Teacher salary in Switzerland 2026
Public school pay is not a secret in Switzerland: each canton publishes its scale. Here are the official 2026 figures, 13th month included, from primary school to Gymnasium.
Primary teachers: starting salary by canton
Geneva pays about CHF 23,000 more than Vaud at the start, and the gap holds at the top of the scale: CHF 135,713 in Geneva against CHF 111,749 in Vaud. Geneva's higher cost of living narrows that advantage without erasing it.
The official 2026 scales, canton by canton
| Canton and role | Class | Start | Top |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva, primary (generalist) | 18 | 100,377 | 135,713 |
| Geneva, lower and upper secondary (general subjects) | 20 | 109,615 | 148,213 |
| Vaud, primary (generalist) | 9 | 77,068 | 111,749 |
| Vaud, lower secondary and special needs | 11, then 12 | 90,617 | 143,089 |
| Valais, primary (teaching diploma) | by diploma | 80,897 | 117,301 |
| Valais, lower secondary (bachelor and teacher training) | by diploma | 95,306 | 138,194 |
| Valais, Gymnasium (master and teacher training) | by diploma | 110,989 | 160,935 |
| Bern, primary | 7 | 79,891 | 126,029 |
| Bern, lower secondary | 10 | 89,978 | 141,941 |
| Bern, Gymnasium | 15 | 106,792 | 168,464 |
The class depends on the role and the diploma; the position within it, on seniority. Amounts are gross, annual, full time and include the 13th month. Part-time pay is pro rata. In Vaud, lower secondary teachers move from class 11 to class 12 after 15 years of recognised experience.
How pay rises with seniority
You do not always start at the bottom. In Geneva, relevant professional experience and years spent raising children raise the starting salary. In Valais, the scale also depends on the diploma: without teacher training, a primary teacher starts at CHF 67,870 instead of 80,897.
The teaching load behind the salary
In Geneva, a full-time post means 28 teaching periods a week in primary school and 22 in secondary school, under the cantonal rules on teachers' pay. Preparation, marking and meetings come on top. Part-time work is common and pay follows the percentage worked.
Foreign diploma: recognition first
With a teaching diploma from abroad, you need formal recognition before being hired as a permanent teacher. Foreign teaching diplomas are recognised by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK/CDIP); allow several months. The full application path from abroad: finding a job in Switzerland as a foreigner.
From gross to net (old-age insurance, pension fund, tax at source): our gross to net guide. Cross-sector pay in the two largest markets: Geneva and Zurich.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a primary teacher earn in Switzerland?
It depends on the canton. In 2026, a full-time primary teacher starts at CHF 100,377 in Geneva, 80,897 in Valais, 79,891 in Bern and 77,068 in Vaud, 13th month included. The top of the scale ranges from CHF 111,749 in Vaud to 135,713 in Geneva.
How much does a Gymnasium teacher earn?
In Valais, a Gymnasium teacher with a master's degree and teacher training earns CHF 110,989 to 160,935 a year in 2026. In Geneva, upper secondary teachers of general subjects are in class 20: CHF 109,615 to 148,213. In the canton of Bern, Gymnasium teachers are in class 15: CHF 106,792 to 168,464. All include the 13th month.
Can I teach in Switzerland with a foreign teaching diploma?
Yes, once the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK/CDIP) has recognised it. Recognition can be full or come with compensation measures. Allow several months before applying for a permanent post.
Do Swiss teachers get a 13th month?
In the cantonal scales above, yes: the published annual amounts include it. Geneva, Vaud, Valais and Bern all show annual salaries with the 13th month included.
Canton of Geneva, Office du personnel de l'État: pay scale from 1 January 2024, still valid in 2026; regulation on non-appointed teachers' pay (rsGE B 5 15.10), art. 2, 9 to 12 · Canton of Vaud, DGRH: 2026 salary scale (RSRC); teaching levels as listed by SUD Éducation, 12 March 2026 · Canton of Valais: 2026 salary scale for teaching staff · Canton of Bern, Personalamt: teachers' salary class table from 1 January 2026