Equivalent to 640 Francs a Month, Switzerland’s Unexplained Gender Pay Gap Persists

Switzerland’s gender pay gap narrowed again, but part of the difference between women’s and men’s earnings remains unexplained. The overall gap reached 15.7% in 2024, compared with 16.2% in 2022.

The figures come from a detailed report based on the Swiss Federal Statistical Office’s 2024 earnings structure survey. Researchers calculated the difference using gross monthly wages standardized to full-time equivalents based on the amount of work performed.

The report separates factors that can explain pay differences from those that cannot. Education, years of service and the hierarchical position held within a company account for part of the gap. These differences also reflect the distinct ways women and men are integrated into the labor market.

The Federal Statistical Office said the disparity becomes more pronounced at higher management levels. The figures therefore show an overall improvement while pointing to continuing differences across sectors and professional responsibilities.