Pay by Role
Switzerland · Salary comparison

Optometrist vs Physician Assistant salary

In Switzerland, a physician assistant earns about 7% more than a optometrist $249,602 vs $233,538 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CHF). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Healthcare
Optometrist
$233,538/yr
Monthly
$19,523
Hourly
$112
Range
$170,520$310,643
10-yr outlook
+9%
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician Assistant
$249,602/yr
Monthly
$20,759
Hourly
$120
Range
$182,259$332,019
10-yr outlook
+27%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileOptometristPhysician Assistant
Entry (10th)$170,520$182,259
25th$202,029$215,868
Median$233,538$249,602
75th$272,090$290,749
Senior (90th)$310,643$332,019

National Switzerland figures in CHF. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a optometrist or physician assistant earn more in Switzerland?
A physician assistant earns more, at about CHF 202'000 per year vs CHF 189'000 for a optometrist — roughly 7% (CHF 13'000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in Switzerland?
A optometrist typically earns CHF 138'000–CHF 251'400, while a physician assistant earns CHF 147'500–CHF 268'700 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in Switzerland?
On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about CHF 15'800 and a physician assistant about CHF 16'800.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in Switzerland, a optometrist earns about CHF 138'000 while a physician assistant earns about CHF 147'500 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in Switzerland, a optometrist earns about CHF 251'400 while a physician assistant earns about CHF 268'700 per year.
Are optometrist and physician assistant similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.