Benefits of working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland

Benefits of working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland

As a physiotherapist, you might be looking for a new challenge or simply want to get more out of your career. Switzerland offers a unique opportunity with many benefits for healthcare professionals. From high salaries to flexible working hours, working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland can be appealing on many levels. Discover what it means to work in a country known for its high standard of living and excellent healthcare.

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Why choose to work in Switzerland?

💰High Salary Levels

One of the biggest advantages of working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland is the salary. Compared to the rest of Europe, salaries here are significantly higher. Depending on the region (or canton) you work in, the salary can range between €5000 and €7000 per month. This is undoubtedly one of the highest rewards for physiotherapists worldwide. Additionally, many employers offer a 13th-month salary, making the total package even more attractive.

Of course, you’re probably thinking that Switzerland is expensive to live in – and you’re right. According to the highest cost of living rankings on Numbeo, Switzerland tops the list. However, with a high salary comes one of the highest purchasing powers in the world. On average, physiotherapists can save around €1500-2000 per month, even after accounting for rent and living expenses*.

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🔍A Robust Job Market for Physiotherapists

Like many other countries, Switzerland is experiencing a shortage of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists. This means there are plenty of job openings available across the country. It’s an ideal time to start working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland, especially considering the rising demand for healthcare employees. More information about this can be found in the article from The Swiss Times, which explains the rising demand for healthcare and why there’s a pressing need for more professionals.

Curious about the available positions? Check out our current physiotherapy vacancies in Switzerland to apply for an interesting role today.

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🏦Low Taxes

Switzerland is known for its relatively low tax rates, especially when compared to neighboring countries such as France and Germany. This means that as a physiotherapist, you keep much more of your salary. However, tax rates differ from canton to canton – Switzerland has 26 cantons, each with its own tax regulations. This makes some cantons more financially favorable to live in than others. You can find an overview of the different tax systems per canton here.

Even with these regional differences, most cantons have much lower tax rates compared to countries like Germany and the Netherlands, leaving you with more money to save or spend.

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⏰Permanent Contracts with Flexible Working Hours

In Switzerland, physiotherapists often enjoy permanent contracts, providing financial security and stability. Moreover, many employers offer flexible working hours, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Additionally, Swiss physiotherapists receive more vacation days compared to many other European countries, typically between 4 and 5 weeks per year, depending on the canton. Catholic cantons may even have additional public holidays, further improving the work-life balance.

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📚Career Development and Learning Opportunities

One of the most attractive aspects of working in Switzerland is the opportunity for continued education. Many employers offer physiotherapists the chance to further their skills through paid courses and training programs. This means you can continue to expand your knowledge and expertise without sacrificing your own personal time.

Switzerland places a high value on quality healthcare, which translates to a healthcare system constantly striving for improvement and innovation. As a result, you’ll always have access to the latest technologies and the best equipment as a physiotherapist, ensuring you can provide top-notch care to your patients. More about the Swiss healthcare system can be found here.

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🌍A Diverse Patient Population

Switzerland is an international country with a large expat community. This means that as a physiotherapist, you will treat a diverse patient base, making your work more interesting and challenging. Every patient comes with their own background and needs, allowing you to develop a wide range of skills.

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👵Strong Pension System and Long-Term Security

Switzerland is renowned for its strong pension system. This means that, in addition to a high salary and excellent working conditions, you can also count on long-term financial security through a solid pension plan. This system ensures that you can enjoy a stable and comfortable retirement after your career, providing peace of mind for many healthcare professionals.

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💼Realistic Expectations: More Work but Less Administration

While working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland has many benefits, it’s important to stay realistic. Due to the shortage of healthcare professionals, workloads can sometimes be high. This requires collaboration and flexibility within teams, but thanks to the high staffing levels per patient, the care remains well-organized.

In Switzerland, the standard workweek is around 42 hours, which is longer than in some other countries. However, the 9-hour workday allows you to complete your tasks within working hours, minimizing the need for overtime. Many therapists also enjoy a 4-day workweek or 80% contract. You can learn more about the working hours and vacation days here.

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How to Start as a Physiotherapist in Switzerland

Interested in making the move to Switzerland? Take a look at our current physiotherapist vacancies in Switzerland. Don’t see a specific vacancy that fits your profile? No worries! You’re welcome to send us your motivation letter, resume, and relevant diplomas and certificates. We’ll contact you and the application process will follow its course. We’re happy to conduct the interviews online via Teams, for example.

For more information about the application process and available vacancies, visit our information page.