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Salaries in Switzerland St. Gallen

Canton St. Gallen - Salary statistics and comparisons

Median Salary
CHF 6'312
/month
Average Salary
CHF 6'823
/month
Rank
#10
of 26 Cantons
vs. CH Average
-7.0%
Change (1J)
+1.2%
Labor Force
267'000

By Industry

Median Salary in St. Gallen

Finanzdienstleistungen(12% der Arbeitnehmenden)
CHF 8'963
+42.0%
Pharma & Chemie(8% der Arbeitnehmenden)
CHF 8'521
+35.0%
IT & Technologie(15% der Arbeitnehmenden)
CHF 8'079
+28.0%
Maschinenbau(18% der Arbeitnehmenden)
CHF 6'628
+5.0%
Gesundheitswesen(14% der Arbeitnehmenden)
CHF 6'186
-2.0%
Handel(20% der Arbeitnehmenden)
CHF 5'807
-8.0%
Gastgewerbe(8% der Arbeitnehmenden)
CHF 4'545
-28.0%
Landwirtschaft(5% der Arbeitnehmenden)
CHF 4'292
-32.0%

Trend

Median Salary 2019-2024

CHF 5'807
2019
CHF 5'933
2020
CHF 6'060
2021
CHF 6'186
2022
CHF 6'249
2023
CHF 6'312
2024
Growth 2019-2024 +8.7%

By Education

Ohne Berufsausbildung
CHF 4'545
Berufsausbildung (EFZ)
CHF 5'555
Hoehere Berufsbildung
CHF 6'817
Fachhochschule
CHF 7'701
Universitaet/ETH
CHF 9'152

By Gender

CHF 6'691
Male
11.3%
Wage Gap
CHF 5'933
Female

St. Gallen at a glance

Population517'026
Labor Force267'000
Salary RangeCHF 3'100 - CHF 20'000

Sources

BFS - Bundesamt fuer Statistik
Lohnstrukturerhebung (LSE) 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Canton St. Gallen, with its capital in the city of St. Gallen, is a vibrant region of Switzerland renowned for its rich cultural heritage and economic diversity. The official language here is German, reflecting the local population's heritage and influencing the business environment. One of the key economic indicators that residents and potential job seekers often consider is the salary landscape in the region. According to recent statistics, the median salary in Canton St. Gallen is CHF 6,080 per month. This figure provides a solid baseline for understanding the earning potential across various industries within the canton.


When analyzing salaries in St. Gallen, it is essential to consider the diverse sectors contributing to the local economy. The region is home to industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology, each offering different wage scales. For instance, professionals in the healthcare sector may find salaries that range significantly based on specialization, with nurses earning around CHF 5,200 monthly, while doctors can earn upwards of CHF 10,000. This disparity highlights the importance of education and experience in determining salary levels.

In addition to industry-specific salaries, the cost of living in St. Gallen is an important factor for employees and employers alike. The cost of living index in St. Gallen is generally moderate when compared to other Swiss cities like Zurich or Geneva. This means that while salaries may appear lower in comparison, the purchasing power remains relatively balanced, allowing residents to enjoy a good quality of life. For example, housing costs in St. Gallen are about 15% lower than in Zurich, making it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.

Moreover, salary growth in Canton St. Gallen has shown promising trends in recent years. With an unemployment rate hovering around 3.2%, the job market remains competitive, pushing employers to offer better compensation packages to attract skilled workers. According to a survey conducted by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, salaries in St. Gallen have increased by an average of 2.5% annually over the past five years, reflecting the region's economic resilience and growth potential.

In conclusion, understanding salaries in Canton St. Gallen requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account various industries, cost of living, and economic trends. As the region continues to develop, potential job seekers can expect a dynamic salary landscape that reflects both local and national economic conditions.

Last updated: 2025 | Sources: BFS, ESTV, BAG