Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 71'500 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 78'500 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 85'415 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 100'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 99'680 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 87'132 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsHealthcare
Facharzt/-ärztin für Rechtsmedizin
You investigate unusual deaths using scientific methods.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
As a forensic medicine specialist, you investigate unusual deaths, carry out DNA tests, and prepare reports for authorities and courts.
Forensic medicine combines medicine, chemistry, and biology to answer complex questions in criminal law and insurance. You investigate unusual deaths, examine injuries, and carry out DNA tests. Your scientific findings form the basis for court proceedings, fitness-to-drive reports, or the investigation of medical errors. The job requires precise work, a detective's instinct, and close cooperation with justice authorities.
FieldHealthcare
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryMedical & Scientific Roles
Swissdoc 0.724.10.22
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Specialist Consumer Finance. Based on 45 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+39% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 71'500 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 68'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 39'900 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 99'400 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 90'000 | 19 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Building trade / Real estate | CHF 119'400 | 5 |
| Banking / Financial institutions | CHF 78'000 | 28 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Fachärztin oder Facharzt für Rechtsmedizin
Official education path
The path leads through a university master's degree in medicine followed by specialist training.
Typical training path
Fachärztin oder Facharzt für Rechtsmedizin
Prerequisites
- Master Universitäre Hochschule
Requirements
- Manual dexterity
Where this can lead
Career changes into forensic research or report writing for insurance companies are possible.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Manual dexterity
- Detective's instinct
- Teamwork
- Scientific work
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at the autopsy table and carefully examine the findings of an unclear death case. You then document your insights precisely to explain them later in court or to relatives.
- You investigate unusual deaths using medical and chemical methods.
- You carry out DNA tests to clarify identities or family ties.
- You advise authorities and relatives on complex forensic questions.
- You carefully document autopsy findings and prepare scientific reports.
- You take blood samples from suspicious road users for toxicological analysis.
- You appear in court as knowledgeable experts.
- You research new forensic methods and teach students.
Working conditions
You work at institutes for forensic medicine, university hospitals, or court laboratories. You often cooperate directly with the police, public prosecutor's office, and justice authorities.
Where to learn
- SIWF Schweizerisches Institut für ärztliche Weiter- und Fortbildung c/o FMHElfenstr. 18, 3000 Bern
Strengths
- Manual dexterity
- Detective's instinct
- Teamwork
- Scientific work
Trade-offs
- Psychological strain
- High responsibility
- Administrative effort
- Willingness to work shifts
06 · Similar
