Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 67'400 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 65'000 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 73'050 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 68'900 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 68'753 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 80'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsChemistry & Physics
Laborant/in EFZ
You analyse samples and support research in the laboratory
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You prepare experiments, carry out laboratory analyses, and evaluate data for industry or research
In the lab, you are the expert for precise analyses and experiments. You prepare samples and operate high-tech equipment. You evaluate results. Whether in pharmacy, food control, or research, your careful work directly supports product development. You work in a team. You document everything carefully. You ensure the highest safety standards at every step.
FieldChemistry & Physics
Education pathVocational Training (Apprenticeship)
IndustryChemistry, Pharma & Biotech
Swissdoc 0.540.13.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Laboratory Assistant. Based on 161 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
-3% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 70'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 70'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 69'233 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 67'600 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Valais | CHF 72'000 | 15 |
| Geneva | CHF 69'332 | 18 |
| Berne | CHF 65'000 | 15 |
| Zurich | CHF 62'218 | 13 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Education | CHF 82'260 | 5 |
| Medical Technology | CHF 71'540 | 11 |
| Health care / Social services | CHF 71'000 | 17 |
| Chemicals / Pharmaceuticals | CHF 69'850 | 70 |
| Industry various | CHF 66'300 | 10 |
| Service sector in general | CHF 64'452 | 6 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
- 🎓 Laborant/in EFZ
- ⏱ 3 Jahre
Official education path
The training lasts three years. It combines practical work in the lab with classroom lessons.
Typical training path
Laborant/in EFZ
Curriculum
- Planen und Vorbereiten von Versuchen und Arbeitsabläufen
- Aufbereiten von Daten
- Anpassen und Entwickeln von Methoden, Prozessen und Produkten
- Organisieren des Labors
- Durchführen von Versuchen und Arbeitsabläufen im Labor (fachrichtungsspezifisch)
Prerequisites
- obligatorische Schule abgeschlossen
Requirements
- Interest in research and experimentation
- Good observation skills
- Ability to think in networks
- Fine motor skills
- Clean and precise work
- High reliability
- Interest in handling electronic devices and complex equipment
- Good health and no allergies
- No colour vision deficiency (depending on specialization)
- 1Planen und Vorbereiten von Versuchen und Arbeitsabläufen
- 2Aufbereiten von Daten
- 3Anpassen und Entwickeln von Methoden, Prozessen und Produkten
- 4Organisieren des Labors
- 5Durchführen von Versuchen und Arbeitsabläufen im Labor (fachrichtungsspezifisch)
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Precise and careful work
- Strong observation skills
- Strong teamwork skills
- High safety awareness
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at the workbench. You check the samples under the microscope. You record the results carefully in the lab notebook.
- You plan experiments. You prepare samples and equipment carefully.
- You carry out laboratory tests. You observe reactions under the microscope.
- You purify substances by distillation, filtration, or centrifugation.
- You analyse samples with highly precise equipment. You record the data digitally.
- You evaluate results graphically. You write technical reports.
- You check quality during production. You document everything.
- You clean instruments. You dispose of hazardous waste safely.
Working conditions
You work in labs for pharmacy, the food industry, or research. Sometimes you also monitor equipment outdoors or in production halls.
Where to learn
- VSLF/USVP Verband der Schweiz. Lack- und FarbenindustrieRudolfstrasse 13, 8400 Winterthur
- Fachverband Laborberufe FLB3001 Bern
- aprentas Ausbildungsverbund Berufliche Grund- und Weiterbildung Mauerstrasse4002 Basel
- Swiss Textiles Textilverband Schweiz Bildung & NachwuchsförderungBeethovenstr. 20, 8002 Zürich
- scienceindustriesNordstr. 15, 8021 Zürich
Strengths
- Precise and careful work
- Strong observation skills
- Strong teamwork skills
- High safety awareness
Trade-offs
- Physical strain
- Safety risks
- Repetitive tasks
- Shift work
06 · Similar
