Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 88'000 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 91'065 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 94'141 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 110'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 117'595 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 121'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsChemistry & Physics
Chemiker/in FH
You develop new substances and optimise industrial processes.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
As a Chemiker/in FH, you shape research, production and analysis in industry and in the laboratory.
You bridge basic research and practical use. Whether in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or food: you develop new materials. You optimise manufacturing processes and ensure top quality standards. Your work covers complex lab analyses, production planning and the search for eco-friendly solutions. You actively shape the chemical future.
FieldChemistry & Physics
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryChemistry, Pharma & Biotech
Swissdoc 0.540.17.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Chemist. Based on 611 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+17% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 90'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 95'775 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 100'268 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 105'000 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Berne | CHF 112'500 | 34 |
| Basel-Stadt | CHF 110'125 | 54 |
| Aargau | CHF 104'850 | 59 |
| Basel-Land | CHF 102'995 | 54 |
| Lucerne | CHF 102'000 | 16 |
| Valais | CHF 100'268 | 35 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Technology | CHF 124'628 | 10 |
| Consumer / Luxury goods industry | CHF 120'000 | 5 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 115'000 | 17 |
| Machine / System construction | CHF 107'900 | 15 |
| Utilities | CHF 100'000 | 5 |
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 97'647 | 449 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Eidg. anerkanntes Diplom "Bachelor of Science [FH] in Chemie", "Bachelor of Science FHNW in Molecular Life Sciences" oder "Bachelor of Science HES-SO in Life Technologies"
Official education path
A bachelor's degree at a university of applied sciences provides the necessary scientific and practical skills for the chemical industry.
Typical training path
Eidg. anerkanntes Diplom "Bachelor of Science [FH] in Chemie", "Bachelor of Science FHNW in Molecular Life Sciences" oder "Bachelor of Science HES-SO in Life Technologies"
Prerequisites
- Completion of initial training as a Laborant/in EFZ (Chemie-, Physik-, Biologie-, Farb und Lack oder Textillaborant/in), Chemie- und Pharmatechnologe/-login (Chemikant/in), Drogist/in or a medical laboratory activity with Berufsmaturität
- Gymnasiale Maturität and an internship contract with a company in the chemical industry (for practice-integrated bachelor's degree at ZHAW)
Where this can lead
Career changers can enter with related initial training and an admission internship. A master's degree at a university of applied sciences or university also offers opportunities for specialization.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Analytical thinking
- Process optimisation
- Quality awareness
- Teamwork
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You work in the laboratory and analyse samples with complex equipment. At the same time, you discuss new work instructions for production with the production team.
- You research new chemical compounds and their potential applications.
- You test materials to improve their properties in a targeted way.
- You optimise formulations for tablets, coated pills and powders.
- You put basic research findings directly into practice.
- You develop resource-saving processes for industrial manufacturing.
- You plan production processes and create detailed work instructions for the team.
- You monitor compliance with strict quality and safety regulations.
- You carry out complex analyses in industrial laboratories and testing facilities.
Working conditions
You work in laboratories, production halls and development departments in industry. You also work for cantonal authorities, research institutes or abroad.
Where to learn
- Schweizerischer Verband Dipl. Chemiker FH (SVC)4007 Basel
Strengths
- Analytical thinking
- Process optimisation
- Quality awareness
- Teamwork
Trade-offs
- High responsibility
- Shift work
- Strict regulations
- Physical strain
06 · Similar
