Matthias is 23 years old and works as an electronics technician EFZ with a vocational baccalaureate at a mechanical engineering company in Solothurn. In his job, he creates circuits and develops hardware and software for machines. Matthias also carries out commissioning, measuring, maintenance and testing work on these machines. He enjoys his work as an electronics technician and working closely with the team. Electronics technicians create graphic designs for the software and implement them using a higher programming language. They then test the functionality of the control systems, record the entire development process and write technical documents. They then build the hardware and prepare the production work. Matthias is popular in the team because of his good understanding of abstract relationships, interest in new technologies and his skillful hands. For his future, he can imagine himself in an interface function between business administration and technology. Matthias is therefore studying for a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. With this degree course at a university of applied sciences, he would like to gain in-depth business management expertise and knowledge of computer science, mathematics, logistics, company organization and finance. He can also deepen his knowledge of electrical engineering and supplement this with his expertise in design and production. During the four-year course at the University of Applied Sciences, Matthias continues to work 50% in mechanical engineering. After completing his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, he would like to start as a production manager in mechanical engineering. His future tasks will include analyzing the economic and technical interrelationships in production and the associated quality management and service management. As production manager, Matthias ensures a smooth, efficient production process and is constantly on the lookout for new optimization opportunities using financial and economic analyses. With a Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Matthias can take on challenging tasks as an industrial engineer and manager in industrial companies or work as a consultant. Thanks to his studies, he has good prospects on the job market and has significantly increased his industrial engineering FH salary.

Financial benefits of the Bachelor's degree program in Industrial Engineering and Management

After completing his degree in industrial engineering, Matthias will receive CHF 3,875 more per month as an industrial engineer FH than before and will therefore have at least CHF 1.65 million more at his disposal by the time he retires than if he had not studied.

As this theoretical calculation does not take into account any further pay rises, promotions or interest on savings, the salary of an industrial engineer FH can still increase significantly.

Calculation in detail

Studied industrial engineering to become an industrial engineer FH:

• 4 years, part-time study, 50% practical work
• Study costs (enrollment, tuition fees, etc.): CHF 5'800
• Loss of earnings during the four years of part-time study: CHF 121,134 (5,070 / 2 = 2,535 x 12 x 4)
• Total training costs: CHF 121,680 (training costs plus loss of salary CHF 5,800 + CHF 121,134 = CHF 121,680)

Wage difference and yield calculation:

• Difference in salary between the position as an electronics technician EFZ and the position as an industrial engineer FH: CHF 8,945 - CHF 5,070 = CHF 3,875 per month and CHF 46,500 per year (12 x CHF 3,875 = CHF 46,500)
• He recoups the total training costs of CHF 126,934 in 2.5 years with the higher salary as an industrial engineer FH (CHF 126,934 / CHF 46,500 per year = 2.5 years)
• Over the remaining 38 years until retirement (27 to 65), this additional income will add up to CHF 1,767,000 (38 x CHF 46,500 = CHF 1,767,000)
• If the training costs are deducted from this additional income, an additional sum of around CHF 1,645,000 remains at its disposal(CHF 1'767'000 - CHF 121'680 = CHF 1'645'320)

Sources:

• The training costs correspond to an average of the courses offered in German-speaking Switzerland.
• Wages were calculated in the federal wage calculator www.salarium.ch with the following settings:
• Calculations as an EFZ electronics technicianwith a vocational baccalaureate before the Bachelor's degree:
  • Region: Espace Mittelland
  • Industry: 28 Mechanical engineering
  • Occupational group: 74 Electricians and electronics technicians
  • Position in the company: Level 5 without management function
  • Hours per week: 42 hours
  • Education: Matura
  • Age: 23 years
  • Years of service: not specified
  • Company size: 20 - 49 employees
  • 12/13 monthly salary: 13 monthly salary (converted pro rata to 12 salaries)
  • Special payments: no
  • Monthly / hourly wage: Monthly wage
  • Result:Central value (median) ofCHF 5'070
• Calculationsafter graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering FH:
  • Region: Espace Mittelland
  • Industry: 28 Mechanical engineering
  • Professional group: 21 Scientists, mathematicians and engineers
  • Position in the company: Level 1+2 Upper and middle management
  • Hours per week: 42 hours
  • Education: University of Applied Sciences (FH)
  • Age: 27 years
  • Years of service: not specified
  • Company size: 20 - 49 employees
  • 12/13 monthly salary: 13 monthly salary (converted pro rata to 12 salaries)
  • Special payments: no
  • Monthly / hourly wage: Monthly wage
  • Result:Central value (median) ofCHF 8'945

(All figures as at November 2022)

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