As a nurse, you might be looking for a new challenge or simply want to take your career to the next level. Switzerland offers a unique opportunity with many advantages for healthcare professionals. From high salaries to flexible working hours, working as a nurse in Switzerland can be appealing on many levels. Discover what it means to work in a country known for its high standard of living and excellent healthcare system.
Why Choose Nursing Jobs in Switzerland?
High Salary Levels 💰
One of the biggest advantages of working as a nurse in Switzerland is the salary. Compared to the rest of Europe, salaries are significantly higher here. Depending on the region (or canton) where you work, salaries can range between €5,000 and €7,000 per month. This is undoubtedly one of the highest salary levels for nurses worldwide. Additionally, many employers offer a 13th-month salary, making the overall package even more attractive.
Of course, you might be thinking that living in Switzerland is expensive – and you’re right. According to the highest cost of living rankings on Numbeo, Switzerland ranks at the top. However, with a high salary comes one of the highest purchasing powers in the world. On average, nurses can save around €1,500-2,000 per month, even after accounting for rent and living expenses*.
A Robust Job Market for Nurses 🔍
Like many other countries, Switzerland is facing a shortage of healthcare professionals, including nurses. This means that there are many vacancies available across the country. Now is the perfect time to start working as a nurse in Switzerland, especially given the healthcare crisis currently affecting the nation. More information about this can be found in the article from The Swiss Times, which explains the rising demand for healthcare and why there is an urgent need for more professionals.
Curious about the available positions? Check out our current nursing job openings in Switzerland to apply directly for an interesting role.
Low Taxes 🏦
Switzerland is known for its relatively low tax rates, especially when compared to neighboring countries like the Netherlands and Germany. This means that as a nurse, you keep much more of your salary. However, tax rates differ by canton – Switzerland has 26 cantons, each with its own tax regulations. This makes some cantons more favorable to live in than others. You can find an overview of the different tax systems by canton here.
Despite these regional differences, most cantons have lower tax rates than Germany and the Netherlands, meaning you’ll have more left to save or spend.
Permanent Contracts with Flexible Working Hours ⏰
In Switzerland, nurses often enjoy permanent contracts, providing financial security and stability. In addition, many employers offer flexible working hours, which means you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Swiss nurses also receive more vacation days compared to many other European countries, typically between 4 and 5 weeks per year, depending on the canton. Catholic cantons even have additional public holidays, making the work-life balance even more favorable.
Career Development and Training Opportunities 📚
One of the most attractive aspects of working in Switzerland is the opportunity for continued education. Many employers offer nurses the chance to further develop their skills through paid courses and training. This means you can continue to expand your knowledge and abilities without sacrificing your personal time.
Switzerland places great value on high-quality healthcare, which translates into a healthcare system that constantly strives for improvement and innovation. As a nurse, you’ll always have access to the latest technologies and best equipment, ensuring you can provide the highest level of care. You can read more about the Swiss healthcare system here.
A Diverse Patient Population 🌍
Switzerland is an international country with a large expat community. As a result, you will encounter a diverse patient population as a nurse, making your work more interesting and challenging. Each patient comes with their own background and needs, helping you develop a broad range of skills.
Strong Pension System and Long-Term Security 👵👴
Switzerland is renowned for its strong pension system. This means that, in addition to a high salary and excellent working conditions, you can count on long-term financial security through a solid pension plan. This system ensures that you can enjoy a stable and comfortable retirement after your career, providing peace of mind for many healthcare professionals.
Realistic Expectations: More Work but Less Administration 💼
While working as a nurse in Switzerland offers many benefits, it’s also important to stay realistic. Due to the shortage of healthcare professionals, workloads can sometimes be high. This requires collaboration and flexibility within teams, but thanks to the high staffing levels per patient, care remains well-organized.
In Switzerland, the standard workweek for nurses is around 42 hours, which is longer than in some other countries. However, the nine-hour workday allows you to complete your tasks within working hours, minimizing the need for overtime. You can read more about working hours and vacation days here.
How to Start as a Nurse in Switzerland
Are you ready to take the step to Switzerland? Check out our current nursing vacancies in Switzerland. Don’t see a specific job that fits your profile? No problem! Feel free to send us your cover letter, resume, and relevant diplomas and certificates, and we will get in touch with you. The application process is straightforward, and we are happy to conduct the first interview online, for example via Teams.
For more information about the application process and the available vacancies, visit our information page.