From gross to net in Switzerland: what is left of your physical salary?

You've probably heard that physical therapists in Switzerland earn considerably more than in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. But what do you really love about it? We'll explain step by step how to go from gross to net in Switzerland.

This is how the Swiss tax system works

The Swiss system works fundamentally differently than what you're used to. There are two things that depend on your gross salary:

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1. Social contributions (13.5% of gross salary)

• Pension (AHV/IV): 5.3%
• Unemployment Insurance (ALV): 1.1%
• Company pension savings (BVG): 7% (up to the age of 35)

2. Quellensteuer (3-12% of gross salary, depending on canton)

As a new physiotherapist, you pay Quellensteuer - a fixed percentage that is deducted directly from your salary. This percentage is determined by:

• Your canton and municipality
• Your age
• Your income scale
• Your personal situation (married/single, children)

After 5 years, you can apply for an Aufenthaltsbewilligung C. Then you pay tax like a Swiss person via the regular three-tier system:

• Federal tax: 1-11% (progressive by income)
• Cantonal tax: 0-13% (varies enormously by canton)
• Council tax: variable by municipality

The big difference? With a C permit, you fill out an annual tax return and pay afterwards, instead of automatic monthly deduction. For most physios, the overall load percentage remains comparable to the Quellensteuer.

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From gross to net: a concrete example

Let's look at a starting physio in the canton of Lucerne with €5,500 gross per month:

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Step 1 - Social contributions are deducted:

• €5,500 gross salary
• €740 social security contributions (13.5%)
• = €4,760 paid out per month

Step 2 - Quellensteuer is deducted immediately:

• Quellensteuer Luzern: approximately 9% for this income
• €5,500 x 9% = €495 Quellensteuer per month
• Actual net: €4,760 - €495 = €4,265

Plus: you get a 13th month paid annually!

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Major differences with other countries

How does this relate to what you're used to? Here is a comparison of what you really have left with as a starting physio:

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Netherlands: €2,400 gross → €1,900 net
Belgium: €2,500 gross → €1,850 net
Germany: €2,100 gross → €1,500 net
Switzerland: €5,500 gross → €3,960 net

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As you can see, not only is your gross salary higher, but you also have relatively more left over. Because are you going to earn more in the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany? Then the tax rate quickly rises to 35-45%, while in Switzerland it remains around 28%.

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Cantonal differences: location determines your tax rate

Unlike in the Netherlands, there are significant differences between Quellensteuer rates between cantons in Switzerland. This can have a significant impact on what you are left with, for example, €5,500 gross (single):

• Zug: Lowest rate (3.1%) → €4,590 net
• Schwyz: Low rate (5.5%) → €4,460 net
• Lucerne: Average rate (9%) → €4,265 net
• Zurich: Average rate (9.5%) → €4,240 net
• Basel-Stadt: High rate (11%) → €4,155 net
• Geneva: Highest rate (12%) → €4,100 net

The difference between the lowest and highest rates therefore saves €490 per month: almost €6,000 per year. But beware: the average salaries also vary by canton, so on balance, you will earn more in a canton like Zurich or Geneva!

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Practical tips for your first months

• Your Quellensteuer is automatically deducted from your salary: no surprise at the end of the year
• Open a Swiss Bank Account for your salary
• Take into account 25-30% total gross deduction for a realistic estimate

And save money too!

The great thing about working in Switzerland? Even after the higher cost of living, as a physio, you can save between €1,500 and €2,000 a month: really much more than is possible in other countries.

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Ready for takeoff?

Enthusiastic about these figures on gross and net salaries in Switzerland? Then it's time to take the next step! Check out our open vacancies to see what options are available for you, or discover how we guide you from application to your first day of work in Switzerland.

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Ready to give your career and savings account a big boost?

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