How to Become a Web Developer in Switzerland in 2025 (The Complete Guide)

The web development sector in Switzerland has never been more dynamic.
With high demand, attractive salaries, and a thriving tech ecosystem, it's one of the safest paths to a stable, evolving… and exciting career.

But a question often arises: how to get started concretely?
Do you need a degree? Can you learn on your own? What skills are really expected in the Swiss market?
This guide gives you a clear and actionable roadmap, whether you're a student, changing careers, or simply curious.

Why become a web developer in Switzerland today

Switzerland attracts digital talents for a simple reason: companies lack qualified developers. Startups, SMEs, large companies, public institutions… all seek to internalize their digital skills.

Here's what this job offers you in Switzerland:

• A promising market, with regular offers in permanent, freelance, or remote roles.

• Competitive salaries, among the highest in Europe in tech.

• A demanding environment, where code quality, ergonomics, and security are non-negotiables.

In short, if you develop the right skills and know how to position yourself, the opportunities are there.

What are the concrete steps to becoming a web developer in Switzerland?

1. Choose your path: front-end, back-end, or full-stack

Web development encompasses several realities:

• Front-end: creating the user-visible interface (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React…)

• Back-end: handling logic, databases, and servers (PHP, Node.js, Python…)

• Full-stack: a combination of both (highly valued at startups and SMEs)

Start by exploring each area, then specialize where you're most comfortable or where the local demand is strongest.

2. Train with method (and regularity)

You don't need to attend an expensive private school to succeed.
Here are two potential paths:

➤ Diploma courses in Switzerland

Ideal for those aiming for a solid academic framework:

• EPFL: Master's in Computer Engineering

• University of Geneva: Bachelor's in Computer Science

• HES-SO: Management Informatics (Bachelor's)

• CPNV or ETML: Federal Certificate in Informatics or Mediamatician

• Advanced Technical Schools ES: in-depth technical training

➤ Online training (self-taught and career switch)

Perfect for autonomous profiles, with or without career change:

• Grafikart: courses in French, highly pedagogical, very close to the trade realities

• FreeCodeCamp: 100% free, very structured, highly recognized

• Udemy: large catalog, but choose your instructors wisely

• OpenClassrooms: clear educational approach, possible certifications

• YouTube: be selective, but excellent for project-based progress

Key to success: alternate theory and practice from the start.

3. Build experience (even before getting a job)

No one will ask for your grades. They will ask what you have already done.

• Develop real projects: personal website, mini-apps, fictitious shop, etc.

• Participate in open-source projects (on GitHub).

• Offer your services to local associations.

• Look for internships, mandates, or freelance missions on platforms like Codeur.com, Malt, or Upwork.

The goal is simple: to have a portfolio that proves your skills.

4. Create a portfolio that truly showcases your skills

A good portfolio doesn't show everything you can do.
It shows what you do best — and what interests your future employer or client.

• Highlight 2 to 4 relevant projects.

• Add a clear description of what you did (technically and functionally).

• Prioritize quality over quantity.

A well-constructed portfolio is worth more than a CV.

5. Develop a local network (even without experience)

In Switzerland, the best opportunities often arise outside of traditional job boards.
Here's where to start:

• Tech meetups (frontend, React, Node, Python…)

• Conferences (SwissJS, DevFest, etc.)

• Local developer Slack and Discord groups

• Freelance platforms (Codeur.com, etc.)

Dare to ask, comment, interact. Your first job or mission often comes from a conversation.

The most sought-after skills in Switzerland in 2024

Here's what Swiss recruiters expect from a good developer:

• Front-end: React, Vue.js, advanced HTML/CSS, accessibility, responsive design

• Back-end: Node.js, PHP (Laravel, Symfony), Python (Django)

• Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB

• Versioning: Git (GitHub, GitLab)

• DevOps / Cloud: basic knowledge on Docker, CI/CD, hosting

• Security: prevention of vulnerabilities (XSS, CSRF, SQL injections)

And above all: the ability to solve concrete problems. That's what makes the difference.

Trends to watch in 2024

Web development evolves quickly. Here are the topics to watch:

• Progressive Web Apps (PWA): increasingly used to replace mobile apps

• AI integration in interfaces (co-piloting, assistants, personalization)

• Low-code / No-code development: a must-understand, at the very least

• Web performance: Core Web Vitals, mobile optimization, speed

• Digital accessibility: required in the public sector, valued elsewhere

In summary: becoming a web developer in Switzerland is possible (and strategic)

You don't need a master's degree or 10 years of experience to succeed.
You need:

• a clear plan,

• rigorous learning,

• concrete projects,

• and a real ability to sell yourself.

The Swiss market rewards serious, autonomous, and curious profiles. If you invest your time wisely, the opportunities are there.

And if you're looking for a mentor, a trainer, or a developer capable of guiding you through this journey: I'm available.