10 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Switzerland for International Students

When studying in Switzerland’s dynamic academic institutions, international students often find themselves grappling with the country’s high cost of living. However, part-time jobs in Switzerland are equally lucrative and help academic pursuers find a balance between their studies and finances. 

Read on to learn more about the best 10 part-time jobs in Switzerland for students.

Quick Overview

10 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in Switzerland for International Students:

Average part-time salary in Switzerland: CHF 24 Hourly

Top companies offering part-time jobs:

• Nestlé
• Migros
• Swiss Post
• Zurich Insurance
• Infosys
• Nicoll Curtin
• Climeworks

Best online sites for searching for part-time jobs:

• Jobs.ch
• Karriere.at
• Tutti.ch
• Adia
• LinkedIn
• JobCheck

Getting a part-time job in Switzerland as an international student

As an international student in Switzerland, you can work part-time (up to 15 hours/week during the academic year). Popular jobs include tutoring, working in restaurants, hotels, retail, or assisting university departments. Language skills and a valid residence permit are required.

Part-time job rules for international students in Switzerland

• Maximum Hours – Typically, 15 hours per week during the academic year.
• Minimum Wage – CHF 20 – CHF 25 per hour 
• Work Permit – Not required for short-term part-time work.
• Student Visas – Often allow part-time work, but specific regulations may vary. 
• Language proficiency – Strong skills in German or French are essential for most jobs, as they are the primary national languages.

10 highest paying part-time jobs in Switzerland for international students

Freelance Translator Jobs (Average CHF 60 per hour)

Job Details: Freelance translating jobs in Switzerland provide excellent work exposure to international students. With a high demand for Swiss German to English translations, part-time jobs for students in Switzerland often involve translation projects of academic papers, legal documents, marketing material and even medical records and research. 

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 55 – CHF 65 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Fluency in two or more languages. 
• Excellent research and translation skills.
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work. 

How to Apply/Find: Freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Proz, etc. 

Social Media Assistant Jobs (Average CHF 60 per hour)

Job Details: Working as a social media assistant lets international students use their unique perspectives while managing a company’s social media. It also offers a chance to learn cultural nuances and strengthen their Swiss language skills.

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 50 – CHF 80 per hour

Eligibility: 

• A good understanding of social media platforms.
• Proficiency in content creation and editing tools. 
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work. 

How to Apply/Find: Job boards and websites. 

Tour Guide (Average CHF 60 per hour)

Job Details: Working as a tour guide allows international students to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the country. From food tours to historic guides, proficiency in two or more languages offers students the opportunity to learn more about Switzerland while providing a memorable experience for visitors. 

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 50 – CHF 80 per hour

Eligibility: 

• Fluency in two or more languages.
• Knowledge of Swiss history, culture and attraction.
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work. 

How to Apply/Find: Tourism companies, online job boards, and university career centres. 

IT Support Specialist Jobs (Average CHF 43 per hour)

Job Details: As an international student with IT skills, you can find part-time opportunities as an IT Support Specialist. This allows you to build up your resume while gaining meaningful experience in your field as a fresher. 

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 40 – CHF 45 per hour

Eligibility: 

• A good understanding of computer hardware and software. 
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. 
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work.

How to Apply/Find: Job boards and websites. 

Bank Intern (Average CHF 37 per hour)

Job Details: As an international student, a bank internship can provide valuable hands-on experience in the Swiss banking industry. Internships at Swiss banks offer opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and gain insights into international finance.   

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 35 – CHF 40 per hour

Eligibility: 

• Relevant academic background. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work.

How to Apply/Find: Bank websites, university career boards, online job portals. 

Retail Sales Associate Jobs (Average CHF 37 per hour)

Job Details: Retail sales associate jobs give international students practical experience, language skill improvement, and extra income.  

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 35 – CHF 40 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Basic knowledge of retail operations.
• Fluency in English. 
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work.

How to Apply/Find: Online platforms, retail stores. 

Ski Instructor Jobs (Average CHF 30 per hour)

Job Details: Working as a ski instructor in Switzerland offers an incredible opportunity to combine work and play in a stunning mountain setting.  It also allows international students to build communication skills and refine their languages.   

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 25 – CHF 35 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Fluency in English.
• International Ski Instructor Certification.
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work.

How to Apply/Find: Ski resorts, online job boards and personal networking. 

Research Assistant Jobs (Average CHF 30 per hour)

Job Details: Working as a research assistant can provide valuable experience in a specific academic field. It offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers and contribute to ongoing projects, allowing international students to gain hands-on experience in research methodologies.   

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 25 – CHF 35 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Strong academic background in relevant fields of research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work.

How to Apply/Find: Local Supermarkets, Personal networking.

Restaurant Server Jobs (Average CHF 30 per hour)

Job Details: As an international student in Switzerland, working as a restaurant server can be a great way to earn extra income, improve your language skills and experience Swiss culture firsthand.     

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 25 – CHF 35 per hour (not including tips).

Eligibility: 

• Customer service skills. 
• Fluency in English, French and German.
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work.

How to Apply/Find: Local Restaurants, Online Job Boards, Personal Networking.

Hotel Receptionist Jobs (Average CHF 27 per hour)

Job Details: As an international student, working as a hotel receptionist offers the opportunity to interact with international guests, develop customer service skills and gain insights into the hospitality industry.     

Expected Salary Bracket: CHF 25 – CHF 30 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Customer service skills.
• Fluency in English and a second language is a plus.
• A valid work permit or student visa allows part-time work.

How to Apply/Find: Online Platforms, personal networking.

Part-time Job in Switzerland – Citywise 

Benefits of part-time jobs in Switzerland

• The Switzerland part-time job salary helps cover living expenses, tuition fees and other associated costs.
•  You gain practical experience and skills relevant to your field of study.
• Interacting with local customers and colleagues improves language skills and deepens understanding of Swiss culture. 
• Provides the opportunity to build professional connections with people in the industry. 
• Balancing studies and employment helps you develop discipline and time management skills. 

Types of part-time jobs in Switzerland for international students

• Tutoring: As an international student, you can leverage your academic knowledge to tutor younger students in math, science or languages. 
• Restaurant and Hospitality: Work as a waiter, barista, or kitchen staff in cafes, restaurants, or hotels.
• Retail: Gain experience in customer service and sales by working in retail stores, boutiques or supermarkets.
• University Jobs: Assist professors with research, teaching or administrative tasks.  
• Seasonal Work: Explore opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry such as ski resorts or summer camps during peak seasons. 
• Freelancing: Use your writing, translation, design or programming skills to work as a freelancer. 

How to find part-time jobs in Switzerland for international students? 

• University Job Boards: Use your university’s student job boards to access job listings and receive career counselling.
• Online Job Boards: Explore online platforms to find part-time job opportunities. 
• Personal Networking: Connect with international students, faculty, and local professionals to discover opportunities and gain insights.
• Direct Approach: Directly approach local businesses, such as restaurants, cafes, hotels and retail stores to inquire about part-time job opportunities. 
• Language Schools: Consider working as a language tutor or assistant at language schools, especially if you are fluent in a language in high demand. 

Why use Instarem for international transfers? 

Managing finances as an international student in Switzerland can be stressful, but Instarem simplifies international money transfers. With competitive exchange rates and low fees, Instarem makes business money transfer and personal transfers hassle-free. The currency converter offers easy conversion at competitive rates, letting you focus on your studies while managing finances seamlessly.

FAQs 

Q. Can Students work part-time in Switzerland?

Yes, international students in Switzerland can work part-time, up to 15 hours per week during the academic year.  

Q. How much international students can earn in Switzerland part-time?

Part-time job wages in Switzerland vary depending on the job, location and experience. However, you can generally expect your wages to range from CHF 20 to CHF 30 per hour. 

Q. Which part-time job salary in Switzerland is highest?

Freelance translators and IT-related part-time jobs tend to pay the highest in Switzerland.  

Q. What is the minimum salary in Switzerland?

The minimum salary in Switzerland varies by canton and is updated annually. For instance, the minimum wage in Geneva is CHF 24.32 but CHF 20.08 in Neuchâtel.

Q. Is it easy to get a part-time job in Switzerland?

Yes, provided you have a valid work permit and basic qualifications, it is possible to find a part-time job in Switzerland for international students.  

Q. Can I work 50 hours a week in Switzerland?

No, international students are limited to 15 hours of part-time work per week during the academic year.  

Q. How much is the per-hour salary in Switzerland for students?

The per-hour salary for students can range from CHF 20 to CHF 30 on average. The amount varies depending on the job, location and the student’s qualifications. 

Q. How much is rent in Switzerland?

Rent in Switzerland can be high, especially in major cities. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Geneva’s city centre would cost around CHF 1,774 monthly. 

Other related blogs:

Australia: Part-time jobs for students in Australia

USA: Part-time jobs for students in USA

UK: Part-time jobs for students in UK

Singapore: Part-time jobs for students in Singapore

Germany: Part-time jobs for students in Germany

Ireland: Part-time jobs for students in Ireland

France: Part-time jobs for students in France

Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

*Quick meaning 75% of our transactions are completed in 15 minutes. Depending on the funding method.

@ When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

Note: Salary and cost of living are taken from different websites on 8th December 2024 and are subject to change.