Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 60'250 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 57'100 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 78'750 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 61'398 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 53'125 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 79'800 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsDesign & Crafts
Fotograf/in
You capture moments and create visual stories for various industries
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Photographers combine technology and creativity to produce reports, portraits or advertising images
Looking at the world through the viewfinder is more than just a job. Photographers combine technical know-how with a strong sense of design. You work in advertising, at fashion shoots or in architecture. With professional cameras and editing tools, you turn impressions into lasting images. The path into the industry often requires specialised training or solid practical experience. If you bring curiosity and commitment, you can leave your own visual marks here.
FieldDesign & Crafts
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryAudiovisual Media
Swissdoc 0.810.1.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Media Designer. Based on 93 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+21% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 62'500 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 60'500 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 56'296 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 75'375 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Industry various | CHF 69'900 | 6 |
| Media / Printing / Publishing | CHF 65'520 | 37 |
| Retail trade / Wholesaling | CHF 47'200 | 7 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Fotograf/in
Official education path
Entry is usually via specialised higher vocational schools or private courses, as classic apprenticeships are rare.
Typical training path
Fotograf/in
Prerequisites
- Good basic knowledge of the image editing program Adobe Photoshop
Requirements
- Creative flair
- Curiosity
- Engagement
- Team spirit
Where this can lead
Career changers can establish themselves if they have sufficient skills and a strong network.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Sense of design
- Technical understanding
- Communication skills
- Flexibility
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You frame the camera, check the light and adjust the settings for the perfect shot. Afterwards, you edit the images on the computer to finally highlight the desired mood.
- You plan shooting concepts and coordinate with clients.
- You operate professional cameras and lighting equipment for optimal results.
- You capture events and people with targeted framing.
- You edit photos digitally to adjust colours and contrast.
- You develop your own visual styles for advertising campaigns or portraits.
- You research current trends to expand your creative work.
Working conditions
You work in studios, on location or in agency offices. You often switch between fixed workplaces and mobile assignments.
Where to learn
- cap fotoschule GmbH Stadelhoferstrasse 28.28001 Zürich
- Das Fotografieinstitut - Schweiz Zürich World Trade CentreLeutschenbachstrasse 95, 8050 Zürich
- Schule für Gestaltung St.GallenDemutstr. 115, 9012 St. Gallen
- Schule für Gestaltung Bern und BielSchänzlihalde 31, 3013 Bern
- Schule für Gestaltung ZürichAusstellungsstrasse 104, 8005 Zürich
- F+F Schule für Kunst und DesignFlurstrasse 89, 8047 Zürich
Strengths
- Sense of design
- Technical understanding
- Communication skills
- Flexibility
Trade-offs
- Project uncertainty
- Physical strain
- Competitive pressure
06 · Similar
