Zurich versus Geneva: Which Swiss city is better for job seekers?
Switzerland’s two largest cities and their surrounding areas are where most employment opportunities can be found. This is what you should know about what each of these locations has to offer.
While Zurich and Geneva are different in some regards, such as the language spoken there — Swiss-German in the former and French in the latter — the two cities also have some things in common.
For instance, both frequently feature among the most expensive cities to live in various international surveys.
The latest one, carried out by a global mobility organisation, ECA International, found that globally Geneva and Zurich were ranked in the third and seventh place, respectively, in a survey of 20 most expensive cities for international residents.
However, on the European scale, Geneva was placed in top spot and Zurich in third.
But what about their job markets? Where should you look for a job — in Zurich or Geneva?
Your search may depend on personal factors such the area where you already live (or want to live) and the language you speak.
If you are fluent in French but not so much in Swiss German (or high German), then the choice is clear (and vice-versa). Even if English may be the main language in the office, you will still heed to speak local language outside of work.
But if you are open to moving wherever good job opportunities are plentiful, regardless of language skills, which city / area should you opt for?
The Local asked Stephan Surber, Senior Partner, Page Executive - a sister company to Michael Page recruiter for some insight.
Which market is more attractive to qualified employees, and why?
“Both Geneva and Zurich provide considerable opportunities to skilled professionals”, Surber said.
However, according to the Michael Page Swiss Job Index, the number of advertised jobs in May was over nine times bigger for canton Zurich than for canton Geneva.
Do both cities/region offer similar positions in similar industries, or are they different and if so, how?
"Both offer roles in key industries such as financial and professional services, as well as health and life sciences", Surber said.
They typically differ from one another in the concentration of industries. For example, Geneva has a higher concentration of international NGOs such as the United Nations, the Red Cross and the World Trade Organisation, as well as commodity traders.
Zurich also has these sectors but is better known for its concentration of Swiss-based, international financial institutions such as UBS, Credit Suisse, Zurich Insurance and Swiss Re, among others.
Is there a difference in terms of salaries for the same jobs / positions in each city?
There is no significant difference for professionals, in salary and compensation levels, according to Surber.
He pointed out that salaries in all major Swiss cities are at similar levels, with differences typically occurring between major Swiss cities and smaller, regional areas, and within small to medium organisations.
Compensation levels also vary across industries and according to the level of experience and the type of role.
READ MORE: What is the average salary for (almost) every job in Switzerland
Demand is especially strong right now in sectors such as technology, healthcare and life sciences, as well as the private market industry.
For job seekers who are new to either city, Surber recommends building your professional network, for example by joining local chambers of commerce and / or professional associations.
These articles provide more information about finding work:
‘It’s competitive’: Essential advice for finding a job in Zurich
Comments
See Also
While Zurich and Geneva are different in some regards, such as the language spoken there — Swiss-German in the former and French in the latter — the two cities also have some things in common.
For instance, both frequently feature among the most expensive cities to live in various international surveys.
The latest one, carried out by a global mobility organisation, ECA International, found that globally Geneva and Zurich were ranked in the third and seventh place, respectively, in a survey of 20 most expensive cities for international residents.
However, on the European scale, Geneva was placed in top spot and Zurich in third.
But what about their job markets? Where should you look for a job — in Zurich or Geneva?
Your search may depend on personal factors such the area where you already live (or want to live) and the language you speak.
If you are fluent in French but not so much in Swiss German (or high German), then the choice is clear (and vice-versa). Even if English may be the main language in the office, you will still heed to speak local language outside of work.
But if you are open to moving wherever good job opportunities are plentiful, regardless of language skills, which city / area should you opt for?
The Local asked Stephan Surber, Senior Partner, Page Executive - a sister company to Michael Page recruiter for some insight.
Which market is more attractive to qualified employees, and why?
“Both Geneva and Zurich provide considerable opportunities to skilled professionals”, Surber said.
However, according to the Michael Page Swiss Job Index, the number of advertised jobs in May was over nine times bigger for canton Zurich than for canton Geneva.
Do both cities/region offer similar positions in similar industries, or are they different and if so, how?
"Both offer roles in key industries such as financial and professional services, as well as health and life sciences", Surber said.
They typically differ from one another in the concentration of industries. For example, Geneva has a higher concentration of international NGOs such as the United Nations, the Red Cross and the World Trade Organisation, as well as commodity traders.
Zurich also has these sectors but is better known for its concentration of Swiss-based, international financial institutions such as UBS, Credit Suisse, Zurich Insurance and Swiss Re, among others.
Is there a difference in terms of salaries for the same jobs / positions in each city?
There is no significant difference for professionals, in salary and compensation levels, according to Surber.
He pointed out that salaries in all major Swiss cities are at similar levels, with differences typically occurring between major Swiss cities and smaller, regional areas, and within small to medium organisations.
Compensation levels also vary across industries and according to the level of experience and the type of role.
READ MORE: What is the average salary for (almost) every job in Switzerland
Demand is especially strong right now in sectors such as technology, healthcare and life sciences, as well as the private market industry.
For job seekers who are new to either city, Surber recommends building your professional network, for example by joining local chambers of commerce and / or professional associations.
These articles provide more information about finding work:
‘It’s competitive’: Essential advice for finding a job in Zurich
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.