Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 91'000 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 93'368 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 98'604 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 130'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 118'000 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 145'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsTransport, Logistics & Safety
Pilot/in HF
You safely steer commercial and business aircraft through the skies
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Pilot/in HF fly commercial and business aircraft. You take responsibility in the cockpit. You plan complex flight routes
Pilot/in HF are the experts in the cockpit. You safely steer commercial and business aircraft through the skies. Your tasks cover full flight preparation. You monitor onboard systems. You are responsible for passengers and cargo. Whether on scheduled or charter flights, the job demands high concentration. It requires technical understanding and mental stability. You make critical decisions in every flight phase. You always ensure safety on board.
FieldTransport, Logistics & Safety
Education pathContinuing Education Profession
IndustryAviation
Swissdoc 0.634.16.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Pilot. Based on 187 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+20% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 105'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 98'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 102'500 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 125'500 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva | CHF 109'000 | 20 |
| Zurich | CHF 104'000 | 77 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Industry various | CHF 110'000 | 5 |
| Tourism / Travel / Recreation | CHF 106'682 | 36 |
| Transport / Logistics | CHF 101'200 | 102 |
| Service sector in general | CHF 86'500 | 11 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 84'000 | 8 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 dipl. Pilot/in HF Berufspilot/in mit EASA Part-FCL-Lizenz (Euro-Lizenz) (CPL/IR-Lizenz mit ATPL-Theorie und MCC)
Official education path
Training takes place at specialized flight schools. It leads to a certified pilot license with EASA standards.
Typical training path
dipl. Pilot/in HF Berufspilot/in mit EASA Part-FCL-Lizenz (Euro-Lizenz) (CPL/IR-Lizenz mit ATPL-Theorie und MCC)
Prerequisites
- European Flight Academy: Swiss, EU, or EFTA citizen (EU-27 without restriction, Croatia only with Swiss residence)
- European Flight Academy: Minimum 17 years of age at time of application
- European Flight Academy: Height between 160 and 198 cm
- European Flight Academy: Completed Rekrutenschule or long civilian service (if subject to military service)
- European Flight Academy: Oral and written German (min. level B2) and English (level B2)
- European Flight Academy: Aviation medical fitness
- Horizon Swiss Flight Academy: Minimum age 18 years
- Horizon Swiss Flight Academy: Matur or completed vocational training
- Horizon Swiss Flight Academy: Good English skills (min. B2)
- Horizon Swiss Flight Academy: Completed Standortbestimmung or unrestricted SPHAIR recommendation
- Horizon Swiss Flight Academy: EASA Class 1-Medical initial examination
Requirements
- Good spatial awareness
- Technical knowledge
- Resilience
- Good oral and written foreign language skills
- Good motor skills
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Spatial awareness
- Technical understanding
- Mental resilience
- Language skills
- Motor precision
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You sit in the cockpit. You check flight plans. You monitor the instruments during takeoff. During the flight, you coordinate with air traffic control. You adjust the route if needed.
- You steer commercial and business aircraft manually or automatically.
- You take full responsibility for safety as Commander.
- You check weather data. You plan detailed flight routes before takeoff.
- You monitor complex electronic onboard systems during the entire flight.
- You coordinate loading and cargo distribution on the ground.
- You make quick decisions during technical faults or weather changes.
- You strictly follow international aviation guidelines and operating procedures.
Working conditions
You work in the cockpits of airlines, air taxi companies, or corporate fleets. Your workplace changes. You move between airports worldwide according to your schedule.
Where to learn
- European Flight Academy8058 Zürich
- HORIZON Swiss Flight Academy LtdSteinackerstrasse 56, 8302 Kloten
- SPHAIR Exploring Aviation Talent Aero-Club der SchweizLidostr. 5, 6006 Luzern
Strengths
- Spatial awareness
- Technical understanding
- Mental resilience
- Language skills
- Motor precision
Trade-offs
- Shift work
- High responsibility
- Strict regulations
- Constant travel
06 · Similar
