Finding a job in Zurich
Zurich is one of the preferred destinations in Switzerland for expats. Being the country's economic and financial centre, Zurich offers various professional opportunities in different fields. With a labour market that is not stifled by many regulations, moderate taxes, very high quality of life and a vibrant economy, it is not hard to see why 80% of Switzerland's largest companies are based in Zurich or close by.
Economy and the labour market in Zurich
Zurich has been touted 'the economic motor of Switzerland'. It is also one of the most important financial centres in entire Europe, if not the whole world. In 2018, Zurich ranked 4th out of 26 cantons in Switzerland in terms of GDP per capita. It should also be noted that the finance sector accounts for about one-third of that wealth, as well as for about a quarter of the jobs available. Moreover, 90% of those who found a job in Zurich work in the service sector. Other sectors such as biotech, medtech, automotive, aerospace and creative industries have also experienced significant growth over the years.
The labour market in Zurich is considered very liberal and the most dynamic in all of Europe, with a current unemployment rate of 3.7% (2019 figures). So if you are planning to settle in the Zurich canton, there are pretty good chances to find a job, especially if you have skill sets that fit the local labour market. However, you are advised to inquire and research about existing regulations before moving, as you will most probably need a work permit to get started. Consult our article about on work permits in Switzerland for further information.
Job hunting in Zurich
As Zurich is located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, a good knowledge of German (i.e. at least B1/B2 level) is not only advantageous but in some cases, necessary. Although full fluency in English may be enough for many multinational companies and banks, most local job-hunting tools and platforms are in the local language spoken. Hence, knowing German will certainly help with your search.
Most frequently, people start their search through the internet, especially for those who are currently based outside of the city or the country. You can find a wide range of job offers on job-hunting platforms such as Stellemarkt, Jobs.ch and Monster. If you prefer the traditional way, newspaper such as the Tages Anzeiger, Neue Zürcher Zeitung and SonntagsZeitung all have a specific section advertising job offers. Alternatively, you may also obtain professional advice from the Employment Office of the Zurich canton, where you could find job offers, or participate in workshops related to job-hunting and the labour market in Zurich. Apart from these, you can also consider registering with a private recruitment agency.
Wages in Zurich
In general, salaries in Zurich are negotiated individually (unless there is a collective agreement for your particular sector), but the average wage in the area is higher than the one prevailing in the Swiss Confederation. You can expect a median salary of 6,869 CHF per month in Zurich, as compared to 6,502 CHF per month nationwide. However, bear in mind that Zurich remains the Swiss city with the highest living costs.
