Where to study, how much people earn, and how Ukrainians can plan their careers

Choosing a profession in Switzerland is not about trends or prestige. It is, above all, a matter of economic structure, demographic change, and real labour market demand. This is why generic “jobs of the future” forecasts that circulate widely on social media often fail to reflect the realities of a specific national context.

For Ukrainians living in Switzerland, it is particularly important to understand not only which professions are considered promising, but also why, where relevant education can be obtained, and what conditions must be met in order to actually work in a chosen field.

This article is based on data from Swiss institutions, labour market research, and reports by recruitment agencies. It explains which professional fields are expected to maintain stable demand in Switzerland in the coming years.

How the Swiss labour market is changing

In 2024–2025, the Swiss labour market shows overall stability without a sharp increase in job vacancies, while at the same time facing a clear shortage of qualified professionals in several sectors. According to the Federal Statistical Office, employment growth remains moderate, yet employers increasingly struggle to find suitably skilled staff.

Several key factors are shaping this situation:

• an ageing population;
• growing demand for healthcare and social care services;
• ongoing digitalisation of business and public administration;
• the energy transition and infrastructure modernisation;
• high requirements for qualifications and language skills.

As a result, demand is not centred on “universal” professions, but rather on clearly defined fields with strong practical specialisation.

Prospective professional fields in Switzerland

1. Data Analytics and Business Analysis

(Data Analyst / Business Analyst)

Data analytics has long moved beyond the boundaries of the IT sector. In Switzerland, professionals working with data are in demand across finance, pharmaceuticals, logistics, retail, insurance, and the public sector.

This field is not only about programming, but also about:

• analysing business processes;
• working with large data sets;
• supporting managerial decision-making;
• optimising costs and operational processes.

Income levels in this area remain among the highest on the Swiss labour market. Depending on experience and region, annual gross salaries typically range between CHF 95,000 and CHF 130,000.

Where to study:

Universities and universities of applied sciences with a focus on statistics, economics, computer science, and applied sciences. Employers particularly value a combination of formal education and practical experience.

2. Software Development and IT

(Software Engineer, IT Specialist)

Despite periodic fluctuations in the global IT sector, demand for software developers and technical specialists in Switzerland remains consistently high. This is closely linked to the country’s strong financial, pharmaceutical, and engineering industries.

The most sought-after profiles include:

• backend and frontend developers;
• cloud solutions specialists;
• system engineers;
• DevOps professionals.

Salaries in the IT sector typically start at around CHF 100,000 per year and can exceed CHF 140,000 for experienced specialists.

Swiss employers place strong emphasis on:

• formal education or recognised certifications;
• local professional experience;
• knowledge of the regional language, especially outside international corporations.

3. Cybersecurity and Digital Protection

(Cybersecurity Specialist)

Cybersecurity has become a distinct and increasingly strategic field, particularly in a country with a strong banking and pharmaceutical sector. Protecting data, infrastructure, and digital processes is a critical task for both private companies and public institutions.

Cybersecurity professionals work in areas such as:

• finance and insurance;
• healthcare;
• industry;
• government IT systems.

This is a highly specialised field with demanding requirements, but also with corresponding income levels and strong job security.

4. Healthcare and Care Services

(Healthcare, Nursing, Medical Technician)

Healthcare is one of the most stable segments of the Swiss labour market. Population ageing has created a structural shortage of medical and care professionals, largely independent of economic cycles.

The highest demand is for:

• nurses;
• care specialists;
• laboratory and medical technicians.

Income levels vary depending on qualification, but typically range between CHF 70,000 and CHF 110,000 per year.

Important: working in healthcare requires official recognition of qualifications in Switzerland, as well as strong proficiency in the language of the relevant canton.

5. Engineering and Energy

(Engineering, Renewable Energy)

Engineering professions remain a cornerstone of the Swiss economy. Particularly important are fields related to:

• construction and transport infrastructure;
• electrical engineering;
• renewable energy;
• industrial automation.

The energy transition and continuous infrastructure modernisation are creating long-term demand for engineers across a wide range of specialisations.

Annual salaries in this field typically fall between CHF 90,000 and CHF 120,000.

6. Finance, Compliance and Risk Management

(Finance, Compliance, Risk Management)

Switzerland remains one of Europe’s key financial centres. At the same time, the financial sector is increasingly shifting its focus away from traditional banking functions towards:

• regulatory compliance;
• risk management;
• financial analysis.

These professional fields are particularly relevant for individuals with an economics or finance background.

Income levels in the financial sector often exceed the national average and can reach up to CHF 150,000 per year for experienced professionals.

Where to study: the local education context

The Swiss education system clearly distinguishes between traditional universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule / Haute école spécialisée). The latter are often more practice-oriented and enable faster integration into the labour market.

Key fields of study that offer strong labour market advantages include:

• applied sciences;
• engineering;
• business analytics and statistics;
• medical technology.

Important to note: education completed in Switzerland or official recognition of foreign qualifications is often a decisive factor for employment, especially in regulated professions such as healthcare and engineering. This typically involves additional certification and approval procedures.

What currently defines the Swiss labour market

Analysis by the Adecco Group Swiss Job Market Index indicates that in 2025 the overall number of job vacancies in some professional groups has declined compared to the previous year, while the employment indicator remains moderately positive, without strong growth.

At the same time, certain sectors — particularly healthcare and personal services — continue to develop even in a stabilised market environment.

Practical guidance for Ukrainians in Switzerland

• Plan your education early, ideally before arrival or within the first year of residence.
• Invest in language skills (German, French, or Italian) — they are a key factor for success.
• Universities of applied sciences often offer a realistic and effective pathway into the labour market.
• Focus on concrete skills and competencies, not only on job titles.



Final perspective

In 2025, the Swiss labour market does not show a “vacancy boom”, but it continues to offer stable prospects for highly qualified professionals, particularly in healthcare, data-driven roles, engineering, and technical specialisations. Decisions about education and career planning are best made not on the basis of generic future forecasts, but by taking into account local labour market data, employers’ practical requirements, and the skills that are likely to remain in demand over the long term.

If you are planning to work in Switzerland, it is important not only to understand which professions are in demand, but also how Swiss companies recruit and what they look for in candidates.

You can learn more about this in our article

“How Swiss Companies Recruit – and What Ukrainians Should Know”.