Software Developer Salaries in Switzerland
Reading time 13min
In the heart of Europe, Switzerland stands as a beacon of innovation, precision, and prosperity. Its cities – Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Zurich – are not just postcard destinations, but also thriving tech hubs where software developers converge to shape the future of technology.
But how do these cities fare when it comes to rewarding their tech talent? Dive into this infographic to uncover the salary expectations of software developers across these Swiss cities, and discover where opportunity meets opulence in the world of Swiss tech.
#Whether you're a developer considering a move, or simply curious about the tech landscape in Switzerland, this guide offers a comprehensive summary of what to expect.
Geneva
Geneva, known for its global diplomacy and finance sectors, is rapidly emerging as a tech hotspot. The city is home to a growing number of tech startups and international companies, focusing on areas like fintech, biotech, and health tech. Geneva's tech scene is reinforced by its proximity to renowned research institutions like CERN, fostering a culture of innovation.
### The average salary of Frontend, Backend and Fullstack Developers based in Geneva is 97'350 CHF.
Let's break down the details of the varying salaries for developers in Geneva, based on their experience and specialization:
Frontend Developers
With 0–2 years of experience have an average salary of CHF 74,008, with a median of CHF 75,000.
The lower salary range starts at CHF 60,000, going up to CHF 90,000, while starting salaries are around CHF 35,300, and top earners can make up to CHF 110,000.
With 2–5 years of experience, Frontend Developers see an average salary of CHF 95,750 and a median of CHF 95,000.
The salary range is between CHF 80,000 and CHF 110,000, with starting salaries at CHF 70,000 and top salaries reaching CHF 125,000.
Those with over 5 years of experience can expect an average salary of CHF 107,967, a median of CHF 110,000, a lower range starting at CHF 90,000, and an upper range of CHF 130,000.
The starting salaries are around CHF 74,000, with top earners making up to CHF 140,000.
Backend Developers
Those with 0–2 years of experience can expect an average salary of CHF 79,885, with a median salary around CHF 80,000.
The lower salary range starts at CHF 65,000, going up to CHF 100,000. The salaries range from as low as CHF 36,300 to as high as CHF 115,000.
For developers with 2–5 years of experience, the average salary increases to CHF 96,713, and the median salary is CHF 100,000.
Salaries typically start around CHF 85,000 and can go up to CHF 115,000. The range extends from CHF 70,000 at the lower end to CHF 130,000 at the higher end.
More experienced developers, with over 5 years of experience, have an average salary of CHF 116,932 and a median of CHF 120,000.
The typical salary starts around CHF 100,000 and can reach up to CHF 135,000. The overall salary range spans from CHF 90,000 at the lower end to an impressive CHF 150,000 at the higher end.
Fullstack Developers
With 0–2 years of experience have an average salary of CHF 82,488, a median of CHF 80,000, a lower range of CHF 65,750, and an upper range of CHF 100,000.
The starting salaries are around CHF 50,000, with top earners reaching CHF 114,100.
With 2–5 years of experience, Fullstack Developers earn an average of CHF 97,908, with a median salary of CHF 100,000.
The salary range extends from CHF 85,000 to CHF 115,000, with starting salaries at CHF 70,000 and top salaries at CHF 130,000.
Those with over 5 years of experience see an average salary of CHF 117,034, a median of CHF 120,000, a lower range of CHF 100,000, and an upper range of CHF 130,000.
The starting salaries are around CHF 88,600, with top earners making up to CHF 150,000.
Lausanne
Lausanne is a hub for cutting-edge research and development. The city's tech industry is closely linked with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), one of the world's leading research institutions. Lausanne's tech sector is vibrant in fields like clean energy, medtech, and digital health, driven by a blend of academic research and entrepreneurial spirit.
### The average salary of Frontend, Backend and Fullstack Developers based in Lausanne is 98,140 CHF.
Let's break down the details of the varying salaries for developers in Lausanne, based on their experience and specialization:
Frontend Developers
With 0–2 years of experience have an average salary of CHF 80,855, with a median of CHF 80,000.
The lower salary range starts at CHF 63,050, going up to CHF 90,000, while starting salaries are around CHF 50,000, and top earners can make up to CHF 110,000.
With 2–5 years of experience, Frontend Developers see an average salary of CHF 92,000 and a median of CHF 90,000.
The salary range is between CHF 80,000 and CHF 110,000, with starting salaries at CHF 68,800 and top salaries reaching CHF 120,000.
Those with over 5 years of experience can expect an average salary of CHF 110,449, a median of CHF 110,000, a lower range starting at CHF 95,000, and an upper range of CHF 130,000.
The starting salaries are around CHF 80,000, with top earners making up to CHF 140,000.
Backend Developers
Those with 0–2 years of experience can expect an average salary of CHF 85,760, with a median salary around CHF 80,000.
The lower salary range starts at CHF 65,750, going up to CHF 95,000. The salaries range from as low as CHF 50,000 to as high as CHF 115,000.
For developers with 2–5 years of experience, the average salary increases to CHF 96,713, and the median salary is CHF 100,000.
Salaries typically start around CHF 85,000 and can go up to CHF 115,000. The range extends from CHF 70,000 at the lower end to CHF 130,000 at the higher end.
More experienced developers, with over 5 years of experience, have an average salary of CHF 116,932 and a median of CHF 120,000.
The typical salary starts around CHF 100,000 and can reach up to CHF 135,000. The overall salary range spans from CHF 90,000 at the lower end to an impressive CHF 150,000 at the higher end.
Fullstack Developers
With 0–2 years of experience have an average salary of CHF 86,682, a median of CHF 80,000, a lower range of CHF 70,000, and an upper range of CHF 99,500.
The starting salaries are around CHF 53,300, with top earners reaching CHF 110,000.
With 2–5 years of experience, Fullstack Developers earn an average of CHF 98,593, with a median salary of CHF 100,000.
The salary range extends from CHF 85,000 to CHF 115,000, with starting salaries at CHF 70,000 and top salaries at CHF 130,000.
Those with over 5 years of experience see an average salary of CHF 122,585, a median of CHF 120,000, a lower range of CHF 100,000, and an upper range of CHF 130,000.
The starting salaries are around CHF 89,800, with top earners making up to CHF 150,000.
Bern
Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is not only known for its rich cultural heritage but also as a growing tech hub. The city's tech scene is characterized by a strong focus on innovative startups and established companies in fields like medtech, edtech, and green tech. Bern's unique blend of historical charm and modern innovation creates a dynamic environment for tech professionals.
### The average salary of Frontend, Backend and Fullstack Developers based in Bern is 100,230 CHF.
Bern's tech industry offers a diverse range of opportunities for developers at different stages of their careers. Here's a glimpse into the salary structure for developers in Bern:
Frontend Developers
With 0–2 years of experience have an average salary of CHF 77,540, with a median of CHF 80,000.
The lower salary range starts at CHF 60,000, going up to CHF 100,000, while starting salaries are around CHF 48,200, and top earners can make up to CHF 115,000.
With 2–5 years of experience, Frontend Developers see an average salary of CHF 89,460 and a median of CHF 90,000.
The salary range is between CHF 78,750 and CHF 100,000, with starting salaries at CHF 60,600 and top salaries reaching CHF 120,000.
Those with over 5 years of experience can expect an average salary of CHF 110,662, a median of CHF 110,000, a lower range starting at CHF 93,750, and an upper range of CHF 126,250.
The starting salaries are around CHF 74,500, with top earners making up to CHF 135,500.
Backend Developers
Those with 0–2 years of experience can expect an average salary of CHF 85,069, with a median salary around CHF 85,000.
The lower salary range starts at CHF 71,250, going up to CHF 100,000. The salaries range from as low as CHF 60,000 to as high as CHF 110,000.
For developers with 2–5 years of experience, the average salary increases to CHF 96,048, and the median salary is CHF 100,000.
Salaries typically start around CHF 80,000 and can go up to CHF 111,500. The range extends from CHF 66,400 at the lower end to CHF 120,000 at the higher end.
More experienced developers, with over 5 years of experience, have an average salary of CHF 125,088 and a median of CHF 125,000.
The typical salary starts around CHF 110,000 and can reach up to CHF 136,250. The overall salary range spans from CHF 95,000 at the lower end to an impressive CHF 160,000 at the higher end.
Fullstack Developers
With 0–2 years of experience have an average salary of CHF 84,463, a median of CHF 85,000, a lower range of CHF 70,000, and an upper range of CHF 100,000.
The starting salaries are around CHF 56,750, with top earners reaching CHF 115,000.
With 2–5 years of experience, Fullstack Developers earn an average of CHF 96,203, with a median salary of CHF 100,000.
The salary range extends from CHF 80,000 to CHF 110,000, with starting salaries at CHF 65,900 and top salaries at CHF 121,000.
Those with over 5 years of experience see an average salary of CHF 121,019, a median of CHF 120,000, a lower range of CHF 100,000, and an upper range of CHF 135,000.
The starting salaries are around CHF 80,300, with top earners making up to CHF 150,000.
Zurich
Zurich, a global financial powerhouse, is rapidly evolving into one of Europe's leading tech capitals. The city is a hotspot for fintech, AI, and blockchain innovations, attracting a plethora of tech companies and startups. Zurich's vibrant tech ecosystem is supported by world-class research institutions and a highly skilled workforce, making it an ideal destination for ambitious software developers.
The average salary of Frontend, Backend, and Fullstack Developers based in Zurich is 106,670 CHF.
In Zurich, the tech industry is competitive and rewarding, reflecting the city's status as a tech leader. Below are the salary ranges for developers in Zurich:
Frontend Developers
With 0–2 years of experience have an average salary of CHF 77,135, with a median of CHF 80,000.
The lower salary range starts at CHF 60,000, going up to CHF 95,000, while starting salaries are around CHF 40,000, and top earners can make up to CHF 110,000.
With 2–5 years of experience, Frontend Developers see an average salary of CHF 101,450 and a median of CHF 100,000.
The salary range is between CHF 80,000 and CHF 115,000, with starting salaries at CHF 60,000 and top salaries reaching CHF 130,500.
Those with over 5 years of experience can expect an average salary of CHF 121,015, a median of CHF 120,000, a lower range starting at CHF 100,000, and an upper range of CHF 136,250.
The starting salaries are around CHF 80,000, with top earners making up to CHF 160,000.
Backend Developers
Those with 0–2 years of experience can expect an average salary of CHF 82,500, with a median salary around CHF 85,000.
The lower salary range starts at CHF 65,000, going up to CHF 100,000. The salaries range from as low as CHF 48,000 to as high as CHF 115,000.
For developers with 2–5 years of experience, the average salary increases to CHF 116,730, and the median salary is CHF 110,000.
Salaries typically start around CHF 90,000 and can go up to CHF 130,000. The range extends from CHF 76,500 at the lower end to CHF 150,000 at the higher end.
More experienced developers, with over 5 years of experience, have an average salary of CHF 120,650 and a median of CHF 130,000.
The typical salary starts around CHF 103,750 and can reach up to CHF 140,000. The overall salary range spans from CHF 73,500 at the lower end to an impressive CHF 160,000 at the higher end.
Fullstack Developers
With 0–2 years of experience have an average salary of CHF 91,850, a median of CHF 88,000, a lower range of CHF 70,000, and an upper range of CHF 100,750.
The starting salaries are around CHF 50,000, with top earners reaching CHF 125,000.
With 2–5 years of experience, Fullstack Developers earn an average of CHF 107,190, with a median salary of CHF 100,000.
The salary range extends from CHF 90,000 to CHF 120,000, with starting salaries at CHF 75,000 and top salaries at CHF 140,000.
Those with over 5 years of experience see an average salary of CHF 120,256, a median of CHF 120,000, a lower range of CHF 100,000, and an upper range of CHF 140,000.
The starting salaries are around CHF 75,500, with top earners making up to CHF 160,000.
FAQs
Where does the information in this report come from?
This report is based on the salary expectations of over 70,000 tech professionals who have registered on TieTalent, expressing interest in working in Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Zurich. It provides a comprehensive overview of the average salaries for Software Developers in these cities. Note: Actual salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as specialization, skill rarity, and individual company policies.
What factors influence a software developer's salary in these Swiss cities?
Several factors can influence a software developer's salary in Switzerland, including years of experience, level of expertise, specific technical skills, the industry they are working in, and the size and type of company. Additionally, the cost of living and local demand for tech talent in each city can also play a significant role.
Are there opportunities for career growth and development in the Swiss tech industry?
Yes, the Swiss tech industry is known for its dynamic and innovative environment, offering numerous opportunities for career growth and development. The presence of global tech companies, startups, and world-class research institutions in cities like Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Zurich provides a fertile ground for professional advancement and skill enhancement.
What types of tech companies can I find in these cities?
These Swiss cities host a diverse range of tech companies, including global corporations, startups, and research institutions. They are active in various sectors such as fintech, biotech, health tech, clean energy, medtech, digital health, AI, and blockchain.
How does the work culture in Swiss tech companies compare to other European countries?
Swiss tech companies generally have a reputation for a high standard of professionalism, with a focus on innovation and quality. The work culture can vary from company to company, but it often emphasizes work-life balance, precision, and efficiency. Compared to other European countries, Swiss companies might have a more formal and structured approach to work.
What languages are commonly used in the Swiss tech industry?
While English is widely used in the Swiss tech industry, especially in multinational companies and startups, knowing a local language such as German, French, or Italian can be an advantage, particularly in companies that serve local markets or in certain regions of Switzerland.
