Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 77'467 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 77'223 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 78'769 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 97'250 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 98'808 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 120'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Kunsthistoriker/-in UNI
Research artworks, curate exhibitions, and preserve cultural heritage
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
You analyse artworks, curate exhibitions, and preserve cultural heritage for the public.
As a Kunsthistoriker/-in UNI, you explore the fascinating world of art. You decode historical contexts, curate exhibitions, and protect valuable cultural heritage. Your trained eye and analytical mindset make you an essential voice between the past and the present. You combine academic research with practical communication for a wide audience.
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryCultural Heritage
Swissdoc 0.827.9.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Strong salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Historienne. Based on 40 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
-10% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 93'600 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 87'500 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 77'538 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 84'500 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Education | CHF 119'604 | 6 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 77'538 | 11 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Bachelor/Master of Arts in Art History / in Kunstgeschichte
- ⏱ Bachelorstudium: 3 Jahre
Official education path
Studying art history at a university of applied sciences provides solid knowledge of artworks, their historical context, and museum work.
Typical training path
Bachelor/Master of Arts in Art History / in Kunstgeschichte
Prerequisites
- eidg. oder eidg. anerkannte Maturität
- Hochschulabschluss (FH, Uni, ETH)
- Berufsmaturität und Ergänzungsprüfung der Schweiz
Requirements
- Enjoyment of research work
- Independent working style
- Ability to develop, carry out, and review projects
- Interest in historic buildings
- Interest in photography
- Good general knowledge
- Good observation skills
Where this can lead
Career changers can enter the field if you have a related university degree or extensive professional experience in the cultural sector.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Visual perception
- Analytical thinking
- Independent work
- Communication skills
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You stand before an unknown painting. You carefully examine the brushstrokes. You research in old archives to clarify its origin and meaning. Then you prepare the findings for a public exhibition. You explain the background to visitors.
- You research fine art and place works in historical contexts.
- You locate and date artworks for museums and collections.
- You curate exhibitions and design cultural education programmes.
- You verify the authenticity of artworks and write expert reports.
- You document local cultural assets and apply for heritage protection.
- You share art knowledge in lectures, publications, and public tours.
Working conditions
You work in museums, archaeological services, libraries, or cultural administrations. You often manage private collections or work freelance for the art market.
Where to learn
- Vereinigung der Kunsthistorikerinnen und Kunsthistoriker in der Schweiz VKKSPavillonweg 2, 3012 Bern
- Universität BernHochschulstrasse 6, 3012 Bern
- Universität BaselPetersplatz 1, 4001 Basel
- Universität ZürichRämistrasse 71, 8006 Zürich
- Universität Freiburg Avenue del'Europe 20, 1700 Freiburg
Strengths
- Visual perception
- Analytical thinking
- Independent work
- Communication skills
Trade-offs
- Intensive research
- Project uncertainty
- High responsibility
06 · Similar
