Average Salary in Zurich
People working in the city of Zurich had a median gross wage of CHF 8,127 a month in 2022, for a full-time job, CHF 1,339 more than the Swiss median. In the canton of Zurich, the median was CHF 7,502 in 2024.
The figures come from the Swiss wage structure survey of the Federal Statistical Office (BFS), run every 2 years. Statistik Stadt Zürich publishes results for jobs located in the city; the latest city figures are for 2022. For 2024, the latest year, figures are published for the canton of Zurich, labeled Zurich, regional. All figures are medians of gross monthly pay converted to a full-time job of 40 hours, with a 13th salary spread over 12 months.
Median pay in the city of Zurich, 2022
Median pay by Swiss region, 2024 (Zurich, regional)
How Zurich pay compares
Jobs in the city of Zurich paid a median CHF 8,127 a month in 2022, CHF 1,339 more than the Swiss median of CHF 6,788. Finance and insurance paid medians above CHF 10,000 a month. People with a university degree earned a median CHF 10,838, and people without a completed vocational training CHF 5,092. Men earned a median CHF 8,901 and women CHF 7,435, or 83.5% of the male median.
In 2024, the canton of Zurich had the highest median of the 7 Swiss regions, CHF 7,502 a month, 6.8% above the Swiss median of CHF 7,024. The best-paid 10% in the canton earned more than CHF 13,970. The cantonal statistics office links part of the gap to the large share of jobs in IT, finance and consulting in Zurich. A 2024 figure for the city alone was not available for this page.
Setting pay for a hire in Zurich
Switzerland has no national minimum wage. The city of Zurich's minimum wage of CHF 23.90 an hour is valid but has no start date yet. Many Swiss employers pay a 13th salary, so check whether an offer is quoted over 12 or 13 payments. Plan for the employer cost too, as our Zurich guide shows. For rent and transport, see cost of living in Zurich, and for national rules the guide to hiring in Switzerland. Need help with the search? We find, screen and shortlist remote professionals across Europe, with 3 candidates within 21 days. See how placement works.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and collective agreements can set different terms. Confirm with a local accountant or lawyer before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Zurich?
People working in the city of Zurich had a median gross wage of CHF 8,127 a month in 2022, for a full-time job. That is about CHF 97,524 a year.
What is the median salary in the canton of Zurich?
The median gross monthly wage in the canton of Zurich was CHF 7,502 in 2024, the highest of the 7 Swiss regions. The Swiss median was CHF 7,024.
Is pay in Zurich higher than in the rest of Switzerland?
Yes. In 2022, jobs in the city paid a median CHF 8,127 a month, CHF 1,339 more than the Swiss median. In 2024, the cantonal median was 6.8% above it.
How much do top earners make in Zurich?
In 2024, the best-paid 10% of employees in the canton of Zurich earned more than CHF 13,970 gross a month, against CHF 12,526 for Switzerland.
How big is the gender pay gap in Zurich?
In the city of Zurich, women's median wage was CHF 7,435 and men's CHF 8,901 in 2022, so women earned 83.5% of the male median.
Sources
- Statistik Stadt Zürich, Löhne in der Stadt Zürich 2022. Checked 4 Nov 2026.
- Federal Council and BFS, Wage structure survey 2024, first results. Checked 4 Nov 2026.
- BFS, Wage structure survey 2024, press conference slides. Checked 4 Nov 2026.
- Kanton Zürich, Statistisches Amt, Gründe für das hohe Lohnniveau im Kanton Zürich. Checked 4 Nov 2026.
