How much does a federal councillor earn?

Salary, pension, official car, etc. Find out more about the rights and obligations of serving and former federal councillors.

An official Swiss government car parked outside the west wing of the Federal Palace on 26 February 2026 — © FCh

Income

The gross annual income of a federal councillor is CHF 477,688 (as of 1 January 2024). It is adjusted for inflation, as are all salaries paid to federal employees, but there is no salary increase in real terms.

In addition to the salary there is an annual expense allowance of CHF 30,000 (as of 1 January 2025; not index-linked). The president also receives an additional CHF 12,000 during the year in office.

Another benefit is that telecommunication costs are covered (landline, mobile phone and broadband connection). However, federal councillors are expected to pay their TV and radio licence fee themselves.

Vehicles

Federal Council members and the Federal Chancellor are each entitled to an official state car and a company car. For private usage they are billed 0.9% of the car’s purchase price per month.

They also receive a first-class annual rail pass.