Why compare salaries between Switzerland and France?
The geographical proximity of Switzerland to France, combined with marked economic differences, makes Switzerland a popular destination for French workers, especially cross-border commuters living in regions such as Haute-Savoie or Ain. But a higher gross salary does not guarantee a better standard of living. The cost of living, taxes, insurance and social charges play a crucial role in the equation. This article answers the key questions: how much do you really earn in Switzerland? Which sectors are the most attractive? And above all, how can you optimize your purchasing power as a cross-border commuter?
Cross-border commuters, who live in France while working in Switzerland, benefit from a Swiss salary while enjoying the more affordable cost of living in France. However, they have to navigate between two tax and social security systems, which can complicate the management of their finances. In 2025, with updated bilateral agreements, understanding these differences is more important than ever.
Salary comparison: Switzerland vs. France
In 2024, according to the OECD, the average gross annual salary in Switzerland will be €67,409 (approx. €5,617/month), compared with €38,184 in France (approx. €3,182/month). This represents a difference of 76.5% in favor of Switzerland. On a net basis, after deduction of social security contributions, a Swiss employee earns around €4,382/month, compared with €2,400/month in France for an equivalent position.
However, these figures mask significant disparities according to sector, region and level of qualification. Here’s a detailed analysis.
The highest-paying sectors in 2025
What are the salaries by sector in Switzerland?
Switzerland is renowned for its high salaries in high value-added sectors. Here are the highest-paying sectors in 2025, based on data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO) and other reliable sources:
- Banking and finance: Senior executives can earn up to CHF 16,821/month (around €15,800). Asset managers and treasury officers are particularly well paid.
- Pharmaceuticals and chemicals: Salaries range from CHF 8,000 to 12,000/month (€7,500-11,300), with strong demand for researchers and engineers.
- Technology and IT: Full-stack developers and cybersecurity specialists earn around CHF 10,000/month (€9,400).
- Healthcare: Medical specialists earn up to CHF 12,000/month (€11,300), while intensive care nurses earn around CHF 7,000/month (€6,600).
- Renewable energies: Solar and wind power engineers earn between CHF 8,000 and 10,000/month (€7,500-9,400).
Less skilled sectors, such as the hotel and catering industry, offer salaries closer to the legal minimum, around CHF 4,825/month (€4,500) in cantons like Geneva.
What are the salaries by sector in France?
In France, salaries are more homogeneous, but some sectors stand out:
- Aeronautics and industry: Qualified engineers earn between €5,000 and €8,000/month.
- IT and telecommunications: Developers and cybersecurity experts earn around €4,500/month.
- Finance and insurance: Senior managers can earn up to €6,000/month.
- Healthcare: General practitioners earn around €5,000/month, but salaries are lower for nurses (around €2,500/month).
Less-skilled occupations, such as catering or sales, are often paid at the minimum wage (€1,766 gross/month in 2024).
Comparative salaries for equivalent positions in the two countries
For the same job, the pay gap can be impressive. For example:
- A full-stack developer earns around €4,500/month in France versus €9,400/month in Switzerland.
- A specialist nurse earns €2,500/month in France, compared with €6,600/month in Switzerland.
- A banking executive can earn €6,000/month in France, compared with €15,800/month in Switzerland.
- The wage gap between different regions in Switzerland and France
Focus on the best-paid Swiss cantons
Salaries vary by canton:
- Zurich: average salary of CHF 7,096/month (€6,670), thanks to the presence of multinationals.
- Geneva: CHF 6,074/month (€5,700), with a legal minimum wage of CHF 4,182/month (€3,930) for a 42-hour working week.
- Basel: CHF 6,200/month (€5,830), driven by the pharmaceutical industry.
- Ticino: CHF 5,363/month (€5,040), the lowest-paying canton.
French cities with the highest salaries
In France, the major cities offer the best salaries:
- Paris: Up to €4,500/month in sectors such as finance or IT.
- Lyon: Around €3,500/month.
- Toulouse: Up to €4,000/month, thanks to the aeronautics industry.
Border regions, such as Ain or Haute-Savoie, have lower salaries, often around €2,500-3,000/month for intermediate positions.
Cost of living: a determining factor
Swiss salaries are high, but so is the cost of living. Here’s a comparative analysis of the main expenses.
Rent comparison between Switzerland and France
In Switzerland, rents are prohibitive, especially in the big cities:
Geneva or Zurich: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs CHF 1,500-2,500/month (€1,400-2,350).
Basel: Approx. CHF 1,200-1,800/month (€1,130-1,690).
The choice of canton and place of residence, particularly in Geneva and its suburbs, can influence both take-home pay and cost of living.
In France, rents are much more affordable:
Lyon or Strasbourg: €700-1,200/month for equivalent accommodation.
Haute-Savoie or Ain: €500-900/month on the outskirts.
For a cross-border commuter, living in France means a considerable reduction in housing costs, thus increasing purchasing power. Located just 20 minutes from Geneva, the Ecla Archamps residence offers an ideal alternative for cross-border commuters. Rents are much more affordable than in Switzerland, and premium services have been designed with cross-border commuters in mind.
The cost of health insurance on both sides of the border
In Switzerland, private health insurance (LAMal) is compulsory and costs between CHF 300 and 600/month (€280-560) per adult, depending on age and benefits. In France, the Assurance Maladie, supplemented by a mutuelle, is much less expensive. It will cost around €127.96/month in 2025, ranging from €30 to €180/month depending on the profile and level of cover chosen. Cross-border commuters can choose between LAMal and French CMU, the latter often being more advantageous.
Social security contributions and taxation: what are the differences?
- Switzerland: Social security contributions represent around 15% of gross salary, compared with 23-25% in France. Withholding tax, applied in cantons such as Geneva, varies from 10 to 20% depending on income. In other cantons (Vaud, Valais), cross-border commuters declare their income in France.
- France: tax and social security contributions are higher, reducing net salary. However, cross-border commuters taxed in France benefit from a more protective social system (unemployment, retirement).
Everyday expenses: where do we really gain in purchasing power?
Everyday costs are 30-60% higher in Switzerland:
- Groceries: A basic shopping basket costs around CHF 100 (€94) in Switzerland, compared with €60-70 in France.
- Transport: A monthly public transport pass costs CHF 80-100 (€75-94) in Switzerland, compared with €50-70 in France.
- Services: Telephony and Internet are also more expensive in Switzerland.
Cross-border commuters optimize their budget by doing their shopping and subscribing to services in France. If you’re going to be driving back and forth on the Swiss freeway, don’t forget to add the cost of the vignette, which is around €42-45/year.
Sectors that will be recruiting in Switzerland in 2025
Switzerland remains a dynamic job market, with a low unemployment rate (2.3% according to the SFSO in 2024). Here are the most promising sectors for cross-border commuters:
- Technology and cybersecurity: Companies are looking for full-stack developers, AI and cybersecurity experts.
- Finance: Wealth and treasury managers are in high demand.
- Healthcare: Specialist nurses and general practitioners are in demand, especially in rural areas.
- Renewable energies: Solar and wind power engineers and technicians benefit from the ecological transition.
- Construction: Project managers and skilled workers benefit from infrastructure growth.
French cross-border commuters, valued for their training, are finding opportunities in these sectors, particularly in Geneva and Basel.
Advice for cross-border commuters
Reduce your taxes by choosing the right canton
- Choose the right canton: Geneva applies withholding tax, simplifying the process. In other cantons, you’ll have to declare your income in France.
- Compare LAMal and CMU: French CMU is often cheaper for cross-border commuters.
- Use a salary calculator: Tools such as those provided by the SFSO or Jobup.ch allow you to estimate your net salary according to your situation.
How to save on your CHF/EUR conversions?
Cross-border commuters receive their salaries in Swiss francs, but often spend in euros. Exchange fees charged by traditional banks can reduce your purchasing power. Use services like Wise or Revolut to benefit from transparent exchange rates with no hidden charges.
Negotiating your salary in Switzerland
In Switzerland, salaries are often negotiated at the recruitment stage. Prepare yourself by consulting the salary grids by sector (available from OFS or UNIA) and taking into account your experience, qualifications and canton.
Cross-border teleworking: what the 2025 agreements say
Thanks to bilateral agreements, extended by the rider of December 17, 2024 until December 31, 2025, cross-border commuters can telework from France up to 40% of their time without any tax consequences between Switzerland and France (and up to 25% for Swiss-Italian cross-border commuters). However, be sure to formalize a clear teleworking agreement with your employer to secure your tax situation.
Conclusion
Working in Switzerland as a cross-border commuter offers undeniable financial opportunities, with salaries up to 76% higher than in France. However, the cost of living, social security contributions and taxation must be taken into account to assess the real advantage. By living in France, cross-border commuters optimize their purchasing power, particularly when it comes to housing and day-to-day expenses. Sectors such as finance, technology and healthcare remain particularly attractive in 2025.
To maximize your income, choose your canton wisely, compare insurance options, use advantageous currency exchange services and negotiate your salary. With the right planning, working in Switzerland while living in France can turn your salary into a real lever for improving your quality of life.
Useful resources :
- FSO: Wage calculators and sector data.
- UNIA: Information on collective agreements and minimum wages.
- FDF: Details of Franco-Swiss tax agreements.
- Cross-border teleworking guide: Advice for cross-border commuters.