Wage increase after completion of the "Kauffrau / Kaufmann (Federal VET Diploma)" course

Lohnerhöhung nach Abschluss des Lehrgangs „Kauffrau / Kaufmann (EFZ)“

If you have completed a commercial apprenticeship with a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (VET Diploma), there are numerous attractive career opportunities in the commercial sector. An important aspect here is of course the salary, i.e. what you can realistically earn.

In the commercial sector in particular, the focus is often on training and professional qualifications - the Federal VET Diploma therefore does not immediately lead to a significantly higher salary in every company. However, it is an important key for job applications, career changes and your long-term development.

Factors influencing your salary

Your actual salary depends on several factors:
✔ Industry / field of activity (e.g. administration, wholesale, insurance, tourism)
✔ Region or canton (e.g. wages tend to be higher in Zurich or Geneva)
✔ Age, professional experience and continuing education, further training
✔ Company size and team responsibility

Calculate your personal salary opportunities as a commercial clerk (Federal VET Diploma) in just a few clicks with the help of the federal government's salary calculator. A brief explanation of the term "gross": The gross salary is before deductions (social insurance, pension fund, taxes). Depending on your situation and place of residence, you will typically have a little less net in your pocket because statutory deductions and the cost of living have to be taken into account.

Click on "Salarium - statistical wage calculator" under Source and then on the "Calculate wages" button:

  • Step 1: Enter your region / place of work (e.g. Zurich)
  • Step 2: Enter your industry (e.g. 58 publishing)
  • Step 3: Enter the following for occupational group: 41 General office and secretarial staff
  • Step 4: Position in the company - select "Without management function"
  • Step 5: Weekly hours 42
  • Step 6: Training: Without completed vocational training
  • Step 7: Enter your age (e.g. 30 years)
  • Step 8: Enter further optional information (if available and desired)

Source:"Federal Statistical Office, FSO"

Note: This sample calculation refers to the data from Salarium (end of 2024). You can find informationhere. A list of other payroll calculator tools is availablehere.

The example salary in our calculation is CHF 5,918. Now go back to the "Training" section and select "Completed vocational training", resulting in a new average salary of CHF 5,961 as a commercial clerk (Federal VET Diploma).

Please note: The calculation is intended as an example and is always a rounded figure. As mentioned above, the salary depends on various factors and sometimes varies greatly.

Find a training institute that offers the Federal VET Diploma in Business Administration course now:

Directly to providers of "Business Management Assistant (Federal VET Diploma)" courses