The profession of the executioner emerged in the late Middle Ages and was an important office in government service until the 19th century. The executioner was responsible not only for executions but also for corporal punishment and torture. Typically, he also oversaw the work of the tanners and often acted as a doctor. Legally and socially, executioners formed an isolated caste from which it was difficult to break free. The authors, based on extensive genealogical research, describe the profession of the executioner and provide an overview of the Swiss executioner system and the dynasties that held this office for the first time. They depict the daily work and living conditions of this profession, with Zurich being the focus of the study. Since the 16th century, social and legal isolation led to the formation of executioner dynasties – in Zurich, these were initially the Grossholz family, followed by the Volmar family, each developing strategies to maintain and expand their status for their descendants. A branch of the Volmar family succeeded in leaving the executioner caste and, under the name Steinfels – despite numerous setbacks – became part of the Zurich bourgeoisie. By the end of the 18th century, the family's social standing was secured, laying the foundation for their rise in the industrial age.