Salaries in the Swiss hospitality industry: How much can you earn depending on your profile?

Next-Nest
Aug 2
2 min read

In this article, we explain salaries in the Swiss hospitality industry depending on the position and which factors can influence your compensation.

If you're interested in working in the Swiss hotel industry, the first question you're probably asking yourself is: How much do you earn in the Swiss hotel industry? The hotel industry in this country is known for its high quality standards, excellent working conditions, and, of course, very attractive salaries.

How much do you earn in the hospitality industry in Switzerland?

Salaries in Switzerland vary depending on experience, hotel location, and hotel level (luxury vs. standard). However, there are approximate salary ranges depending on the position:

1. Reception staff

Junior Receptionist : CHF 4,200 – CHF 4,800 per month.
Senior Receptionist : CHF 4,800 – CHF 5,500 per month.
Reception Manager : CHF 6,000 – CHF 7,500 per month.

Receptionists in Switzerland not only take care of reservations, but also have to speak several languages (usually English, German and French ).

2. Waiters and dining room staff

Commis de Rang : CHF 3,800 – CHF 4,200 per month.
Chef de Rang : CHF 4,200 – CHF 4,600 per month.
Head waiter (maître d'hôtel) : CHF 4,800 – CHF 5,500 per month.

Luxury hotels and restaurants often offer better pay, especially in cities like Zurich, Geneva or Lucerne .

Note: Please note that these positions include tips and salaries may therefore slightly exceed the stated range.

Waiter cleans a wooden table with a rag and liquid

3. Kitchen staff

Kitchen assistant : CHF 3,600 – CHF 4,100 per month.
Commis Chef : CHF 4,200 – CHF 4,300 per month.
Chef de Partie : CHF 4,300 – CHF 5,000 per month.
Sous chef (second cook) : CHF 5,500 – CHF 6,500 per month.
Head chef : CHF 7,000 – CHF 10,000+ per month.

Training and experience are crucial in the kitchen. Those with a culinary specialization or experience in Michelin-starred restaurants can expect higher salaries.

Person cooking dough in kitchen, professional chef

4. Cleaning and housekeeping staff

Household help : CHF 3,500 – CHF 4,200 per month.
Domestic cook/housekeeper : CHF 4,500 – CHF 5,500 per month.

This sector is of central importance to the Swiss hotel industry, especially for upscale establishments where cleanliness is a differentiating factor.

Note: In Switzerland, home economics is considered a career path requiring up to three years of training, so verifiable professional experience is usually required.

Cleaning staff, gloves, sponge, housekeeping, cleaning and mops

Factors that influence salary

In addition to the position, there are factors that directly impact salary in Switzerland:

Location : Salaries tend to be higher in cities like Zurich and Geneva .
Experience and education : A hospitality degree and relevant certifications can increase your salary.
Languages : In Switzerland, in order to obtain a job, it is essential to speak the language of the canton in which we are seeking employment ( German, French or Italian) .

Find a job in the Swiss hotel industry with Next-Nest

If you are looking for a job and now know the salaries in the Swiss hospitality industry, we at Next-Nest can help you optimize your CV , improve your presentation to recruiters and accompany you in your job search.