Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 71'150 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 77'000 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 79'143 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 82'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 90'073 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 100'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsTransport, Logistics & Safety
Lokomotivführer/in BP
You steer trains safely through Switzerland, connecting people and goods.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Lokomotivführer/in BP steer passenger and freight trains safely and on time. You work independently in rail transport and take on great responsibility.
Rail transport is the backbone of Swiss mobility. As Lokomotivführer/in BP, you steer large trains through the landscape. You check all documents and control the technology before every trip. In an emergency, you react quickly and safely. You accompany passengers or transport important goods with great responsibility and independence. Your job requires concentration and reliability.
FieldTransport, Logistics & Safety
Education pathContinuing Education Profession
IndustryRail
Swissdoc 0.632.18.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Locomotive Driver. Based on 509 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+6% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 80'000 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 76'900 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 79'000 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 85'000 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Schwyz | CHF 100'000 | 13 |
| Lucerne | CHF 89'224 | 23 |
| Berne | CHF 85'475 | 58 |
| Geneva | CHF 84'750 | 14 |
| Solothurn | CHF 84'500 | 15 |
| Thurgau | CHF 82'660 | 16 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Service sector in general | CHF 85'451 | 40 |
| Transport / Logistics | CHF 80'000 | 375 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 79'143 | 19 |
| Building trade / Real estate | CHF 79'000 | 15 |
| Tourism / Travel / Recreation | CHF 77'000 | 28 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Lokomotivführer/in mit eidg. Fachausweis
Official education path
The main path leads through specific vocational further education with a federal certificate of competence.
Typical training path
Lokomotivführer/in mit eidg. Fachausweis
Prerequisites
- eidg. Fähigkeitszeugnis (EFZ), gymnasiale Maturität, Fachmaturität, Fachmittelschulausweis or equivalent qualification and 2 years of professional experience as Lokomotivführer/in
- eidg. Berufsattest (EBA) or equivalent qualification and 4 years of professional experience as Lokführer/in
- passed aptitude test for operating rail vehicles from the Federal Office of Transport BAV (Category B, B100, B80 according to VTE)
- corresponding certificate from the employing railway operating company (EVU)
- police authority approval by the Federal Office of Transport BAV
Requirements
- Willingness to work irregular hours
- Mental resilience
- High independence
- Reflective ability
- Sense of responsibility
- Robust health
Where this can lead
Lateral entry is possible with relevant professional experience and the required driver's licenses.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Mental resilience
- High independence
- Sense of responsibility
- Robust health
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You sit in the driver's cab, check the documents and start the engine. The train departs on time while you keep an eye on the signals and the track.
- You steer trains safely and gently through the Swiss landscape.
- You check timetables and weather reports carefully before every trip.
- You spot dangers early and take the right measures immediately.
- You look after passengers in passenger transport and ensure their comfort.
- You transport raw materials and goods, including in international transit traffic.
- You train apprentices in train preparation and driving techniques.
- You coordinate with the control center during disruptions or accidents.
- You constantly adapt to new regulations and timetable changes.
Working conditions
You work in the driver's cab of a railcar or locomotive at a licensed railway operating company. Your workplace is mobile and changes depending on the area of operation on the rail network.
Where to learn
- Verein für die höhere Berufsbildung der Lokomotivführerinnen und Lokomotivführer VHBL PrüfungskommissionHotelgasse 1, 3001 Bern
Strengths
- Mental resilience
- High independence
- Sense of responsibility
- Robust health
Trade-offs
- Irregular working hours
- High concentration
- Isolation in the driver's cab
- Stress during disruptions
06 · Similar
