Switzerland is known for its research and innovation, and it is no wonder that PhD study in Switzerland is highly sought after. PhD and Postdoc salary Switzerland is among the highest in the world in 2023. However, the cost of living and the expenses can be quite high, so it is important to know what to expect before embarking on this academic journey. In this blog post, we will delve into the salary, tax, and expenses of PhD students in Switzerland.
Salary of PhD Students in Switzerland
The average salary of PhD students in Switzerland is CHF 50,000 per year, which translates to CHF 4,167 per month. However, the actual salary can vary depending on the institution and the student’s position, and it can range between CHF 37,795 and CHF 86,960. It is important to note that the net salary (take-home money) of PhD students is certainly less than the gross salary shown above, as there are several deductions from the monthly salary.
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PhD Students’ Salary at ETHZ
A PhD student at ETH Zurich can expect a salary between CHF 59,000 to CHF 83,000 per year, depending on the funding of their institute, the professor they work with, and the rate they are assigned. The standard rate is 60% of a full salary, which can increase up to 100% with Rate 5. However, most PhD students are assigned Rate 4 or 5, and the salary is not regularly adjusted but may change if there is a change in the regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Additionally, the salary is generally higher for IT PhDs than for Bio PhDs. The AHV contribution will be paid out once the individual retires. Lastly, a recent announcement mentions that there will be a salary increase of 2.5 percent as of March 2023.
PhD Students’ Salary at EPFL
According to the official website of EPFL, the basic starting salary of an EPFL doctoral assistant in 2023 is CHF 54’000.- gross per annum. The full salary scale is available on the same webpage. Additionally, there is a fellowship program called EPFLinnovators which provides a monthly contribution of EUR 1’855 to the salary of the doctoral candidate at EPFL in 2023. The remaining part of the salary is the responsibility of the thesis director, and co-funding cannot come from projects requiring timekeeping.
Taxation
Taxation is mandatory in Switzerland for PhD students, and it is the same for all students. The amount of tax paid by PhD students in Switzerland can vary depending on various factors such as the canton of residence, the marital status of the student, and the student’s income. As a foreigner doing a PhD in Switzerland, one may be entitled to tax deductions, but this depends on individual circumstances. It is recommended to seek professional advice to fully understand the tax implications of being a PhD student in Switzerland.
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Salary of Postdoc in Switzerland
Postdoctoral research is a significant step in a research career for many individuals. Switzerland is among the top destinations for postdoctoral researchers due to its well-established universities and research institutes. Many researchers aim to pursue postdoc positions in Switzerland, which raises the question of how much they can earn. In this blog post, we will explore the salary of postdocs in Switzerland based on the provided search results.
According to the search results, the average postdoc salary in Switzerland is CHF 80,000 per year or CHF 41.03 per hour. However, the salary can vary based on several factors such as the age and experience of the candidate, the institution, and the area. Entry-level positions start at CHF 72,638 per year, while the most experienced workers can earn up to CHF 92,583 per year.
The salary also varies depending on the field of research. For instance, a postdoc position in the Stochastic Information Processing Group at the University of Geneva in machine learning for imaging, generative modeling, and data analysis in radio-astronomy offers a salary of CHF 85,000 per year. However, it is worth noting that the salary provided by the Stochastic Information Processing Group may not represent the average postdoc salary in Switzerland.
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It is also essential to consider the net salary of postdocs, which is the amount they earn after taxes. For example, a fully employed postdoc’s annual gross salary is CHF 95,000, which translates to around CHF 7,900 per month. However, after tax deductions, the net monthly salary is CHF 3,330.85. The net salary can vary based on the individual’s tax situation, marital status, and the number of children.
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Additionally, it is crucial to consider the cost of living in Switzerland. While the salary of postdocs in Switzerland is relatively high, the cost of living in Switzerland is also relatively high. For instance, a postdoc earning CHF 75,000 to 80,000 per year should be okay for a single person living in Geneva, Lausanne, or Zurich, considering the cost of living. It is advisable to consider the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other expenses when planning to live in Switzerland.
Expenses and Cost of Living In Switzerland
The cost of living in Switzerland is relatively high, even compared to other countries in Western Europe. Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses for PhD students in Switzerland, and the cost can vary depending on the accommodation type and location. On average, one can expect to pay around CHF 700 per month for accommodation. Other expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities can also add up, and it is recommended to budget accordingly. Note that In comparison to other cities, Zurich is more expensive than 98% of cities in the world, and is the most expensive city in Switzerland and Western Europe. It is 28.8% more expensive than New York City without rent, based on Numbeo’s cost of living index.
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