Though Switzerland is known as a land of high salaries and equally high prices, just how much do you have to earn to be considered wealthy? A new study from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) has the answer:
Starting with average wages, the FSO found that to be classified as “middle income” in Switzerland, a single person must have a monthly gross income of between 4.126 and 8.842 francs a month. This rises to between 8.666 and 18.569 francs a month for couples with two children.
The report noted that the average middle-income worker earns 6.173 Swiss francs a month or 74.076 francs a year, and boasts a disposable income of 4.418 francs. For reference, disposable income in this case refers to gross income once taxes, social security and basic health insurance are paid.
The FSO noted that average middle incomes have risen by 15 percent between 2002 and 2022. However, this wage growth has not been consistent: at various points such as in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2015, average wages for the “middle class” fell. As of 2022, 57,6 percent of the working population in Switzerland is classed as having a middle income.
By comparison, to be considered high-income in Switzerland, individuals have to earn at least 8.842 francs a month, while couples with two children have to earn 18.569 francs a month or more. As of 2022, the average amount on the payslips of “high earners” stands at 12.861 francs for single people, with a disposable income of 8.676 francs. Average annual incomes, therefore, come in at 154.332 francs, more than double the average middle income.
The FSO noted that 19,1 percent of the Swiss population has high-income status. The ratio of affluent people has remained relatively stable since 2000, typically making up between 18 and 21 percent of the population.
By contrast, the average salary of a “low-income earner” is just 3.057 francs a month. 23,3 percent of the population were classified as low earners in 2022, a 1,6 percentage point increase compared to 2021.
Interestingly, according to the FSO, while spending on taxes, social security and insurance has increased across all income groups, middle-income earners are the least affected. The report found that the biggest rises in compulsory spending, on average, have been felt by high and low-income earners.