Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 74'500 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 103'772 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 103'194 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 104'455 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 124'575 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 233'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsEducation & Social Work
Politikwissenschaftler/in UNI
You research political systems and advise decision-makers
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Politikwissenschaftler/in UNI professionals analyze power structures, conduct interdisciplinary research, and work in administration, diplomacy, or media.
You dive into complex political processes. You decode power dynamics at national and international levels. Your work links theory and practice. You compare government systems, election campaigns, and interest group influence. Whether in teaching, public administration, or diplomacy: you provide solid analyses for forward-looking decisions.
FieldEducation & Social Work
Education pathHigher Education Profession
IndustryEducation & Teaching
Swissdoc 0.731.73.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Political Scientist. Based on 36 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+29% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 88'237 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 80'200 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 99'675 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 113'510 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 104'350 | 15 |
| Consulting various | CHF 103'824 | 10 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Bachelor/Master of Arts in Politikwissenschaften oder in Sozialwissenschaften oder Bachelor/Master of Arts in Political Sciences
- ⏱ Bachelorstudium: 3 Jahre
Official education path
The program usually lasts 3 years. It leads to a Bachelor or Master degree in political or social sciences.
Typical training path
Bachelor/Master of Arts in Politikwissenschaften oder in Sozialwissenschaften oder Bachelor/Master of Arts in Political Sciences
Prerequisites
- eidg. or eidg. anerkannte Maturität
- Hochschulabschluss (FH, Uni, ETH)
- Berufsmaturität and Ergänzungsprüfung der Schweiz
Requirements
- Flair for communication questions
- Joy in research work
- Analytical-conceptual skills
- Ability to develop, implement and review projects
- Independent way of working
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Analytical thinking
- Communication skills
- Interdisciplinary breadth
- Project management
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You sit at a desk full of research reports. You compare current political developments with historical patterns. Then you prepare a presentation. You explain your results to your team or to students.
- You analyze political developments and power structures at national and international levels.
- You compare different government systems and their institutions scientifically.
- You study economics, sociology, and history from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- You write publications and give talks on your research findings.
- You teach complex topics to students in academic courses.
- You advise authorities on drafting laws and guidelines.
- You track political trends for media companies and business groups.
Working conditions
You work in public or private administrations. You also work in diplomacy, media houses, banks, and insurance companies. You often work in interdisciplinary teams. You are found at universities, research institutes, or consulting firms.
Where to learn
- Universität BaselPetersplatz 1, 4001 Basel
- Universität BernHochschulstrasse 6, 3012 Bern
- Universität Freiburg Avenue del'Europe 20, 1700 Freiburg
- Universität ZürichRämistrasse 71, 8006 Zürich
- Schweizerische Vereinigung für Politische Wissenschaft3000 Bern
- Universität Luzern Frohburgstrasse 3Postfach 4466, 6002 Luzern
Strengths
- Analytical thinking
- Communication skills
- Interdisciplinary breadth
- Project management
Trade-offs
- High responsibility
- Dynamic topics
- Travel demands
- Theoretical depth
06 · Similar
