Introduction
Dreaming of studying in Switzerland but worried about living costs? 25 Good news, you can work part-time while studying to fund your adventures! Switzerland offers some of the highest student wages in Europe, with jobs ranging from ski instructors to UN interns.
But how do you land these gigs? What are the rules? And which jobs pay the best? Buckle up—we’re diving into 25 hot jobs you can do as a student in Switzerland in 2025!
Understanding Swiss Work Regulations for Students
Before job hunting, know the rules:
For International Students:
✔ EU/EFTA students can work 15 hours/week during term, full-time in breaks.
✔ Non-EU students must wait 6 months before working (max 15 hours/week).
Wages & Permits:
Minimum wage: ~CHF 23-25/hour (varies by canton).
Work permit: Required for non-EU students—apply via your university.
On-Campus Jobs (Best for Beginners)
1. University Research Assistant
-
Pay: CHF 25-35/hour
-
Perks: Flexible hours, academic networking.
2. Library Assistant
-
Pay: CHF 22-28/hour
-
Best for: Quiet work environments.
3. Campus Tour Guide
-
Pay: CHF 30-50/tour
-
Bonus: Improve public speaking skills.
Hospitality & Tourism Jobs (High Demand)
4. Hotel Receptionist
-
Pay: CHF 25-30/hour + tips
-
Ideal for: Language students (German/French/English).
5. Ski Instructor (Seasonal)
-
Pay: CHF 40-60/hour
-
Hotspots: Zermatt, St. Moritz, Verbier.
6. Restaurant Server
-
Pay: CHF 23-28/hour + tips
-
Bonus: Free meals sometimes!
Retail & Customer Service Jobs
7. Sales Associate (H&M, Zara, etc.)
-
Pay: CHF 24-30/hour
-
Perk: Employee discounts.
8. Supermarket Cashier (Migros, Coop)
-
Pay: CHF 23-27/hour
-
Flexibility: Evening/weekend shifts.
9. Brand Ambassador
-
Pay: CHF 30-50/hour
-
Great for: Marketing/social media students.
Language-Based Jobs (For Bilingual Students)
10. English Tutor
-
Pay: CHF 35-60/hour
-
Demand: High in German/French-speaking regions.
11. Translation/Interpretation
-
Pay: CHF 40-80/hour
-
Platforms: Gengo, ProZ.com.
12. Multilingual Customer Support
-
Pay: CHF 28-35/hour
-
Companies: Swisscom, UBS.
Tech & Digital Jobs (For Skilled Students)
13. Freelance Web Developer
-
Pay: CHF 50-100/hour
-
Where to find: Upwork, Toptal.
14. IT Support Technician
-
Pay: CHF 30-45/hour
-
Bonus: Remote options available.
15. Social Media Manager
-
Pay: CHF 30-50/hour
-
Ideal for: Communications majors.
Internships & Corporate Jobs
16. Banking Intern (UBS, Credit Suisse)
-
Pay: CHF 2,500-3,500/month
-
Pathway: Finance careers.
17. Pharma Intern (Novartis, Roche)
-
Pay: CHF 3,000-4,000/month
-
Locations: Basel, Zurich.
18. UN/Red Cross Intern
-
Pay: CHF 1,500-2,500/month
-
Perk: Global networking.
Creative & Freelance Gigs
19. Photographer/Videographer
-
Pay: CHF 50-150/session
-
Niche: Event/wedding photography.
20. Graphic Designer
-
Pay: CHF 40-80/hour
-
Platforms: Fiverr, Behance.
21. Content Writer/Blogger
-
Pay: CHF 30-60/article
-
Best for: Journalism/English students.
Delivery & Gig Economy Jobs
22. Food Delivery (Uber Eats, Deliveroo)
-
Pay: CHF 20-30/hour + tips
-
Flexibility: Work anytime.
23. Package Courier (Swiss Post, DHL)
-
Pay: CHF 25-35/hour
-
Perk: Stay active!
Unique Swiss-Specific Jobs
24. Chocolate Factory Assistant (Lindt, Nestlé)
-
Pay: CHF 25-32/hour
-
Sweet perk: Free chocolate!
25. Watchmaking Apprentice (Rolex, Swatch)
-
Pay: CHF 30-45/hour
-
Exclusive: Requires precision skills.
How to Find These Jobs
Job Portals:
-
LinkedIn (Use #SwitzerlandJobs)
University Career Centers:
-
ETH Zurich, University of Geneva, etc.
Networking: Attend Swiss job fairs!
Maximizing Earnings as a Student
-
Tax Tip: Earn under CHF 17,000/year? No income tax!
-
Balance: Don’t exceed 15-20 hours/week during semesters.
Conclusion & Final Tips
Switzerland offers lucrative, flexible jobs for students—from ski instructors to UN interns. Focus on jobs that align with your skills, and always check work regulations. Ready to earn while you learn? Start applying today!
5 Unique FAQs
1. Can I work full-time during semester breaks?
Yes! EU/EFTA students can work full-time in holidays.
2. Do I need German/French to work in Switzerland?
Not always, but it helps for hospitality/retail jobs.
3. What’s the highest-paying student job?
Ski instructors, private tutors, and IT freelancers top the list.
4. How do I get a work permit as a non-EU student?
Apply through your university after 6 months of studies.
5. Are internships paid in Switzerland?
Yes! Most corporate internships pay CHF 2,500-4,000/month.
Found your dream job? Check Swiss Government Work Portal for latest updates! 🚀
