Though only a modest pay increase is expected in Switzerland next year, some industries – and specialists – will command higher salaries.
A recent UBS study revealed only 1-percent increase in Swiss wages in 2027 – with sectors like watchmaking and retail even falling below this average.
But according to a new survey by Michael Page recruitment company, “salaries remain largely stable, and in some areas, they are even rising.”
The bottom line: “Where suitable candidates are scarce, salaries rise,” said Yannick Coulage, Managing Director of Michael Page Switzerland.
Where can you expect highest wages in 2027?
“We are seeing strong salary increases in IT roles related to AI and machine learning,” Coulange said. “Those who actively integrate AI into their work gain a real edge, at the start of their career just as much as after twenty years on the job.
“Also, in construction and real estate, the market is growing again, and salaries for specific functions are picking up.”
“In banking, pay for relationship managers and compliance professionals is rising slightly, as the regulated environment demands experienced specialists.”
“Across all sectors, sales is gaining strategic importance: companies are actively seeking strong sales profiles for the Swiss market and often paying them more than a year ago,” according to the recruiter.
What pay can specialists in these in-demand fields expect in 2027?
Just as an example, in the IT sector, average annual salaries are in the triple digits – for instance, from 105,000 francs for a front-end developer to 250,000 for a CFO.
In construction, wages will range (again, based on the position) from 105.000 for a site manager; 130,000 for a development manager; all the way up to 150,000 for a construction project manager.
It is important to note that, regardless of the sector, these salaries are mostly for trained/skilled professionals, rather than people just starting out.
You can see all of Michael Page’s salary guides here.
What do other wage projections show?
The 2027 Salary Guide by another recruitment agency, Robert Half, also found that “the Swiss labour market is increasingly being shaped by AI, digitalisation, and evolving skill requirements. There is a particularly strong demand for professionals who combine technical expertise with adaptability, analytical thinking, and proficiency in using new technologies.”
Among the highest wages in 2027 will therefore be found in the IT field, where AI-savvy engineering managers will earn 170,000 francs a year.
Next top earners (144,000 francs) will be data architects for AI, followed by Full-Stack Developers (134,000), AI engineers (129,250),AI product managers (131,750), and AI / ML System Performance Specialist (131,000).
Salaries will also be high in the Finance sector, were CFOs can expect to be paid 277,500 a year, followed by Head of Internal Audit (209,000), Head of Compliance Audit (190,750), and Finance Director -184,000.
In the commercial sector, head of recruitment will earn most: 163,750 francs, followed closely by the Security Manager (165,000), and Head of Procurement (148,500).
