Salary by experience
View as table
| Experience | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 yrs | CHF 68'125 |
| 3-5 yrs | CHF 71'500 |
| 6-8 yrs | CHF 73'000 |
| 9-11 yrs | CHF 56'000 |
| 12-21 yrs | CHF 127'400 |
| 21+ yrs | CHF 72'000 |
Top HR
Swiss professionsCulture & Media
Zirkusartist/in
You create imaginative acts and captivate the audience with acrobatic feats.
01 · Overview
What this profession is about
Zirkusartistinnen und Zirkusartisten develop acrobatic performances. You train your body control daily. You perform on stages or in tents.
Body control, creativity and courage are your tools. As a Zirkusartist/in, you create your own acts. You train hard for your fitness. You coordinate complex tasks with the technical team. You travel a lot. You often work in the evenings and on weekends. Your goal is to captivate the audience with acrobatic feats and theatrical staging. This job demands discipline, endurance and continuous training.
FieldCulture & Media
Education pathSpecialisation / Professional Function
IndustryTheatre, Music, Dance & Film
Swissdoc 0.825.18.0
02 · Salary
What you can earn
✓ Exact salary match
Salaries reflect Swiss market data. Range covers entry to senior. Salary reference based on Artist. Based on 73 observations, updated 7 months ago.
Salary trend
+6% over decadeView as table
| Period | Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | CHF 67'200 |
| 2017-2019 | CHF 70'000 |
| 2020-2022 | CHF 83'447 |
| 2023-2025 | CHF 71'500 |
Top earning cantons
View as table
| Canton | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich | CHF 73'000 | 15 |
| Geneva | CHF 61'477 | 12 |
Top paying industries
View as table
| Industry | Salary | Obs. |
|---|---|---|
| Service sector in general | CHF 113'016 | 16 |
| Public administration / Associations | CHF 96'000 | 9 |
| Tourism / Travel / Recreation | CHF 80'000 | 11 |
| Education | CHF 73'000 | 9 |
| Media / Printing / Publishing | CHF 66'000 | 9 |
| Commercial operation / Skilled crafts | CHF 60'515 | 6 |
03 · Pathway
How to enter and grow
Swiss training pathway available in the full profile
- 🎓 Diplom oder Zertifikat der Schule
- ⏱ 1-3 Jahre, abhängig von der Schule und dem gewählten Fach
Official education path
You complete a certificate course at a specialised school. It takes one to three years depending on your focus.
Typical training path
Diplom oder Zertifikat der Schule
Prerequisites
- Completed compulsory school
- Proof of physical fitness for the chosen training
Requirements
- Endurance
- Willingness to work irregular hours
- Rich imagination and creativity
- Physical resilience
- Independent working style
- Sense of shape and colour
Where this can lead
With additional qualifications, you can work as a trainer. You can also take on roles as a technician, manager or representative.
04 · Skills & fit
What it takes
Required skills
- Physical fitness
- Creative ideas
- Self-organisation
- Team spirit
Personality fit
- Swiss career path
- Career transition
- Professional growth
05 · Daily reality
What the work feels like
Typical day
You arrive early at the setup site. You check the safety of all props carefully. Then you practice the technical details for hours. You repeat this until the act is perfect.
- You invent your own performances. You plan the exact sequence of your act.
- You train your flexibility, balance and coordination daily.
- You coordinate performances closely with musicians, lighting technicians and sound directors.
- You source costumes and accessories. You check the safety of all props.
- You present your art to the audience. You interpret your role on stage.
- You negotiate contracts. You look for new engagements. You promote your shows.
Working conditions
You usually work in a travelling circus tent. You perform on theatre stages or during film shoots. Your engagements often change. You are frequently on the move and travel a lot.
Where to learn
- ProCirque Schweizerischer Berufsverband der Zirkusschaffenden1870 Monthey
- Verband Schweizerischer ZirkusschulenCombe-à-l'Ours 2, 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Strengths
- Physical fitness
- Creative ideas
- Self-organisation
- Team spirit
Trade-offs
- Irregular hours
- Lots of travel
- Physical strain
- Insecure contracts
06 · Similar
