Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 76'000 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 80'600 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 81'050 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 80'769 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 88'974 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 97'214 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsMetal, Machinery & Watchmaking
CNC-Programmierer/in
You plan manufacturing processes and control modern CNC machines
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
CNC-Programmierer/in create and optimise programmes for industrial manufacturing.
Precise manufacturing processes are essential in modern industry. CNC-Programmierer/in define these processes and specify the required tools. You create and test programmes based on technical drawings. You optimise material usage and processing times. Your work combines technical know-how with practical manufacturing.
FieldMetal, Machinery & Watchmaking
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryMechanical Engineering
Swissdoc 0.553.43.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Mechanical Engineering Technician. Based on 361 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+6% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 79'300 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 77'467 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 80'300 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 84'000 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Solothurn | CHF 90'725 | 17 |
| Zurich | CHF 87'087 | 53 |
| Thurgau | CHF 84'500 | 13 |
| Aargau | CHF 83'835 | 24 |
| Basel-Land | CHF 81'378 | 13 |
| Berne | CHF 80'000 | 27 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | CHF 98'000 | 5 |
| Building trade / Real estate | CHF 91'000 | 5 |
| Industry various | CHF 82'000 | 45 |
| Machine / System construction | CHF 80'600 | 231 |
| Commercial operation / Skilled crafts | CHF 76'000 | 13 |
| Medical Technology | CHF 73'500 | 11 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 CNC-Programmierer/in
Official education path
Entry is usually through initial technical training plus specific further education in programming.
Typical training path
CNC-Programmierer/in
Prerequisites
- Mechanical basic training
Requirements
- Strong technical understanding
- Spatial imagination
- Interest in theoretical basics (material properties...)
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Technical understanding
- Spatial thinking
- Process optimisation
- Precision
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at the control panel of the milling machine and load the new machining programme. While the machine works precisely, you monitor the parameters and adjust the tool paths if needed.
- You define manufacturing processes for complex industrial components.
- You select the appropriate tools and fixtures.
- You create CNC programmes from technical drawings and data.
- You modify existing programmes to achieve better results.
- You test the programmes in virtual or real operations.
- You systematically optimise material usage and processing times.
- You work closely and in coordination with the design department.
- You are often also active directly in the manufacturing area.
Working conditions
You work in industrial manufacturing halls or workshops. Your environment is characterised by machines, control panels, and technical documents.
Where to learn
- SwissmechanicFelsenstrasse 6, 8570 Weinfelden
Strengths
- Technical understanding
- Spatial thinking
- Process optimisation
- Precision
Trade-offs
- High concentration
- Technological change
- Manufacturing environment
06 · Similar
