Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 69'113 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 80'133 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 97'600 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 102'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 110'000 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 100'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsNature & Environment
Tierarzt/-ärztin UNI
You treat and care for animals in a practice, clinic, or on a farm.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Veterinarians examine, treat, and advise animal owners in small animal or livestock medicine.
Whether in a small animal practice, on a cattle farm, or in a lab: Veterinarians take responsibility for the health of animals and people. You diagnose illnesses, plan treatments, and advise animal owners thoroughly. The job combines solid medical knowledge with direct contact with animals and their environment. You work independently, make important decisions, and ensure hygiene and disease prevention.
FieldNature & Environment
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryMedical & Scientific Roles
Swissdoc 0.140.17.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Veterinarian. Based on 166 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
-1% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 100'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 91'412 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 88'000 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 98'916 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 101'000 | 28 |
| Vaud | CHF 97'500 | 25 |
| Lucerne | CHF 91'482 | 14 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 123'000 | 9 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 119'600 | 7 |
| Medical Technology | CHF 113'750 | 13 |
| Health care / Social services | CHF 90'266 | 102 |
| Service sector in general | CHF 77'140 | 18 |
| Agriculture / Forestry / Wood | CHF 75'000 | 5 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Master of Veterinary Medicine, Eidg. dipl. Tierarzt/-ärztin
- ⏱ 3 Jahre Bachelor, 2,5 Jahre Master
Official education path
A degree at a university or university of applied sciences leads to a Master of Veterinary Medicine and the federal veterinary exam.
Typical training path
Master of Veterinary Medicine, Eidg. dipl. Tierarzt/-ärztin
Prerequisites
- gymnasiale Maturität
- Berufsmaturität with passed Passerelle
- Bachelor's degree (FH, PH, UH, ETH)
Requirements
- Dexterity and sensitivity in dealing with animals and people
- Good observation and quick comprehension skills
- Practical aptitude
- Physical and mental resilience
- Commitment
Where this can lead
A lateral entry is only possible after completing a veterinary medicine degree or corresponding professional further education.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Medical expertise
- Practical dexterity
- Strong communication skills
- Resilience
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at the examination table and check the vital signs of a sick dog. Together with the owner, you discuss the treatment plan and administer the necessary medication.
- You examine sick pets and make accurate diagnoses.
- You perform surgeries and prescribe suitable therapies.
- You advise animal owners on housing and nutrition.
- You check hygiene in slaughterhouses and laboratories.
- You monitor disease prevention in livestock herds and on farms.
- You document findings and initiate disease control measures.
Working conditions
You work in small animal practices, livestock clinics, veterinary offices, or research institutes. You are also active in the food industry or in disease control.
Where to learn
- Gesellschaft Schweizer Tierärztinnen und Tierärzte GSTBrückfeldstrasse 18, 3012 Bern
- Vetsuisse-Fakultät DekanatWinterthurerstr. 204, 8057 Zürich
- Universität Bern, Vetsuisse-Fakultät (Veterinärmedizin) Departement für klinische Veterinärmedizin (DKV)Länggassstr. 124, 3012 Bern
- Universität Zürich, Vetsuisse-FakultätWinterthurerstr. 204, 8057 Zürich
- Swissuniversities Rektorenkonferenz der schweizerischen HochschulenEffingerstr. 15, 3001 Bern
Strengths
- Medical expertise
- Practical dexterity
- Strong communication skills
- Resilience
Trade-offs
- Irregular working hours
- Physical strain
- High responsibility
- Emotional challenge
06 · Similar
