How High Is a Hotel Receptionist’s Salary in Switzerland?

There is no question that Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest salaries in the world. So of course you can also expect a higher salary in the Swiss hotel industry than in neighboring countries. If you work in the front office of the Dolder Grand in Zurich, for example, you are playing in the top league. 

However, variations in salary also occur in Switzerland. After all, your salary depends on many factors, such as your training, your professional experience, and the prestige of your employer. 

But one thing is certain: you will earn at least the statutory minimum salary stipulated in the National Collective Labor Agreement for the Hospitality Industry (L-GAV). Based on your level of training, you will receive at least the following monthly salary or hourly wage if you work behind a Swiss reception desk:

If you have completed your training and are in possession of a Federal Certificate of Proficiency, you can expect to earn at least CHF 4,470 per month. If we assume 12 monthly salaries, this results in an annual gross income of CHF 53,640. However, in Switzerland, the L-GAV stipulates payment of 13 monthly salaries. Your annual salary therefore rises to CHF 58,110, which is the equivalent of € 59,824*. 

In contrast, the average annual salary for receptionists in Germany is around € 29,900*. This means that your gross annual income in Switzerland is almost twice as high as in Germany – even if you are fresh out of training.

As a Chef de Reception, your average annual salary in Switzerland is already CHF 78,000, which is the equivalent of € 79,7857. The absolute top earners work in the luxury segment and can even earn up to CHF 84,500 per year. That is an amazing € 86,537! These employees can usually look back over 10 years or more of professional experience.

The average salary always refers to full-time employment. In Switzerland, a regular working week is 42 hours. It fundamentally does not matter whether you work during the week or at the weekend. Even though night, Sunday, and public holiday bonuses are not required by law, most companies voluntarily offer these additional benefits. You are also entitled to compensation for working on Sundays and public holidays by taking time off in lieu.

If you are employed on a monthly salary, you are entitled to at least 35 paid days of leave. In addition, unlike in Germany, employment contracts in Switzerland are generally open-ended.

Further information on the legal framework can be found in the “Merkblatt Arbeitsgesetz” published by Hotellerie Suisse.

Tax at source and social security contributions are deducted directly from your salary. The proportion of these taxes and deductions is typically between 10–20% of your income. At first glance, this may seem high, but compared to Germany, where the tax burden can reach up to 45%, this is actually quite moderate.

However, the exact amount of all the deductions depends on where you live, as well as on your family situation. To get a realistic estimate of how much of your salary will ultimately be paid into your account, you can use the gross net calculator from Lohncomputer. 

Rent accounts for the largest share of your living costs, with rents being particularly high in the city centers, such as downtown Zurich. In addition, there are further expenses for public transportation, childcare, visits to the hairdresser, sports memberships, and various leisure activities, all of which tend to be higher than in Germany. 

If you want to find a cheap rental apartment, you should focus your search in more rural areas. Thanks to the excellent transportation connections in Switzerland, you can get to work quickly from there, too. What is more, in Switzerland not everything is more expensive than abroad: gasoline and electricity, for example, are significantly cheaper. 

To get a detailed overview of the potential fixed costs, take a look at Lohncomputer. In addition to information on the most important expenditure items, the website also offers a useful budget calculator.

Have we awakened your interest and you would like to work as a receptionist in Switzerland? Then you are probably wondering what life is like in Zurich and what kind of working atmosphere awaits you.

Do not worry, we have just the thing for you – because it was the same for Jennifer. She works as a receptionist at the Alma Hotel Zurich, and in the video she talks about how she experienced the move from Germany to Switzerland.

To Jennifer’s Testimonial
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