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
Berufsmilitärpilot/in
You fly fighter jets and helicopters for security and operations at home and abroad.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Berufsmilitärpilot/in fly jets and helicopters for air policing, rescue, and humanitarian missions.
You take control of the cockpit in fighter jets or helicopters and secure the airspace. Whether on air policing duties, search operations, or humanitarian aid missions: your tasks are diverse and carry great responsibility. The training takes place at a university of applied sciences and is fully funded. With strong discipline and teamwork, you steer aviation for the safety of the public.
FieldTransport, Logistics & Safety
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryArmed Forces & Civil Protection
Swissdoc 0.624.2.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Pilote. 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
- 🎓 "Bachelor of Science ZFH in Aviation" sowie Brevetierung "Berufsmilitärpilot/-pilotin" inkl. CPL/IR (frozen ATPL)/EASA
- ⏱ 3.5 Jahre (ab Anstellung bei der Luftwaffe als Anwärter/in)
Official education path
The training for Berufsmilitärpilot/in takes place at a university of applied sciences and leads to a Bachelor of Science in Aviation as well as military commissioning.
Typical training path
"Bachelor of Science ZFH in Aviation" sowie Brevetierung "Berufsmilitärpilot/-pilotin" inkl. CPL/IR (frozen ATPL)/EASA
Prerequisites
- Abschluss einer Berufsmaturität or a gymnasiale Maturität before the final aviation aptitude assessment
- Completion of SPHAIR with recommendation as Militärpilot/in (Age 17 to 22 years)
- Completed military basic training up to the rank of officer
- Readiness for international missions
- Employment with the Air Force before the 26th birthday
- Swiss passport
- Meeting health requirements at the Fliegerärztlichen Institut in Dübendorf
- Flawless record
- Height: 160 to 195 cm
- Visual acuity: uncorrected at least 0.5, correctable to 1.5 (1.0 each)
- Lateral entry without SPHAIR is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Air Force
Requirements
- Good German and English skills
- Advanced communication skills
- Good physical condition
- Balanced personality
- Stress resistance
- Strong sense of responsibility
Where this can lead
A lateral entry without SPHAIR is possible on a case-by-case basis and reviewed by the Air Force. You can also switch to civilian flying after basic training and remain with the military as a militia pilot.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Decisiveness
- Team spirit
- Stress resistance
- Physical fitness
- Language skills
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You sit in the cockpit and check the instruments. You coordinate the next flight with the tower. Whether on a training mission or a rescue operation: your focus is needed at every moment.
- You fly jets or helicopters for air policing and airspace security.
- You plan and carry out training missions at home and abroad with other nations.
- You support search and rescue operations as well as disaster relief at various locations.
- You train new pilots on the different aircraft types of the air force.
- You handle operational planning and international coordination with military partners.
- You ensure the safe transport of people and equipment when needed.
Working conditions
You work at various air force locations at home and abroad. Your workplace is primarily the cockpit of fighter jets, helicopters, or transport aircraft.
Where to learn
- Luftwaffe Kommunikation LuftwaffePapiermühlestrasse 20, 3003 Bern
- Sphair c/o Aero-Club der SchweizLidostrasse 5, 6006 Luzern
- Pilotenschule der Luftwaffe Basea aerea Locarno6595 Riazzino
- AEROSUISSE Dachverband der schweizerischen Luft- und RaumfahrtKapellenstrasse 14, 3001 Bern
Strengths
- Decisiveness
- Team spirit
- Stress resistance
- Physical fitness
- Language skills
Trade-offs
- High responsibility
- Flexibility
- Physical strain
- Commitment
06 · Similar
