Comparing AI and DevOps Engineer Jobs in Major Swiss Cities: Zurich, Geneva, and Basel

AI and DevOps specialists are in high demand in Switzerland, and this is unlikely to change in the next five years. Although there are opportunities all over the country, many can be found in the larger cities. So, where are most AI and DevOps engineer jobs in Switzerland, and how do Zurich, Geneva, and Basel compare?

Number of Opportunities

One of the most important factors is the number of available jobs. In Switzerland, there is a clear winner: Zurich. According to Switzerland Global Enterprise’s directory of Swiss companies, there are 149 leading organisations in Canton Zurich. The two Cantons of Basel (country and city) are home to 52, and Geneva has 21.

‍Additionally, Zurich is less than 30 minutes away from another business hub, Zug. This means that you can live in the general area and apply for jobs in both towns.

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International Organisations

If you’re looking to work in a large, multinational organisation, both Zurich and Geneva are good options. You’ll find international organisations like the UN and Kempinski Hotels in Geneva. Zurich is home to global businesses like UBS, Google, and Zurich Insurance.

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Industries

Certain industries are particularly well-represented in one city. For example, Basel is known for its pharmaceutical companies, and Zurich is often considered the financial capital of Switzerland. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re keen on finding AI and DevOps jobs in a particular industry.

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Health

The pharmaceutical industry is well-represented in Basel, the home of companies such as Novartis and Roche. If you’re looking for AI opportunities related to the medical field, Basel is likely to be your destination. However, both Zurich and Geneva have large university hospitals, so there may be some opportunities for AI researchers.

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Infrastructure and Technology

The SGE directory lists 35 Infrastructure and Technology businesses in Zurich, 8 in Basel, and just one in Geneva.

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Finance and Insurance

Zurich is the Swiss finance and insurance hub. Although there are opportunities in other cities, you’re likely to be offered a job in Zurich if you’d like to work as an AI specialist in the finance industry. SGE’s directory lists 12 finance companies in Zurich, but only four in Basel and three in Geneva.

Salaries

Information and communication professionals can expect to earn CHF 9,131 per month in Switzerland. The average wage for those in upper management positions is CHF 12,500 per month. Although there are regional differences, AI and DevOps engineer jobs are well-paid in all three cities. Typically, those living in Zurich get paid a slightly higher wage. However, the cost of living is higher than in Geneva or Basel.

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Quality of Life

You can expect a great quality of life in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. In 2023, Zurich was ranked the most livable city in Europe by the European Commission. It ranked very highly in categories such as safety, social connection, quality of life for older citizens, and job satisfaction. Geneva and Basel offer similar advantages, although each city has its own character and atmosphere.

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Zurich

If you’re looking for a vibrant and fast-paced place to live, Zurich is the best option in Switzerland. Although it is far quieter than London or New York, there are plenty of social groups, venues, and cultural events. Most expats in Switzerland live in the canton of Zurich, so you’ll find plenty of English speakers to interact with.

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Basel

Basel is considered the art hub of Switzerland. It’s smaller than Zurich, but there’s still plenty going on, and the proportion of expats is high. Basel is great if you’re looking to live in a city but still enjoy a quiet life. It’s also conveniently located on the border of both Germany and France, so you can visit other countries within a few minutes.

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Geneva

French-speaking Geneva is another very international city. There are only slightly more inhabitants than in Basel, but Geneva feels more cosmopolitan because there are more expats than in any other Swiss canton, and the European seat of the UNO is located there. Like Zurich, this city is ideal for people who love outdoor adventures. Several ski resorts are close by, and the lake lends itself to summer activities like wakeboarding or swimming.

Increasing Your Chances of Finding Suitable AI and DevOps Engineer Jobs

Unless you’re tied to a specific location within Switzerland, it’s important to remain flexible. Apply for AI and DevOps jobs in all three cities. Additionally, look for work in smaller towns like Bern, Lausanne, and Zug. Keep in mind that Switzerland is well-connected, so you can often live in one city and commute to another in under an hour.

Looking for AI and DevOps engineer jobs in Switzerland? We can help. Check out our Opportunities page or send a spontaneous application to Rigby AG. We’ll then get back to you as soon as there’s a suitable job.