Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 64'300 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 50'722 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 77'200 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 115'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 151'153 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 51'429 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsEducation & Social Work
Lehrer/in für Deutsch als Fremd- und Zweitsprache
You teach German to children and adults who speak other languages
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You teach German and culture to migrants and asylum seekers in schools and educational institutions
As a teacher of German as a foreign or second language, you help people with a migration background learn the language. You prepare lessons for different levels. You choose suitable materials and test progress. You guide children, teenagers, and adults on their path to a new language and culture. Your work supports integration. It opens new professional and social doors for learners in daily life
FieldEducation & Social Work
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryEducation & Teaching
Swissdoc 0.710.6.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Language Teacher. Based on 70 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+60% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 75'330 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 52'722 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 43'500 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 120'191 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Education | CHF 66'202 | 52 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 42'000 | 5 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Lehrerinnen und Lehrer für Deutsch als Fremd- oder Zweitsprache
Official education path
Training is provided through an approved course or professional further education, ending with a course certificate
Typical training path
Lehrerinnen und Lehrer für Deutsch als Fremd- oder Zweitsprache
Prerequisites
- Lehrdiplom for public schools (for work with children and adolescents)
- Berufsmaturität or gymnasiale Maturität (for Bachelor in Sprachliche Integration at ZHAW)
Requirements
- Advanced knowledge of the German language
- Good knowledge of the language learning process
- Openness to foreign cultures
- Empathy
- Patience
- Resilience
Where this can lead
Career changers can often enter the field if you have proven language skills and teaching experience
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Language skills
- Cultural understanding
- Pedagogical sensitivity
- Resilience
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand in front of the class. You explain new words using everyday examples. You adjust your pace to match each participant's language skills
- You teach German and Swiss culture to groups who speak other languages
- You prepare lessons for children, teenagers, and adults
- You choose teaching materials for different language levels
- You carry out regular tests to check progress
- You support migrants and asylum seekers on their path to integration
- You adapt your methods to each learner's needs
Working conditions
You work in public and private schools, at universities, or in specialized institutions for migration and integration
Where to learn
- Geschäftsstelle fideFunkstr. 92, 3084 Wabern
- SVEB Schweizerischer Verband für WeiterbildungHardstrasse 235, 8005 Zürich
Strengths
- Language skills
- Cultural understanding
- Pedagogical sensitivity
- Resilience
Trade-offs
- Emotional strain
- Lesson preparation
- Cultural conflicts
- Administrative tasks
06 · Similar
