Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 78'000 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 86'072 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 95'000 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 95'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 115'500 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 131'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsChemistry & Physics
Laborleiter/in (chemische und pharmazeutische Industrie)
You manage laboratories in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors and drive research forward.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You lead laboratories, implement new technologies, and manage research teams in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
As a Laboratory manager in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, you oversee scientific labs. You coordinate research programs, lead teams, and integrate modern analysis methods. Your precise work and technical understanding ensure the quality of medicines and chemical products. You help shape the future of research.
FieldChemistry & Physics
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryChemistry, Pharma & Biotech
Swissdoc 0.540.18.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Biologist. Based on 207 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+10% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 85'200 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 84'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 90'000 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 93'600 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 94'500 | 28 |
| Vaud | CHF 83'000 | 24 |
| Berne | CHF 82'250 | 20 |
| Basel-Stadt | CHF 72'000 | 23 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Education | CHF 97'000 | 18 |
| Medical Technology | CHF 93'000 | 11 |
| Industry various | CHF 90'000 | 9 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 90'000 | 17 |
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 86'500 | 70 |
| Consulting various | CHF 84'800 | 10 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Laborleiter und Laborleiterinnen
Official education path
Entry typically requires a completed degree from a university of applied sciences or a university in a natural science field.
Typical training path
Laborleiter und Laborleiterinnen
Prerequisites
- Fachhochschul- oder Universitätsstudium
- Höhere Fachprüfung HFP zum/zur naturwissenschaftlichen Labortechniker/in (in analytical laboratories)
Requirements
- Analytical skills
- Organizational and planning skills
- Very good English and IT skills
- Technical understanding
- Precise working style
- Leadership and social competence
Where this can lead
Career changers with an HFP in laboratory technology can also enter the field.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Analytical precision
- Leadership skills
- Technical understanding
- Organizational skills
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 and monitor ongoing analyses. At the same time, you coordinate your team's workflows. In between, you check new equipment and write detailed reports for the research management.
- You manage the laboratory independently and coordinate your team's daily workflows.
- You follow current research trends and integrate modern analysis methods into your processes.
- You write precise research reports and document all results for the department head.
- You train staff on the safe handling of chemical substances and equipment.
- You plan resources and ensure all safety regulations in the laboratory are followed.
Working conditions
You work in modern research and production laboratories in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry. Your workspace is often tied to analytical equipment, safety zones, and documentation stations.
Strengths
- Analytical precision
- Leadership skills
- Technical understanding
- Organizational skills
Trade-offs
- High responsibility
- Regular documentation
- Strict safety standards
06 · Similar
