Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 60'250 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 57'100 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 78'750 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 61'398 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 53'125 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 79'800 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Tonassistent/in (Film)
You hold the boom pole to capture the perfect sound for the film
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Sound assistants control the microphone on set, coordinate with the director, and ensure clear direct sound
The equipment is ready on set, but you are the voice behind the scenes. As a Tonassistent/in (Film), you hold the boom pole to capture the perfect sound. Your work is closely linked to the camera and the director. Every shot and lighting setup demands precision. You are the direct contact for the sound engineer and ensure the film's acoustic quality
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryAudiovisual Media
Swissdoc 0.810.1.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Media Designer. Based on 93 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+21% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 62'500 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 60'500 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 56'296 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 75'375 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Industry various | CHF 69'900 | 6 |
| Media / Printing / Publishing | CHF 65'520 | 37 |
| Retail trade / Wholesaling | CHF 47'200 | 7 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Tonassistent/in
Official education path
You usually start with internships and practical experience on film sets
Typical training path
Tonassistent/in
Prerequisites
- Basic theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of sound engineering
- Knowledge of compatibility of various devices
- Management of mobile sound equipment
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Technical understanding
- Spatial thinking
- Communication skills
- Concentration
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You hold the boom pole above the actors. You watch for shadows and the frame edge. You constantly listen for background noise. During short breaks, you coordinate with the director about the next shot
- You steer the boom pole precisely over the actors
- You always watch the frame and the lighting
- You coordinate communication with the sound engineer on set
- You check the compatibility and function of the sound equipment
- You monitor recording quality during direct sound captures
- You adjust the microphone position to match the action
Working conditions
You work mainly on film sets, in studios, or on location. Your workplace changes depending on the production phase and the script
Where to learn
- Syndicat suisse film et vidéo (SSFV)Heinrichstrasse 147, 8005 Zürich
Strengths
- Technical understanding
- Spatial thinking
- Communication skills
- Concentration
Trade-offs
- Physical strain
- Weather dependence
- Irregular hours
- High precision
06 · Similar
