How much does a federal councillor earn?

The gross annual income of a federal councillor is CHF 458,276 (as of 1 January 2023). 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 2023; 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.

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 new value per month. They also receive a first class annual rail pass and a pass for Swiss mountain railways.

Last modification 16.08.2023

Top of page

https://www.admin.ch/content/gov/en/start/federal-council/tasks/from-election-to-departure.html