Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 65'805 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 61'833 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 61'100 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 62'894 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 71'772 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 78'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsHospitality & Hotels
Chefkoch/-köchin BP
Lead the kitchen and create culinary experiences for guests
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You lead professional kitchens, plan menus, train staff, and ensure smooth daily operations in the food service industry
As a head chef, you are responsible for an entire kitchen. You master all cooking methods, plan menus, and train the team. In restaurants, hotels, or hospitals, you coordinate purchasing and monitor hygiene. With strong organisational skills and passion, you ensure smooth operations and happy guests.
FieldHospitality & Hotels
Education pathContinuing Education Profession
IndustryHospitality, Housekeeping & Facility Management
Swissdoc 0.220.8.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Head Chef. Based on 3,586 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+3% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 70'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 68'192 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 67'217 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 72'000 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Appenzell I. | CHF 136'000 | 17 |
| Glarus | CHF 80'500 | 15 |
| Lucerne | CHF 79'250 | 118 |
| Zug | CHF 79'000 | 53 |
| St. Gallen | CHF 77'000 | 101 |
| Appenzell A. | CHF 75'506 | 16 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Health care / Social services | CHF 85'000 | 203 |
| Commercial operation / Skilled crafts | CHF 79'000 | 6 |
| Retail trade / Wholesaling | CHF 78'650 | 16 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 78'077 | 35 |
| Education | CHF 78'068 | 16 |
| Service sector in general | CHF 77'000 | 29 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Chefkoch/-köchin mit eidg. Fachausweis
- ⏱ Ca. 1 Jahr, berufsbegleitend (6 Blockkurse à 5 Tage)
Official education path
The part-time course lasts about 1 year and prepares you for the federal exam through 6 block courses.
Typical training path
Chefkoch/-köchin mit eidg. Fachausweis
Prerequisites
- Abschluss eines eidg. Fähigkeitszeugnisses als Koch/Köchin or equivalent training
- At least 3 years of professional experience as a cook
- Module completions or equivalency certificates
- Training course for vocational trainers
Requirements
- Organisational skills
- Physical and mental resilience
- Willingness to work irregular hours
- Quick reaction time
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Strong organisational skills
- Clear leadership skills
- High physical endurance
- Thorough hygiene awareness
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand at the kitchen counter and check the fresh ingredients for the evening menu. While the pots simmer, you give instructions to the kitchen team so everything arrives on time.
- You prepare diverse menus using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
- You monitor cooking processes and coordinate work steps within the team.
- You plan purchasing and maintain contact with suppliers.
- You train the kitchen team and provide proper instruction for apprentices.
- You check hygiene regulations and the proper storage of food.
- You participate in budget planning and implement company goals.
Working conditions
You work in a leading position in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or hospitals. The kitchen is your main workplace, while you also maintain contact with suppliers and guests.
Where to learn
- Hotel & Gastro formation Eichistrasse 20Postfach 362, 6353 Weggis
Strengths
- Strong organisational skills
- Clear leadership skills
- High physical endurance
- Thorough hygiene awareness
Trade-offs
- Irregular working hours
- Physical strain
- High work pressure
- Seasonal peak loads
06 · Similar
