Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 58'500 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 60'000 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 65'000 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 68'250 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 74'328 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 78'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsMetal, Machinery & Watchmaking
R&D Ingenieur/in (Uhrenindustrie)
You develop and test innovative watch models in the lab.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You coordinate lab tests, develop new watch components, and work closely with designers.
In the Swiss watch industry, you combine precision with innovation. As R&D Ingenieur/in (Uhrenindustrie), you lead lab experiments, optimize existing models, and drive the development of new timepieces. Your work requires technical expertise, organizational skills, and close collaboration with designers. You help shape the future of fine mechanics.
FieldMetal, Machinery & Watchmaking
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryWatchmaking & Microtechnology
Swissdoc 0.556.27.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Horloger. Based on 1,055 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+18% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 56'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 62'556 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 63'200 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 66'000 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Lucerne | CHF 71'640 | 14 |
| Zurich | CHF 69'000 | 21 |
| Geneva | CHF 68'770 | 177 |
| Berne | CHF 65'000 | 127 |
| Neuchâtel | CHF 64'350 | 271 |
| Vaud | CHF 62'632 | 112 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment agency / Staffing | CHF 71'500 | 5 |
| Retail trade / Wholesaling | CHF 71'000 | 28 |
| Media / Printing / Publishing | CHF 69'457 | 18 |
| Consumer / Luxury goods industry | CHF 65'520 | 379 |
| Commercial operation / Skilled crafts | CHF 64'646 | 338 |
| Education | CHF 64'500 | 6 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 R&D Ingenieur/in der Uhrenindustrie
Official education path
You enter the field through specialized training or technical studies in fine mechanics or microtechnology.
Typical training path
R&D Ingenieur/in der Uhrenindustrie
Prerequisites
- Mikrotechniker/in HF (only in French)
- Mikrotechnikingenieur FH
- Uhrmachermeister/in (HFP)
Requirements
- Interest in innovative technology
- Organisational skills
- Leadership qualities
Where this can lead
Lateral entry is possible if you can prove related technical initial training or an FH degree in microtechnology.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Technical understanding
- Organisational skills
- Leadership qualities
- Precision thinking
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at the lab bench and calibrate precise measuring instruments. New watch movement prototypes are tested in the background. In between, you discuss the next steps for mass production with the development team.
- You conduct electronic and fine-technical lab tests on new watch models.
- You optimize existing watch movements through targeted test series.
- You coordinate workflows and monitor project deadlines.
- You train staff and plan their assignments.
- You exchange ideas with the development team daily.
- You document all test results for mass production.
Working conditions
You work in specialized labs in the watch industry or in fine mechanics development centers. Your workplace is usually a high-tech lab with precision measuring instruments.
Strengths
- Technical understanding
- Organisational skills
- Leadership qualities
- Precision thinking
Trade-offs
- High responsibility
- Physical strain
- Tight deadlines
- Changing roles
06 · Similar
