Healthcare

Pflegehelfer/in

You support people in need of care in their daily lives and with basic care.

Pflegehelfer/in

01 · Overview

What this profession is about

Care assistants handle everyday care tasks, promote independence, and work closely with qualified staff.

As a Pflegehelfer or Pflegehelferin, you accompany people through sensitive life phases. You support them with personal hygiene, meals, and exercise routines. You always prioritise their comfort and safety. You work in teams under the guidance of qualified nurses. Your empathy and reliability are key to easing daily routines and promoting independence.

FieldHealthcare
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryCare & Support
Swissdoc 0.722.1.0

02 · Salary

What you can earn

MedianCHF 53'330
CHF 33'000CHF 97'890
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Auxiliaire de santé. Based on 4,318 observations, updated 7 months ago.

Salary by experience

55kmedian 53k52k53k52k55k56k59k0-2 yrs3-5 yrs6-8 yrs9-11 yrs12-21 yrs21+ yrs
View as table
ExperienceSalary (CHF)
0-2 yrsCHF 51'681
3-5 yrsCHF 52'731
6-8 yrsCHF 52'439
9-11 yrsCHF 55'179
12-21 yrsCHF 55'786
21+ yrsCHF 58'590

Salary trend

+4% over decade
50k52k54k56k54k50k52k56k2014-20162017-20192020-20222023-2025
View as table
PeriodSalary (CHF)
2014-2016CHF 53'985
2017-2019CHF 50'015
2020-2022CHF 51'795
2023-2025CHF 55'918

Top earning cantons

  • ZugCHF 59'29231 obs.
  • ZurichCHF 57'544486 obs.
  • NeuchâtelCHF 56'400123 obs.
  • SchaffhausenCHF 56'11218 obs.
  • Appenzell A.CHF 55'90014 obs.
  • LucerneCHF 55'90073 obs.
View as table
CantonSalaryObs.
ZugCHF 59'29231
ZurichCHF 57'544486
NeuchâtelCHF 56'400123
SchaffhausenCHF 56'11218
Appenzell A.CHF 55'90014
LucerneCHF 55'90073

Top paying industries

  • Consulting variousCHF 61'4907 obs.
  • Machine / System constructionCHF 58'12321 obs.
  • Catering / HotelCHF 56'3008 obs.
  • Chemicals / PharmaceuticalsCHF 55'8408 obs.
  • Recruitment agency / StaffingCHF 54'65912 obs.
  • Health care / Social servicesCHF 53'5154,015 obs.
View as table
IndustrySalaryObs.
Consulting variousCHF 61'4907
Machine / System constructionCHF 58'12321
Catering / HotelCHF 56'3008
Chemicals / PharmaceuticalsCHF 55'8408
Recruitment agency / StaffingCHF 54'65912
Health care / Social servicesCHF 53'5154,015

03 · Pathway

How to enter and grow

Swiss training pathway available in the full profile

  • 🎓 Schweizweit anerkanntes Zertifikat "Pflegehelfer/in SRK" oder Zertifikat vom Anbieter

Official education path

The course provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills in basic care to ensure safe daily support.

Typical training path

Schweizweit anerkanntes Zertifikat "Pflegehelfer/in SRK" oder Zertifikat vom Anbieter

Prerequisites

  • Understanding of written and spoken language of the respective region
  • Language skills at least level B1 (language test according to guidelines of the respective Red Cross cantonal association)
  • Good physical, mental, and emotional health
  • Valid work permit depending on cantonal regulations

Requirements

  • Interest in the care, accompaniment, and support of people in need of help
  • Psychological resilience
  • Teamwork skills
  • Communication skills
  • Willingness to work irregular hours

Where this can lead

A career change is often possible if you already work in a related health profession or have relevant experience.

04 · Skills & fit

What it takes

Required skills

  • Empathy
  • Teamwork
  • Physical endurance
  • Stress resistance

Personality fit

  • Swiss career path
  • Career transition
  • Professional growth

05 · Daily reality

What the work feels like

Typical day

You stand by the bed of an elderly resident and help her dress carefully, while asking about her well-being. In the hallway, you accompany a patient on his morning walk and watch his steps closely.

  • You support people in need of care with daily personal hygiene and dressing.
  • You assist with eating and drinking to ensure proper nutrition and enjoyment.
  • You guide exercise routines to improve mobility and independence.
  • You regularly check vital signs like pulse, breathing, and temperature, and record the results.
  • You prepare meals, make beds, and handle light cleaning in the living areas.
  • You react quickly to health changes and immediately inform the responsible qualified staff.

Working conditions

You work in retirement homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or in mobile home care services. You also support people in private households with their daily tasks.

Strengths

  • Empathy
  • Teamwork
  • Physical endurance
  • Stress resistance

Trade-offs

  • Physical strain
  • Emotional demands
  • Shift work
  • High responsibility

06 · Similar

You might also explore

All in Healthcare