Let's start with a metaphor

Recently I read an interesting metaphor: A bottle of water costs 25 cents in a supermarket. If you go to a kiosk or takeaway restaurant that same bottle might cost anything between 1 and 3 euros. And if you go up to a popular tourist destination up on a mountain the same bottle might now cost 6 euros. It's the same bottle and the same water each time, but the price is quite different depending on where you buy and consume it. So the bottle of water can maximize its price by just being in the right location.

And the very same thing goes for people: You have to be in the right location and role to maximize your salary as a software developer!



Salaries are a multiple in Switzerland of what you are making now

Software developers living in Switzerland are highly sought after and often offered salaries that are several times more than what they could expect to earn in other countries. This is because Switzerland has a well-developed economy, with high levels of investment in technology, software development and research. The whole world knows Switzerland and Swiss companies as a supplier of reliable, efficient and highly-sophisticated technology. In other words: Swiss companies are very productive and you can have a high impact when working for a Swiss company.

Switzerland also offers modern working conditions, with decently progressive labor laws that prioritize employee rights and benefits. This means you can expect paid holidays, generous pension plans, great healthcare coverage and flexible working hours in the tech industry. With all of these benefits, it's no wonder why so many developers flock to Switzerland for better-paying jobs.

The high cost of living in Switzerland can be offset by the earning potential - salaries are much higher than in other countries

Living in Switzerland is an attractive prospect for many, chiefly due to the strong earning potential; salaries are some of the highest in Europe and well beyond. However, there is a caveat to this; unsurprisingly, the cost of living is also correspondingly high. For example, basic essentials such as food and utilities can be expensive when compared to other countries. This shouldn't put people off considering life in Switzerland though - with proper budgeting and sensible planning, one can enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer without breaking the bank. Refusing temptations (e.g. overspending on non-essentials) and taking advantage of discounts will help greatly in navigating these expenses as well as ensuring financial stability throughout one's stay here.



Double or triple your monthly savings in Switzerland

Moving to Switzerland as a software developer can be a great decision for those looking to significantly increase their monthly savings. With the high salaries and generous benefits common in Swiss tech companies, it is not uncommon for software developers to double or triple their current monthly savings rate.

The high cost of living in Switzerland is easily offset by the increased wages offered by employers in the country. With careful budgeting and living expenses taken into account, software developers have the opportunity to maximize their monthly savings in a way that would be hardly possible elsewhere.

I often hear people say: "But if everything is twice as expensive, how can I save more?"

If you are good at math you will know that the law of distributivity is the answer to this question. If your net income and your living expenses double, then so does its difference, your savings rate. Only if your cost of living increased at a much higher factor than your net income vs. your current numbers, you would make a loss on your savings rate.



Taxes are lower in many cases than in your current country, so you will get a nicer payout from your pretax salary

Taxes in Switzerland are typically lower than those in other countries, which means that workers in the country can enjoy a higher net salary after deductions.  For example, the Canton of Zug on average only requires you to pay about 6 percent of taxes on a medium salary of 120K CHF per year. That is roughly what an average "Senior Developer" with a few years of experience can get in 2023. Even with the comparatively hefty Swiss social contributions (approx. 20-25% of your salary), your net payout will still be dramatically better than it would be in most OECD countries.

Switzerland has a more efficient government than many countries around the world, and this is reflected in the comparatively low taxes. The Swiss federal and cantonal governments have implemented a system of taxation that is designed to be fair but sufficient to finance the Swiss infrastructure and public services.

There is a low unemployment rate, so finding a job is easier than in many other places, even in fields outside of IT

If you are reading this, chances are that you are a software developer and don't worry about finding a job. But what if you want to bring a partner to Switzerland who does not work in IT?



Finding a job has become easier due to the low unemployment rate in the current economy. With more jobs than people looking for them, it is becoming easier for skilled workers and students entering the workforce to find work. Additionally, new businesses are opening up so there are a variety of innovative options for those on the hunt. Companies now recognize that competition is high and with many seeking employment, they are offering competitive salaries and bonuses to retain employees. Even with a difficult economy, job seekers can take comfort in knowing they have improved odds of finding a job in this market.

The quality of life in Switzerland is excellent, with great infrastructure and amenities

There are a few more places in the world where you can earn a world-class salary. But it is probably hard to beat the combination of high salaries and quality of living in Switzerland.

The quality of life in Switzerland is outstanding. From its enchanting mountain scenery to efficient transportation and telecommunications networks, everything has been designed for an excellent living experience. It stands out for the convenience and luxury it offers, with plenty of options in terms of housing, education, welfare, recreation, leisure and health services. Government investment in infrastructure is evident everywhere you look and the country enjoys high-quality roads, public transport and educational institutions while those opting to bicycle have dedicated bike paths running throughout Switzerland’s cities. With one of the highest HDI ratings in the world (in the top 3 for the last 10 years), Switzerland provides a remarkably safe and secure environment for its citizens. This excellent quality of life makes it no wonder that so many people each year flock to this beautiful country to call home.

Overall, Switzerland is an amazing place for software developers and tech workers given its high salaries, low taxes and the highly sought-after demand for tech talent. It is obvious that with a well-executed plan and a bit of effort, you can quickly and meaningfully increase your wages by double or triple when you move to Switzerland. If you're looking to make more money as a software developer while sometimes even increasing your quality of life, then Switzerland has got you covered. Therefore, if you're really serious about taking the big leap into relocating to Switzerland then we recommend getting in touch with us so that we can help make sure you get the right visas, bank accounts and plans in place before making the move. With our help, you'll be able to smoothly and securely move to Switzerland so that you can take advantage of the lucrative opportunities open to software developers without pain or any bad surprises. So don't hesitate any longer - contact us today and let us assist you on your journey to doubling or tripling your income!