Jobs in Switzerland: Which Roles Are in the Highest Demand?
Switzerland’s job market has grown steadily in 2024. However, some sectors still struggle to fill key roles. By the end of September, Switzerland had added 65,000 jobs compared to the previous year. While it’s easier for Swiss companies to hire talent than in 2022 and 2023, some industries still face worker shortages.
The Swiss Job Market in 2024
Data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) shows that total employment in Switzerland rose by 1.2% in Q3 2024 compared to 2023. As of September 2024, around 5.528 million people were employed, an increase of 65,800 jobs from the previous year and 10,700 from June 2024.
Most of these new positions were in the service sector (58,200 jobs), including IT, healthcare, and logistics. The industrial and construction sectors also contributed, adding 7,600 jobs.
The Most In-Demand Jobs in Switzerland
The FSO data highlights the jobs most in demand. The IT sector leads, with companies actively seeking tech professionals. Transport and logistics, banking, finance, communications, healthcare, and skilled technicians also top the list.
Canton Zurich and eastern Switzerland are expected to offer the most opportunities in the near future. These regions are home to major business hubs requiring skilled workers. However, industries like hospitality and Swiss watchmaking face more difficulty in hiring staff.
Worker Shortages Continue
Despite more jobs being filled, worker shortages remain a challenge. By the end of September, Switzerland had 98,800 job vacancies, a 12.4% drop from the previous year. But 37.9% of companies still struggle to find qualified candidates. As the shortage worsens, companies may look abroad to fill positions. This could lead to higher salaries and better benefits for in-demand professionals.
Job Vacancies by Sector
Healthcare leads the list of sectors with open positions, with 17,400 vacancies. Housing and construction follow with 15,500, while manufacturing has 15,000, and vehicle sales and repairs has 9,700 open roles. These sectors are likely to continue needing workers, especially as Switzerland’s population ages and urban development increases.
Regional Job Opportunities
Canton Zurich has the highest number of open positions, with around 23,500 vacancies. Other regions like Mittelland (including Bern, Fribourg, Jura, Neuchâtel, and Solothurn) and northwestern Switzerland (including Basel-Land, Basel-Stadt, and Aargau) follow with 20,300 and 15,900 vacancies, respectively. Companies in these regions are expected to continue hiring as demand for skilled workers remains strong.
Future Hiring Trends in Switzerland
The FSO reports that 10.9% of companies plan to expand their workforce in the short term, down from 12.4% in 2023. Conversely, 5% of companies plan to reduce their workforce, slightly up from 4.5% last year. This indicates that while many companies are still hiring, some may adjust staffing levels due to market conditions.
Switzerland’s job market continues to evolve. IT, healthcare, logistics, and construction remain promising fields, while industries like hospitality and watchmaking face more challenges. As competition for skilled workers intensifies, demand for talent in regions like Zurich and eastern Switzerland will stay strong. Job seekers should keep an eye on these trends for the best opportunities.
For more details, visit the official Federal Statistical Office website.
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