Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 80'500 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 83'400 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 91'000 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 91'450 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 104'000 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 110'250 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsConstruction
Kalkulator/in (Hoch- und Tiefbau)
You calculate construction costs and guide projects from the tender phase to completion.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Cost planners and estimators plan construction costs, process tenders, and oversee projects from planning to execution.
In the construction industry, you play a key role in cost planning. You review building plans, calculate material and labour costs, and prepare precise offers. You coordinate closely with site managers and clients. Your analysis ensures every project stays profitable. With solid expertise and clear negotiation skills, you play a major part in the success of high and civil engineering projects.
FieldConstruction
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryPlanning & Civil Engineering
Swissdoc 0.430.53.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Hochbauingenieur. Based on 363 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
-3% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 93'500 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 85'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 84'250 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 91'000 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 94'250 | 95 |
| Vaud | CHF 91'000 | 13 |
| Aargau | CHF 84'750 | 26 |
| St. Gallen | CHF 84'500 | 28 |
| Berne | CHF 80'600 | 40 |
| Lucerne | CHF 80'000 | 22 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Service sector in general | CHF 101'400 | 7 |
| Building trade / Real estate | CHF 85'965 | 330 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Kalkulator/in (Hoch- und Tiefbau)
Official education path
Training takes place through specialised courses and further education in construction.
Typical training path
Kalkulator/in (Hoch- und Tiefbau)
Prerequisites
- Bauvorarbeiter/in
- Baupolier/in
- Bauführer/in
Requirements
- Negotiation skills
- Enjoyment of advising
- Entrepreneurial thinking and action
- Communication skills
Where this can lead
A lateral entry is often possible after a related vocational training or relevant practical experience.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Negotiation skills
- Advisory skills
- Analytical thinking
- Communication skills
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You sit at your desk and review detailed building plans to price every item accurately. In between, you talk by phone or on site with site managers and suppliers.
- You review building plans and calculate all required material and labour costs.
- You prepare detailed offers and carefully process incoming tenders.
- You advise clients on cost issues and develop innovative solutions.
- You negotiate with clients and clarify open contract details.
- You support site managers with work preparation and coordination.
- You carry out post-calculation and compare actual costs with planned costs.
Working conditions
You work mainly in the offices of construction companies or planning firms. Occasionally, you visit construction sites to match the plans with on-site reality.
Where to learn
- Campus Sursee Bildungszentrum Bau AGPostfach 487, 6210 Sursee
Strengths
- Negotiation skills
- Advisory skills
- Analytical thinking
- Communication skills
Trade-offs
- High responsibility
- Deadline pressure
- Changing tasks
06 · Similar
