Press release
Lucerne, 13.11.2025 - The largest buyer salary report 2025 in the DACH region from purchasing and supply chain consultancy Kloepfel by EPSA sheds light on developments in the Swiss purchasing world and which factors pay off financially. In close cooperation with procure.ch, the Swiss professional association for purchasing and supply management, extensive data was collected from Switzerland for the first time. 718 specialists from purchasing and supply chain answered the questionnaire in full and provide detailed insights into remuneration, positions, satisfaction, qualifications and measures of success. The following salary figures have been commercially rounded to provide a better overview.
Position determines income - from entry level to CPO
Higher hierarchical levels go hand in hand with higher salaries: the average annual salary is CHF 127,000. Operational buyers receive an average of CHF 88,000, strategic CHF 114,000 and purchasing managers CHF 141,000 - a career leap with a salary increase of up to 60%. CPOs top the list with an average of CHF 193,000.
Industry dominates - public sector pays best
53% of respondents work in industry, where salaries are close to the overall average. Public administration and state-affiliated companies pay the best.
Mechanical engineering prominently represented - medical technology leads salaries
A third of industry representatives come from the mechanical engineering sector. The top salaries are in medical technology, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. In some cases, strategic buyers receive 25% more than the average of all respondents.
IT/telecom in the lead - healthcare at the back
In the service sector, IT/telecommunications leads the ranking with +16 %. Hospitals and clinics, on the other hand, fall below the average of all participants by around 13 %.
Commodity trading at its best - specialist retailers at the bottom
There are major differences in trading: Technical trading is below average, while commodity traders achieve the highest salary levels.
Higher turnover - higher salary
In high-turnover companies, buyers naturally earn significantly more - up to 41% more for the same position. For purchasing managers, the range extends from CHF 118,000 to CHF 170,000, depending on turnover. A larger purchasing volume means more responsibility - and better pay.
Experience increases salary - with limits
Salaries increase with professional experience. Operational purchasers increase to over 50 %, strategists to around 34 % and purchasing managers to 42 %. After 30 years of experience, there is a slight drop.
Full-time is the norm - part-time with a pay gap
88 % work full-time. On average, part-time employees receive 18 % less, which is mainly due to the level of employment.
Performance monitoring leads to higher earnings
Without measuring success, buyers earn 12% less. Strategic areas such as ESG, digitalization or risks are particularly rewarded and are typical of better paid positions.
Better training - better salary
Higher qualifications pay off: With a higher professional qualification such as a federal certificate, buyers earn on average 8% more than with a purely professional qualification; with an HFP and federal diploma, the increase is even around 30%. Executive courses and university degrees also clearly exceed the average.
Further training common - and lucrative
79 % have undergone further training. Frequently: HFP with federal diploma (25 %), federal certificate (18 %) and CAS (14 %). This has a direct impact on income.
Specialization pays off - especially in indirect purchasing
Managers in indirect purchasing earn 20 % more than in direct purchasing. Specialized strategists and lead buyers benefit greatly from their focus.
Direct purchasing predominant - capital goods top
62 % buy materials directly. Capital goods generate above-average salaries, project purchasing slightly more, merchandise slightly less.
Gender pay gap persists - depending on position
On average, women earn 19 % less, more so in vaguely defined, high-paying roles. In operational and strategic positions, the gap is smaller, but still exists.
Satisfaction with opportunities boosts salary
Those who see good development opportunities in their job (e.g. promotion, further training) earn on average 19% more than those who see no prospects. This correlation is particularly clear in operational purchasing: those who perceive prospects there are more likely to move into a better-paid job.
More responsibility, overtime - higher salary
More overtime goes hand in hand with higher earnings: 90% of CPOs work more than 3 extra hours a week. With intensive overtime, the salary increases from CHF 112,000 to CHF 165,000.
Overtime often uncompensated - or free time
32 % receive no compensation, 57 % receive time off in lieu. Without compensation, the average salary is around CHF 148,000, with time off in lieu around CHF 114,000.
Use of AI creates an advantage - and additional income
76 % use or plan to use AI. Active AI users earn CHF 139,000 on average - 9% more than the average. Service providers are progressive with 92% AI participation.
Conclusion
Dr. Stephan Hofstetter, Partner and Managing Director Switzerland at Kloepfel by EPSA, emphasizes: "The report makes it clear: experience, position, further training and context are decisive. Many benefit from a check of their own position and a cross-comparison."
The full report is available free of charge:
Link to the free Kloepfel Purchaser Salary Report 2025 (download against contact details):
https://kloepfel-consulting.com/the-makers-place/gehalts-coach/
Press contact
KLOEPFEL by EPSA
Christian Fischer Head of PR
c.fischer@kloepfel-services.com
Mobile: +49-152-227-227-50