Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 74'550 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 75'600 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 80'000 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 87'916 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 90'155 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 88'642 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsMetal, Machinery & Watchmaking
Messerschmied/in EFZ
Craft and refine blades and tools by hand
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You manufacture high-quality cutting tools. You maintain them and advise customers with expert knowledge.
The roar of the grinding machine and the smell of oil create top-class craftsmanship. As a Messerschmied/in EFZ, you combine traditional skills with modern technology. You shape steel into sharp blades. You polish handles made from exotic materials. You ensure perfect sharpness. This profession demands precision, patience, and a strong feel for metal.
FieldMetal, Machinery & Watchmaking
Education pathVocational Training (Apprenticeship)
IndustryMetalwork & Foundry
Swissdoc 0.580.23.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Mess-Techniker. Based on 461 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+18% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 73'600 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 78'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 81'000 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 87'100 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 88'124 | 74 |
| Vaud | CHF 86'075 | 33 |
| Geneva | CHF 86'000 | 15 |
| Basel-Land | CHF 85'000 | 28 |
| Thurgau | CHF 84'500 | 13 |
| Solothurn | CHF 84'000 | 23 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | CHF 89'890 | 14 |
| Building trade / Real estate | CHF 88'000 | 17 |
| Medical Technology | CHF 86'820 | 30 |
| Consumer / Luxury goods industry | CHF 86'000 | 26 |
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 85'974 | 48 |
| Service sector in general | CHF 82'356 | 16 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
- 🎓 Messerschmied/in EFZ
- ⏱ 4 Jahre
Official education path
The training lasts 4 years in a blade-making workshop. You attend vocational school once a week.
Typical training path
Messerschmied/in EFZ
Curriculum
- Planung der Aufträge und Beratung der Kundschaft
- Bearbeitung von Schneidwerkzeugen
- Sicherstellung der Arbeitssicherheit, des Gesundheits- und Umweltschutzes
Prerequisites
- Completed compulsory school
Requirements
- Enjoyment of metalworking
- Healthy, strong physique
- Craftsmanship
- Precise working method
- Stamina
- No allergies to metals, oils and solvents
- 1Planung der Aufträge und Beratung der Kundschaft
- 2Bearbeitung von Schneidwerkzeugen
- 3Sicherstellung der Arbeitssicherheit, des Gesundheits- und Umweltschutzes
Where this can lead
A lateral entry is possible after related initial training. Practical experience in the metal industry also works.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Craftsmanship
- Precise working methods
- Stamina and physical fitness
- Customer advice and sales
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at your workbench. You grind a newly made blade until it shines. Then you check the sharpness. You adjust the wooden or titanium handle to the millimetre.
- You draw blades onto steel or copper plates using templates.
- You cut the material out. You grind it into the desired shape.
- You bend and harden the blades. You do this in both hot and cold states.
- You make handles from wood, horn, or titanium. You then attach them.
- You polish the surfaces. You check the sharpness of the cutting edges.
- You maintain cutting tools. You replace handles and repair defective parts.
- You advise customers on purchases. You guide them on proper use.
- You create cost estimates. You manage the accounts for your business.
Working conditions
You work in small craft workshops or large international blade-making companies. You produce blades from the initial drawing to the finished product. Or you specialise in single production steps.
Where to learn
- Verband Schweizerischer Messerschmied-MeisterStampfenbachplatz 4, 8006 Zürich
Strengths
- Craftsmanship
- Precise working methods
- Stamina and physical fitness
- Customer advice and sales
Trade-offs
- Physical strain
- Wearing protective clothing
- Specialisation in large companies
- Independence requires business skills
06 · Similar
