Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 78'000 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 80'000 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 91'500 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 106'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 110'000 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 78'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsNature & Environment
Hydrogeologe/Hydrogeologin
You explore underground water deposits and protect our vital resources.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Hydrogeologe/Hydrogeologin explore groundwater deposits, check water quality, and develop strategies to protect our drinking water reserves.
The water beneath our feet is a limited and precious resource. Hydrogeologe/Hydrogeologin search for these hidden treasures. You analyze rock layers, monitor groundwater quality, and plan sustainable use concepts. With your findings, you actively contribute to protecting our environment and securing future water supplies.
FieldNature & Environment
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryNature & Environment
Swissdoc 0.160.43.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Geologist. Based on 159 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
-16% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 99'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 78'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 86'200 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 83'200 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Vaud | CHF 86'000 | 14 |
| Geneva | CHF 78'120 | 21 |
| Zurich | CHF 78'000 | 25 |
| Berne | CHF 76'500 | 16 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 104'500 | 10 |
| Service sector in general | CHF 87'000 | 17 |
| Utilities | CHF 87'000 | 27 |
| Industry various | CHF 84'000 | 7 |
| Consulting various | CHF 79'500 | 38 |
| Building trade / Real estate | CHF 78'710 | 40 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Master Universitäre Hochschule Hydrogeologie und Geothermie
Official education path
Training is provided through a university Master's degree in hydrogeology or related earth sciences.
Typical training path
Master Universitäre Hochschule Hydrogeologie und Geothermie
Prerequisites
- Master Universitäre Hochschule Hydrogeologie und Geothermie
- Degree in Umweltgeowissenschaften (University of Basel)
- Degree in Umweltingenieurwissenschaften (ETHZ or EPFL)
- Degree in Erdwissenschaften (ETHZ)
Requirements
- Joy and interest in natural and geological science
- Passion for water as a vital resource
- Ability to think in networks
- Willingness to work in the field and in the office
- Diligence
- Communication skills
Where this can lead
Career changes or specializations are often possible through related Master's programs in environmental earth sciences or environmental engineering.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Understanding of nature
- Analytical thinking
- Practical approach
- Communication
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You work outdoors and take samples from deeper rock layers using special equipment. Back in the office, you analyze the data and create detailed maps of groundwater deposits.
- You explore underground water deposits and analyze their composition.
- You check the quality of spring and groundwater for contaminants.
- You create detailed water protection maps and groundwater maps for authorities.
- You carry out measurements and modeling for strategic planning.
- You advise construction companies on implementing water protection measures.
- You investigate the possibilities for using geothermal energy.
- You monitor the cleanup of contaminated underground sites.
- You prepare hydrogeological reports for planning projects.
Working conditions
You work for public authorities, specialized engineering firms, or construction companies. You also find your working environment in public water management or as a consulting expert.
Strengths
- Understanding of nature
- Analytical thinking
- Practical approach
- Communication
Trade-offs
- Weather dependency
- High responsibility
- Regulatory complexity
- Sedentary work
06 · Similar
