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Highest-Paying Jobs in Spain + Salaries [2024]
Spain’s economy has been on a recovery path in recent years following the financial crisis that began in 2008. The unemployment rate, which peaked at 26% in 2013, has dropped to around 12% in 2024. This economic improvement has led to an increase in job opportunities and employment across the country, with many professionals securing high-paying jobs. Particularly in recent years, Spain has seen significant growth in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and management roles.
One of the biggest challenges for immigrants moving to Spain is finding a suitable job. For European Union citizens, securing employment is generally easier due to their freedom of movement and work rights in the country. However, for non-EU nationals, including Iranians, the hiring process can be more complex and often depends on whether an employer can find a suitable candidate within the EU. Nevertheless, Spain has recently streamlined the process of hiring foreign workers, making it easier for Spanish companies to recruit talent from outside the EU.
What Is Considered a Good Salary in Spain?
In Spain, good salaries are typically associated with highly skilled professions and specialized industries. On average, the annual salary in Spain in 2024 ranges between €24,000 and €30,000. However, salaries in certain high-paying jobs can be significantly higher. Professions such as doctors, surgeons, engineers, senior executives, and IT specialists tend to earn the highest wages, with annual salaries exceeding €100,000 in some cases. Moreover, wages in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are generally higher than in other regions of Spain.
The table below presents the maximum annual salaries for some of the highest-paying jobs in Spain for 2024-2025:
| Job Title | Maximum Annual Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Specialist Doctor | 100,000+ |
| Surgeon | 90,000 – 150,000 |
| Software Engineer | 70,000 – 100,000 |
| Executive Manager | 120,000 – 200,000 |
| Legal Counsel | 70,000 – 120,000 |
| Human Resources Manager | 80,000 – 120,000 |
| Financial Analyst | 60,000 – 90,000 |
| IT Project Manager | 80,000 – 110,000 |
These salary figures may vary depending on the city and company, but overall, these jobs offer some of the highest earnings in Spain.
Average Salaries in Different Cities in Spain
In 2024, average salaries in Spain vary significantly by city. Generally, economic and commercial hubs like Madrid and Barcelona offer the highest wages, while cities with less economic development, such as Seville and Valencia, tend to have lower salaries. Below is a table showing the average annual salaries in several Spanish cities:
| City | Average Annual Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Madrid | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Barcelona | 28,000 – 38,000 |
| Valencia | 24,000 – 32,000 |
| Seville | 22,000 – 30,000 |
| Malaga | 22,000 – 28,000 |
| Bilbao | 27,000 – 35,000 |
| Granada | 20,000 – 28,000 |
| Pamplona | 25,000 – 33,000 |
These figures represent average salaries for general jobs and may vary based on industry and job role. Larger cities with higher economic activity tend to have higher wages, whereas smaller or less populated cities offer lower salaries.
Cost of Living in Different Spanish Cities
As of 2024, living expenses in Spain vary significantly by city. Generally, major cities like Madrid and Barcelona have higher costs, whereas smaller cities tend to be more affordable. The table below presents the estimated monthly cost of living, including rent, food, transportation, and other expenses, in different cities across Spain:
| City | Monthly Living Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Madrid | 1,500 – 2,200 |
| Barcelona | 1,400 – 2,100 |
| Valencia | 1,100 – 1,700 |
| Seville | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Malaga | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Bilbao | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Granada | 900 – 1,300 |
| Pamplona | 1,100 – 1,600 |
These estimates include rent, food, public transport, utilities, and other daily expenses. Living costs in major cities are higher due to their economic activity and better infrastructure, while smaller cities are more affordable.
Most In-Demand Jobs in Spain + Salaries
Spain has seen a surge in demand for professionals across various industries. Below is a list of some of the most in-demand jobs in Spain, along with their estimated annual salaries:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | 35,000 – 50,000 |
| Data Analyst | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | 45,000 – 70,000 |
| Specialist Doctor | 60,000 – 100,000 |
| Nurse | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Financial Consultant | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| IT Project Manager | 50,000 – 75,000 |
| Lawyer | 40,000 – 70,000 |
| HR Manager | 45,000 – 70,000 |
| Executive Manager | 80,000 – 150,000 |
These jobs are in high demand due to digital transformation, increased healthcare needs, and economic shifts. Most of these positions are concentrated in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao.
Salary Comparison: Spain vs. Other EU Countries
Spain ranks sixth in terms of wages among EU countries. Salaries in Spain are lower than in Northern European countries like Germany, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and Switzerland but higher than in Southern European countries such as Hungary and Poland (excluding Italy). The following table compares average salaries in Spain with those in selected EU countries:
| Country | Average Annual Salary (€) | High-Paying Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 25,000 – 35,000 | Doctors, Software Engineers, Executives |
| Germany | 40,000 – 55,000 | Doctors, Engineers, IT Managers |
| France | 35,000 – 50,000 | Financial Consultants, Executives |
| Netherlands | 45,000 – 60,000 | Engineers, Doctors, Business Managers |
| Italy | 25,000 – 40,000 | Engineers, Designers, Lawyers |
| Sweden | 40,000 – 55,000 | Data Analysts, IT Consultants |
Salaries in Spain are lower compared to some European countries, but the cost of living is also more affordable.
Working Hours in Spain
In Spain, the official workweek is 40 hours, typically from Monday to Friday. A regular workday usually starts at 9:00 AM and ends around 8:00 PM, with a long lunch break of about three hours between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM. Many businesses and services close during this midday break, a tradition known as the Spanish siesta. However, in larger cities, continuous work schedules are becoming more common.
Best Cities in Spain for Employment
1. Madrid
Madrid, Spain’s capital, is the country’s financial and cultural hub. It houses major corporations such as Santander, Telefonica, and BBVA, offering numerous job opportunities, especially in finance, digital marketing, and technology.
2. Barcelona
As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona attracts multinational companies and offers high salaries. The city is known for its tech startups, IT firms, and biotech industry.
3. Valencia
Valencia’s economy relies on tourism, construction, and the automotive sector, making it a great option for job seekers in diverse industries.
4. Malaga
Malaga, the economic hub of southern Spain, is home to companies like Oracle and Ericsson. It is known for its startup ecosystem and job opportunities in IT and innovation.
With an average salary of around €30,000 per year, Spain remains an attractive destination for professionals, offering a good balance between earnings and cost of living.
