Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 68'125 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 71'500 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 73'000 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 56'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 127'400 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 72'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Arrangeur/in
You create new arrangements of musical works for orchestras, bands, or recordings.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Arrangeur/in works on new arrangements of musical pieces. You adapt them for different ensembles and prepare them for concerts or studio recordings.
As an Arrangeur/in, you transform original compositions into fresh orchestral soundscapes. You carefully adapt melodies and harmonies to your chosen instruments. Whether for a large orchestra, a modern band, or a professional recording – your work gives music a new sound that matches your artistic vision.
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryTheatre, Music, Dance & Film
Swissdoc 0.824.26.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Musician. Based on 73 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+6% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 67'200 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 70'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 83'447 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 71'500 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 73'000 | 15 |
| Geneva | CHF 61'477 | 12 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Service sector in general | CHF 113'016 | 16 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 96'000 | 9 |
| Tourism / Travel / Recreation | CHF 80'000 | 11 |
| Education | CHF 73'000 | 9 |
| Media / Printing / Publishing | CHF 66'000 | 9 |
| Commercial operation / Skilled crafts | CHF 60'515 | 6 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Arrangeur/in
Official education path
Training usually happens through a music degree or solid instrumental education. The focus is on composition and orchestration.
Typical training path
Arrangeur/in
Prerequisites
- No regulated training
- Solid knowledge of individual musical instruments and styles
- Knowledge of recording studios, music notation software, and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
Requirements
- Strong musicality
- Very good knowledge of the possibilities and limits of various instruments
- Skilled use of electronic aids
- Imagination
- Experience as a musician and/or composer
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Strong musicality
- Instrument knowledge
- Software skills
- Creative imagination
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You work with music notation software. You transfer a melody step by step to different instruments. You constantly check if the parts sound natural together in the orchestra or band.
- You create new arrangements of musical works for specific ensembles.
- You adapt melodies and harmonies to the capabilities of individual instruments.
- You choose the exact instrumentation and balance the parts for orchestras or bands.
- You shape the musical expression by carefully choosing timbres and interpretation.
- You use professional notation software and digital audio tools to create your scores.
- You check the sound balance so every part stays clearly audible in the ensemble.
Working conditions
You work in recording studios, rehearsal rooms, or at live concerts. You often manage your projects as a freelancer in your own workspace.
Strengths
- Strong musicality
- Instrument knowledge
- Software skills
- Creative imagination
Trade-offs
- Creative pressure
- Technical hurdles
- Freelance uncertainty
- Sound compromises
06 · Similar
