Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 62'400 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 62'400 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 12'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 112'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsNature & Environment
Schafhirt/in
You lead sheep flocks across alpine pastures and walk through the countryside.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Shepherds care for flocks on alpine pastures and meadows. They look after the animals and walk with them through the landscape.
In summer, you graze the flock on the alpine pasture. In winter, you move with it through the valleys. You are responsible for the animals' well-being. You care for the shepherd dog and treat minor injuries. The job requires endurance, a love for animals, and the ability to spend long days in nature. It is a profession for people who appreciate the rhythm of nature and enjoy being alone.
FieldNature & Environment
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryAnimal Husbandry & Care
Swissdoc 0.140.35.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
No verified Swiss salary data is available for this profession yet.
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Schafhirt/in.
Salary trend
-44% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2017-2019 | CHF 112'000 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 62'400 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Schafhirt/in
Official education path
There is no mandatory training path. You usually start with practical experience.
Typical training path
Schafhirt/in
Prerequisites
- Knowledge of animal handling
- Good physical health
- Enjoyment of solitude
Requirements
- Robust health
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Love for animals
- Ability to work independently
- Physical endurance
- Sharp observation skills
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You start early at the stable. You feed the lambs and check the flock before you leave. Then you walk with the dogs across the terrain. You watch every movement of the animals and record the route in your logbook.
- You lead the sheep flock through the Alps and watch over every single sheep.
- You care for the shepherd dog and ensure its health and readiness to work.
- You treat minor injuries and spot signs of parasites early.
- You keep the walking log carefully and report to the veterinary offices.
- You consult a veterinarian immediately for serious illnesses.
- You plan the grazing areas and adjust the route to the weather.
Working conditions
You work mostly outdoors on alpine pastures, meadows, and open landscapes. Your workplace changes with the seasons and the rules of the veterinary offices.
Where to learn
- zalp.ch RedaktionVorderdorfstrasse 4, 8753 Mollis
- Schweizerische Milchschafzucht Genossenschaft SMG Geschäftsstelle Urs MischlerFeldmoosstrasse 5, 3150 Schwarzenburg
- Landwirtschaftliches Bildungs- und Beratungszentrum PlantahofKantonsstrasse 17, 7302 Landquart
Strengths
- Love for animals
- Ability to work independently
- Physical endurance
- Sharp observation skills
Trade-offs
- Dependence on the weather
- Long periods of isolation
- High physical strain
- Wide area of responsibility
06 · Similar
