Salary Guide 2025: Companies Continue Hiring Despite Economic Challenges

Zurich October 14, 2023 – Despite economic uncertainties, Swiss companies are planning to hire in 2025, particularly in future-focused industries such as artificial intelligence, automation, and IT services. In addition to salary increases, flexible working models and training opportunities are becoming increasingly important to attract and retain talent.

Companies Focus on Growth in Permanent Employment and Flexibility in Temporary Work

Swiss companies are planning to expand their workforce in 2025: 35 percent of firms aim to increase their permanent staff, while 57 percent plan to maintain current levels. In the temporary employment sector, 27 percent intend to expand, while nearly half (48 percent) will maintain their current workforce. Project-based roles are also in greater demand, with 28 percent of companies anticipating growth in this area.

Salaries Remain at High Levels

Annual salaries exceeding 100,000 Swiss francs have become standard even at lower experience levels. In the IT sector, salaries consistently exceed 100,000 Swiss francs, with the only exception being network engineers, whose salaries hover just below this threshold in the 25th percentile.

Administrative and Office Support

HR Payroll Manager -> 106,250 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

Supply Chain Manager -> 105,750 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

HR Manager -> 115,250 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

Finance and Accounting:

Treasury Manager -> 115,500 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

Head of Accounting -> 112,250 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

Internal Auditor -> 112,000 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

IT and Technology:

Infrastructure Architect -> 105,500 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

Security Specialist -> 110,500 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

IT Team Leader -> 129,750 Swiss francs (25th percentile)

"The high salary levels across all sectors continue. This trend is driven by Switzerland's strong economy and the demand for professionals who can quickly take on responsibility and develop into key roles within companies," says Julia Meir Lawi, Director and Branch Manager Geneva at Robert Half Switzerland. According to Meir Lawi, Switzerland has built a strong reputation as an attractive labor market in Europe, and the salaries offered reflect this ongoing trend. Nevertheless, a shortage of skilled workers persists across nearly all sectors, presenting challenges to companies despite Switzerland’s attractiveness.

Salary Increases: Focus on Performance and Retention

Salary increases remain a central factor in employee retention and recognition. Forty-seven percent of employers grant raises based on performance goals, while 24 percent raise wages only to remain competitive in the job market. Interestingly, despite the importance of salary hikes, 34 percent of respondents stated they would consider switching jobs for the right opportunity, even without a raise. On the other hand, 39 percent of employees emphasized that job security is more important to them than a higher salary.

Financial Benefits, Perks, and Training Opportunities

In addition to an attractive salary, employees in Switzerland increasingly value perks and financial benefits. These may include social benefits, flexible working hours, or contributions to pension schemes. Equally important are exciting training opportunities that allow employees to enhance their skills and actively advance their careers within the company. Such offerings not only contribute to personal development but also strengthen employee loyalty and promote long-term success for both the employee and the employer.

The Top 3 Most Requested Benefits for Employees:

Car allowance (48%)

Public transport job ticket (47%)

Home office allowance (46%)

Top 3 Perks Requested by Employees:

Flexible performance program (43%)

Gym membership (41%)

Health/well-being employee assistance (39%)

Top 3 Insurance and Pension Programs:

Dental insurance (50%)

Income protection insurance (41%)

Outpatient supplemental insurance (40%)

Top 3 Training Opportunities:

Tuition for external programs (42%)

External training programs (41%)

Job rotation programs (37%)

"Salary remains the most important component for employees when deciding whether to accept or decline a position," says Renata von Gottberg, Director and Branch Manager Zurich at Robert Half Switzerland. However, additional benefits have become a key focus, and companies must offer such incentives to position themselves as attractive employers, von Gottberg explains.

You can view the full Salary Overview 2025 here for free.

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About the Robert Half Salary Guide

The insights for the 2025 Salary Guide are based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey was carried out between June and July 2024 and included 750 respondents. The sample consisted of 250 employers with hiring responsibilities in their companies and 500 employees from finance and accounting, IT, and administrative sectors. Respondents were drawn from a mix of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large organizations across the public sector, private companies, and publicly listed firms throughout Switzerland.

Since 2006, Robert Half has published the Salary Guide for roles in finance and accounting, as well as administrative and IT sectors. For the first time, the 2025 edition also includes professions in the banking, financial services, and legal sectors. The guide helps HR professionals and employees evaluate market-level salary expectations, providing a realistic framework for salary benchmarking. The 2025 Salary Guide offers a detailed insight into current market and salary trends across these key sectors.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. Offering contract and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, legal, and marketing and creative, Robert Half has more than 400 locations worldwide, including nearly 100 locations in 18 countries outside the United States. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named one of the Fortune® Most Admired Companies™ and 100 Best Companies to Work For and is a Forbes Best Employer for Diversity. Explore our comprehensive solutions, research, and insights at RobertHalf.ch. More information: www.roberthalf.com/ch/en/about.

Media Contact Moritz Ballerstädt T: +49 (0)172 4517362 E: [email protected]