Medical jobs in Switzerland: why healthcare careers are in high demand

The European healthcare sector is facing a critical shortage of talent. According to the Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 report, EU countries are expected to need around 1.2 million additional healthcare professionals by 2025 — with doctors, nurses, care assistants, and other medical jobs among the most in-demand roles. This shortage is being driven by rising life expectancy, population ageing, and the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems.

Within this context, Switzerland has emerged as both a top destination and a pressure point for healthcare recruitment. While it boasts world-class medical infrastructure and some of the highest salaries for healthcare professionals in Europe, it also relies heavily on international talent to meet demand. According to the same report, over 40% of practising doctors and more than 25% of nurses in Switzerland were trained abroad, underlining the scale of opportunity for those seeking medical jobs in the country.

 

Top healthcare and medical jobs in demand now

Switzerland is experiencing a sharp and growing demand for healthcare professionals across a wide range of roles. According to the Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 report, the country faces ongoing shortages in both generalist and specialist medical jobs, as well as in nursing and long-term care. Despite having one of the best-resourced healthcare systems in Europe, supply has not kept up with demand – particularly outside major urban centres.

Here’s a closer look at the roles currently most in demand:

Medical specialists and general practitioners

Switzerland needs more doctors, urgently. In 2023, the WHO Europe Director Hans Kluge warned of a « crippling shortfall » of medical professionals, with as few as 2.4 doctors per 1,000 people in some areas. In Switzerland, general practitioners are particularly hard to find in rural regions, while urban hospitals are seeking specialists in cardiology, anaesthesiology, internal medicine, and geriatrics.

Nurses

Nursing shortages are one of the biggest threats to the Swiss healthcare system. The Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 report confirms that over 25% of nurses in Switzerland were trained abroad, highlighting just how dependent the system has become on international talent. Demand is especially high in intensive care units, geriatric wards, home care and community health services.

Example: many cantonal hospitals now offer relocation support, housing assistance, and language training for qualified foreign nurses, especially those with experience in elderly or palliative care.

Healthcare assistants and long-term care workers

As the population ages, so does the need for support staff in care homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Roles like auxiliary nurses (FAGE), caregivers, and home health aides are in constant demand.

Mental health professionals

The need for psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists is growing across Switzerland. This trend was accelerated by the pandemic and increased awareness of mental wellbeing. Services for children, young people, and the elderly are especially stretched.

Other high-demand medical jobs

While Switzerland is known for its world-class medical facilities and high standards of care, its healthcare system increasingly depends on international professionals to meet workforce demands. This creates a wide range of opportunities for jobseekers across multiple disciplines.

Beyond doctors and nurses, there is strong demand for allied health roles that are essential to patient care and recovery:

• Midwives, due to low birth-rate fluctuations and regional gaps;
• Pharmacists, particularly in rural pharmacies and hospital settings;
• Physiotherapists and occupational therapists, vital for rehabilitation and chronic care;
• Radiology and laboratory technicians, as diagnostics become more central to patient pathways.

 

 

Why medical jobs in Switzerland offer more than just a salary

One of the main attractions of pursuing medical jobs in Switzerland is the competitive pay. According to Health at a Glance: Europe 2024, Switzerland consistently ranks among the top-paying countries in Europe for healthcare professionals. This applies not only to doctors, but also to nurses, midwives, pharmacists and therapists.

Self-employed medical specialists earn on average 5.6 times the national salary, while salaried specialists such as hospital consultants earn 3.3 times more than the average worker.

Medical jobs in Switzerland are highly rewarded, financially and professionally, and for those willing to adapt and commit, the healthcare sector offers not only job security, but also a chance to work at the forefront of European medicine.

 

What are Swiss employers looking for?

While demand for healthcare professionals remains high, successfully securing medical jobs in Switzerland goes beyond formal qualifications. Employers are seeking individuals who not only meet technical standards, but also demonstrate adaptability, cultural awareness and a proactive approach to patient-centred care.

Whether you’re applying for a role in a city hospital or a community clinic, Swiss healthcare institutions value:

• Language proficiency in the regional language (German, French or Italian – usually B2 level minimum);
• Recognised qualifications, processed through MEBEKO (for doctors) or the Swiss Red Cross (for nurses and allied health professionals);
• Soft skills such as empathy, autonomy, clear communication, and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams;
• Digital competence, especially with electronic health records and clinical systems.

 

 

But beyond these expectations, a new era of healthcare is taking shape. According to Health at a Glance: Europe 2024, digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence are opening doors to hybrid roles, including:

• Telehealth technicians;
• Remote care coordinators;
• E-health system advisors.

These developments offer fresh opportunities for professionals who combine clinical expertise with digital fluency — and for those willing to embrace lifelong learning.

Thinking about your next career move? can support you. Discover current opportunities, get guidance on the recognition process, and find the right role in healthcare.