Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 77'971 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 76'980 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 82'393 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 88'615 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 94'553 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 99'099 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsHealthcare
Fachmann/-frau Operationstechnik HF
You prepare operating rooms and assist surgeons with precision.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Specialists in operating technology prepare operating rooms, assist during procedures, and sterilise instruments in hospitals and clinics.
Every second counts in the operating room. As a specialist in operating technology, you ensure sterile conditions, prepare special instruments, and assist surgeons during complex procedures. You take responsibility for patient safety, support trainees, and coordinate team workflows. With technical understanding and a steady hand, you make an essential contribution to modern medicine.
FieldHealthcare
Education pathContinuing Education Profession
IndustryMedical Technology
Swissdoc 0.723.40.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Specialist Consolidation & Reporting (IFRS). Based on 7,752 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+2% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 85'650 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 83'037 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 82'898 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 87'055 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Glarus | CHF 109'200 | 19 |
| Zug | CHF 93'664 | 228 |
| Aargau | CHF 91'000 | 242 |
| Schaffhausen | CHF 90'000 | 39 |
| Solothurn | CHF 90'000 | 79 |
| Zurich | CHF 88'890 | 1,314 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Technology | CHF 99'400 | 64 |
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 95'000 | 245 |
| Utilities | CHF 91'000 | 70 |
| Insurance | CHF 89'850 | 170 |
| Information technology / Telecom | CHF 88'400 | 257 |
| Consumer / Luxury goods industry | CHF 87'990 | 176 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Dipl. Fachmann/-frau Operationstechnik HF
- ⏱ 3 Jahre, Vollzeit
Official education path
The training lasts 3 years on a full-time basis and leads to a federal diploma in operating technology.
Typical training path
Dipl. Fachmann/-frau Operationstechnik HF
Prerequisites
- eidg. Fähigkeitszeugnis (EFZ)
- Fachmittelschulausweis
- Berufs-, Fach- oder gymnasiale Maturität or equivalent qualification
- Eignungsabklärung/Aufnahmeverfahren
Requirements
- Konzentrationsfähigkeit
- physische und psychische Belastbarkeit
- Kontaktfreude
- Kommunikationsfähigkeit
- Interesse am Gesundheitswesen
- technisches Verständnis
Where this can lead
Career changers are possible if you already have tertiary-level qualifications in healthcare. These can be credited by training institutions.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Focus
- Physical stamina
- Communication skills
- Technical understanding
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand in the operating room, check the sterility of the instruments, and prepare the monitoring equipment. During the procedure, you hand over the required materials precisely and ensure a smooth workflow.
- You wash your hands and put on sterile protective clothing before every procedure.
- You prepare special instruments, compresses, and monitoring devices for the planned operation.
- You welcome patients and note their needs during the preparation phase.
- You assist the surgeon with sterile gowning and hand over materials during the procedure.
- You monitor the functionality of medical devices and replace them if necessary.
- You safely transport patients from the operating table back to the ward.
- You check, clean, and sterilise all used instruments after the procedure.
Working conditions
You mainly work in hospitals and clinics, but can also work in day clinics, outpatient centres, or medical technology companies. Working hours often include weekend shifts and night shifts.
Where to learn
- SBV TOA Schweizerischer Berufsverband dipl. Fachfrauen/-männer Operationstechnik HFBahnhofstrasse 7b, 6210 Sursee
- OdASanté Nationale Dachorganisation der Arbeitswelt GesundheitSeilerstrasse 22, 3011 Bern
Strengths
- Focus
- Physical stamina
- Communication skills
- Technical understanding
Trade-offs
- Shift work
- Mental strain
- Sterile working conditions
- High responsibility
06 · Similar
