Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 40'000 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 81'447 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 29'324 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 64'000 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 36'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsEducation & Social Work
Reitpädagoge/-pädagogin
Reitpädagoge/-pädagogin promote people holistically through work with horses.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You use horse-assisted therapy to support clients with psychological, physical, and social challenges.
Working with horses opens doors where words alone fall short. As Reitpädagoge/-pädagogin, you guide people on their path to greater self-confidence and physical balance. You assess support needs. You plan individual therapy sessions. You build a trusting relationship between humans and animals. The focus is not on riding. It is on the holistic development of your clients.
FieldEducation & Social Work
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryAccompaniment & Support
Swissdoc 0.731.29.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
No verified Swiss salary data is available for this profession yet.
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Reitpädagoge/-pädagogin.
Salary trend
+251% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2017-2019 | CHF 28'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 46'969 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 98'280 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Reitpädagoge/-pädagogin SG-TR bzw. DAS HES-SO in pferdegestützter Therapie
- ⏱ SG-TR: 1 bis 2 Jahre berufsbegleitend PI-CH: 3½ Jahre berufsbegleitend
Official education path
The training is part-time and provided by recognised associations. It lasts between 1 year and 3½ years.
Typical training path
Reitpädagoge/-pädagogin SG-TR bzw. DAS HES-SO in pferdegestützter Therapie
Prerequisites
- SG-TR: Completion of a basic qualification in pedagogy, social work, or health
- SG-TR: Minimum 1 year of professional experience
- SG-TR: Equestrian qualification (Reiterbrevet II SVPS or equivalent)
- SG-TR: Several years of experience working with horses
- PI-CH: Minimum age 25 years
- PI-CH: Completed basic training at university of applied sciences or higher specialist school level in pedagogy, social pedagogy, or health
- PI-CH: Minimum 2 years of professional practice
- PI-CH: Equestrian qualification (Reiterbrevet II SVPS or equivalent)
- PI-CH: Several years of experience working with horses
- PI-CH: Attendance at an information event
- PI-CH: Admission test with a personal interview
Where this can lead
Career changers can enter the field if they already have a basic qualification in pedagogy, social pedagogy, or health. Associations and universities of applied sciences offer targeted further education courses to complement this.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Observational precision
- Empathetic attitude
- Horse expertise
- Planning skills
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand in the stable and prepare the therapy horse while the first clients arrive. You lead balance exercises together. You watch closely as the participants' self-confidence grows step by step.
- You assess the individual support needs of your clients through careful observation and conversation.
- You plan and document therapy schedules. You continuously adapt them to the progress made.
- You lead balance exercises and gymnastic elements to train motor coordination.
- You accompany your clients during feeding and care. This strengthens the bond with the horse.
- You use dexterity games and aids to specifically promote body awareness and perception.
- You design individual and group sessions. They address emotional and social skills holistically.
Working conditions
You work mainly in your own riding stables or private businesses. Occasionally, you also work in care homes and clinics. Therapy often takes place in the stable or outdoors.
Where to learn
- SG-TR Schweizer Gruppe Therapeutisches Reiten Collegium SG-TR Barbara Gäng5642 Mühlau
- Pferdegestützte Interventionen Schweiz (BV PI-CH)3000 Bern
Strengths
- Observational precision
- Empathetic attitude
- Horse expertise
- Planning skills
Trade-offs
- Independence
- Part-time arrangement
- Physical strain
- Emotional responsibility
06 · Similar
