Rare jobs and unusual services in Switzerland

Professions that are out of the ordinary: what makes the Swiss working world so unique

Reading Time:    5 Min.
Publication:        January 22, 2026, Jessy Thür

Switzerland is considered a country with a high quality of life, a stable economy, and diverse job opportunities. In addition to traditional professions such as doctor, engineer, or bank employee, this Alpine country also offers a surprising number of unusual, rare, or even bizarre jobs—some deeply rooted in tradition, others modern and unique. In this article, we present some of the most fascinating jobs and services that exist in Switzerland – and show how diverse and surprising the Swiss job market really is.

1. The traditional umbrella repairer – craftsmanship with passion

In an age where many things have become consumer-oriented and disposable, traditional craftsmanship is experiencing a rare resurgence. One example of this is the umbrella repairer, such as Erich Baumann, who is one of the last of his kind in Switzerland to repair umbrellas. With great care and craftsmanship, he devotes himself to this specialized job, which is otherwise difficult to find.

2. Freight train listener – humans as acoustic inspectors

Even more unusual is the job of listener, which was formerly employed by SBB. Their task? Listening to freight trains for hours on end to identify knocking noises on axles – an early acoustic safety system used before fully automated technology was introduced.

3. Forensic Nurse – Evidence collection in hospitals

Medicine meets criminalistics: Forensic nurses are specialized nursing professionals who collect and document evidence in cases of suspected violence, accidents, or abuse, thereby gathering evidence for investigations. This combination of empathy and precise evidence collection is a rare professional field.

4. Private detectives and butlers – unusual services in urban environments

In Swiss cities such as Zurich, there are professions that you don't hear about every day:

• Private detectives who investigate suspected infidelity or fraud, for example.

• Butler services for international clients, ranging from personal assistance tasks to luxury services.

These professions demonstrate how individualized and exclusive services can be today.

5. Birth coaches – comprehensive support during pregnancy and childbirth

Another unusual service: some people work as personal birth coaches. These specialists accompany expectant parents throughout their pregnancy and childbirth – often without fixed working hours but with a high level of emotional responsibility.

6. Traditional crafts – from alphorn makers to wood sculptors

Switzerland cultivates various ancient crafts that are rare today but are of great cultural significance. These include:

• Organ builders, alphorn makers, wood sculptors

• Gemstone setters or farriers

These micro-professions combine tradition, craftsmanship, and regional identity—and despite modern industry, they are not disappearing from the world of work.

7. Alpine cheese maker – cheese makers in remote mountain regions

The profession of alpine cheese maker takes you up into the Alps. High up in the Alps, often spending months in isolation, these artisans produce traditional Swiss cheeses such as Gruyère and Appenzeller using centuries-old methods. This job is not only unusual, but also physically demanding and closely connected to nature.

8. Night watchmen and women – a living tradition in Lausanne

Lausanne is home to one of the oldest surviving traditions: the night watchman, who patrols the city at night, announces the striking of the bells, and maintains a connection to the city's history. Although this relic from the Middle Ages is now more ceremonial in nature, it is an example of how old traditions live on in the present day – and have even found female role models.

Why are these professions important?

Even though many of these professions may seem relatively small or exotic, they contribute significantly to cultural diversity and the functional depth of the Swiss working world:

• They preserve traditions and craftsmanship.

• They satisfy specialized service needs that arise in modern metropolises.

• They show that work can be more than just income—it can be an expression of passion, identity, and history.

In addition, Switzerland continues to face the tension between a shortage of skilled workers in many areas and the preservation of unusual occupations—a balancing act in a changing world of work.

The diversity of the Swiss professional world

The Swiss professional world is colorful, surprising, and full of stories. In addition to the well-known professions, there are many unusual and fascinating occupations—from historical traditions to specialized services to alpine crafts. This diversity makes the labor market not only economically strong but also culturally rich and vibrant.

All information provided without guarantee.

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