Geneva’s median wage exceeds national one; employment differences between people with migration background and those without; and more news in our roundup on Wednesday.
Geneva’s median wage is higher than national one
The Cantonal Statistical Office (OCSTAT) has recently revealed the median salary in Geneva for 2024: for a 40-hour work week, it amounts to nearly 7,900 francs per month.
This is higher than the national figure of 7,024 francs for full-time employment.
However, as is the case with wages in general, in Geneva too there are significant pay gaps between various sectors: OCSTAT estimates that the top 25 percent of Geneva earners receive approximately 10,720 francs a month, while the bottom 25 percent earn less than 5,935 francs.
New data reveals employment differences between people with migration background and those without foreign roots
Switzerland’s population with a migration background is more likely to hold low-wage jobs than those without: 21 percent for the former group versus 14 percent for the latter.
According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), their employment rate is also slightly lower (83 versus 86 percent), and they are twice as likely to be unemployed (7 percent versus 3 percent).
However, migration status is not the only factor explaining the differences observed between these groups. Other variables, such as age and education level, may also contribute to these disparities.
For the purposes of this study, the population with a migration background includes all persons of foreign nationality, naturalised Swiss citizens born abroad, those born in Switzerland with at least one parent born abroad, as well as Swiss citizens by birth whose parents were both born abroad.
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Significant price differences for ski passes in Swiss resorts in 2026
A week of skiing will cost more this coming winter than in 2025, according to a study published on Tuesday by Bank Cler and the economic research institute BAK Economics.
It found that average prices for a day on the slopes in the third week of February 2026 have risen by an average of 6 percent. However, there are significant differences between ski resorts.
The most affordable options are Airolo, Andermatt-Sedrun, and Engelberg-Titlis, while they are highest in Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Flims-Laax-Falera.
For example, an eight-day ski pass in Zermatt costs around 1,200 francs for a married couple. Families pay 1,500 francs in the same location, and even more – up to 1524 francs – in Flims-Laax-Falera.
Prices below 1,000 francs, however, can be found in Airolo.
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A petition aims to abolish 1st class on Swiss trains
The group behind the petition, the Young Swiss Transport Club (JungVCS), is arguing that 1st class has … no place on public transport and is seeking to convert entire trains into 2nd class only.
Their reasoning is that while 2nd class is often jammed with passengers, 1st-class cars are nearly empty, preventing a more even distribution of commuters throughout the train.
But for Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), this is a non-issue.
“First class must continue to be offered, as it meets the needs of customers who desire more comfort, quiet, or a more pleasant travel experience,” it said.
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