Around 2,000 school principals took part in the online survey, which was conducted from September to October 2021. The “NZZ am Sonntag” initially reported on the short report on the Swiss school management monitor.
A majority of school leaders said they did not choose their role for money or career reasons, but because they wanted to take responsibility, develop the school and serve the well-being of others.
The survey contains “indications of a possible wage difference averaging around CHF 9,800 in favor of male school administrators”. The participating school administrations indicated a gross annual income with a 100 percent workload of around CHF 137,000 on average. Depending on the canton and length of service, there are sometimes significant differences.
The headmasters’ association wants to demand relief and equal pay at the political level, as President Thomas Minder told the “NZZ am Sonntag”.
According to their own statements, 88 percent of those surveyed have undergone a formal qualification for the position of school management. According to the survey, the vast majority of the school managements surveyed are satisfied with their career to date (95 percent), regardless of possible special situations, such as due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Headmasters in Switzerland tend to work part-time: almost a third (32 percent) of the participating headmasters work 100 percent. 46 percent work between 60 and 95 percent. 22 percent work less than 60 percent.