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phd candidate salaries in Switzerland
- Doctoral students in Switzerland receive, as a guideline, between CHF 3,920 and CHF 6,690 gross per month, based on a 100% employment rate.
- The median salary (50% earn more and 50% earn less) is CHF 53,000 gross per year and CHF 4,417 per month.
- Depending on the institution and field of research and depending on how the PhD is funded (SNF-scholarship, assistanceship etc.), the loan can have a wide range. PhD candidates in exact sciences (computer science, mathematics, physics, ...) and medecine are usually better paid than PhD candidates in life sciences, chemistry, arts and humanities. However, the salary and the working conditions depend on the exact contract you have.
- Please consider, that PhD candidates often have only a 50% employment.
Salary comparison
In comparison to a doctoral candidates, a masters graduate who is employed outside the university, earns significantly more:
- The annual gross salary (median) for master graduates at university level (all economic sectors, all positions, all regions), 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 78’400 CHF
- The annual gross salary (median) for master graduates from universities of applied sciences 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 84’000 CHF
But a graduated PhD then starts with a higher salary:
- The annual gross salary (median) for PhDs 1 year after graduation in 2020 is: 93’100 CHF
Source: FOS / ETHZ / lohnanalyse.ch
- Usual working time in Switzerland: 42 hours per week.
- Holidays: Legally 4 weeks per year. Some companies give 5 weeks.
- For further information, see our sections PhD in Switzerland , postdoc in Switzerland and professor in Switzerland .
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Employment and salary
ETH Zurich offers its employees stimulating work and an excellent infrastructure. In return, it expects them to deliver outstanding performances.
The conditions of employment are based on the Swiss Federal Personnel Act and the ETH Personnel Ordinance. Salaries are calculated according to function level, experience and performance.
Scientific assistants in the first two career levels receive a fixed starting salary, which is paid out in 12 monthly instalments. At each of these two levels, the salary is increased annually in predefined incremental stages over three years.
Scientific assistants are employed on non-permanent contracts, which run for a maximum period of six years.
Further information can be found in the Ordinance governing scientific employees . Please note that the rates in the appendix are subject to adjustments and will be announced by the ETH executive board.
PhD students and postdocs from abroad find more information on employment and the salary rates on the Welcome Center website.
Established researchers are assigned to a function level. Their salary varies within the corresponding performance range and is paid out in 13 monthly instalments. An appraisal interview is held each year, in which the employee and the employee’s supervisor define new and effective targets for the following year based on an assessment of the employee’s current performance. At the same time, measures are taken to enhance employees’ specialist knowledge and keep them motivated.
Established researchers are employed on non-permanent contracts, which run for a maximum period of six years.
Further information can be found in the Ordinance governing scientific employees .
Scientific collaborators and senior scientists are assigned to a function level. Their salary varies within the corresponding performance range and is paid out in 13 monthly instalments. An appraisal interview is held each year, in which the employee and the employee’s supervisor define new and effective targets for the following year based on an assessment of the employee’s current performance. At the same time, measures are taken to enhance employees’ specialist knowledge and keep them motivated.
Senior scientists are employed on permanent contracts.
Employees in support functions are assigned to a function level. Their salary varies within the corresponding performance range and is paid out in 13 monthly instalments. An appraisal interview is held each year, in which the employee and the employee’s supervisor define new and effective targets for the following year based on an assessment of the employee’s current performance. At the same time, measures are taken to enhance employees’ specialist knowledge and keep them motivated.
Employees in support functions are generally employed on permanent contracts.
The type of employment contract awarded to staff working on specific projects depends on the tasks they carry out, the duration of the project and the source of funding. Aside from being assigned to a level in the salary system and receiving an annual salary (paid out in 13 monthly instalments), an “all-in salary” can be arranged, which is spread over 12 monthly instalments.
Project staff are employed on non-permanent contracts, which run for a maximum period of five years.
Further information for scientific project staff can be found in the Ordinance governing scientific employees .
Students can take on work as an assistant during their studies. They are paid an hourly wage for this type of employment, which is understood to include holidays. The Executive Board sets the base rate for assistants on an annual basis.
Family Allowance
ETH Zurich employees who take care of children of minor age or children in education receive a family allowance in accordance with basic legal principles.
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