in Switzerland receive, as a guideline, between CHF 3,920 and CHF 6,690 gross per month, based on a 100% employment rate.
- The median salary (50% earn more and 50% earn less) is CHF 53,000 gross per year and CHF 4,417 per month.
- Depending on the institution and field of research and depending on how the PhD is funded (SNF-scholarship, assistanceship etc.), the loan can have a wide range. PhD candidates in exact sciences (computer science, mathematics, physics, ...) and medecine are usually better paid than PhD candidates in life sciences, chemistry, arts and humanities. However, the salary and the working conditions depend on the exact contract you have.
- Please consider, that PhD candidates often have only a 50% employment.
Salary comparison
In comparison to a doctoral candidates, a masters graduate who is employed outside the university, earns significantly more:
See Also
10 Highest-Paying Ph.D. DegreesUnraveling the Mystery: 13 Reasons Why PhD Students are Paid So Little > Is PhD for me5 of Europe’s Best Destinations for Low-Cost PhD StudyThe PhD Degrees That Pay Off With The Highest Salaries [Infographic]- The annual gross salary (median) for master graduates at university level (all economic sectors, all positions, all regions), 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 78’400 CHF
- The annual gross salary (median) for master graduates from universities of applied sciences 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 84’000 CHF
But a graduated PhD then starts with a higher salary:
- The annual gross salary (median) for PhDs 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 93’100 CHF
Source: FOS / ETHZ / lohnanalyse.ch
Remarks
- Usual working time in Switzerland: 42 hours per week.
- Holidays: Legally 4 weeks per year. Some companies give 5 weeks.
Links
- For further information, see our sections PhD in Switzerland, postdoc in Switzerland and professor in Switzerland.
- Find here Science Jobs
