Spain is a diverse and vibrant country with something to offer everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, wine, landscape, festivals or football, you'll surely find it in Spain. This diversity and rich culture is probably why 478,990 people, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), migrated to Spain in the first half of 2023 - an increase of 83,028 from the same period in 2022.

The average salary in Spain is influenced by many factors, including the country's diverse immigration patterns. Spain sees a substantial influx from countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Morocco, constituting over 25% of all immigrants. Despite debates, immigration plays a vital role in Spain's economy, fostering a rich cultural tapestry and enhancing the workforce.

Knowing the average salary in Spain could be quite helpful if you're looking to make the move. However, it could also benefit employers who may want to know the average salary to set competitive wages for their employees. This can help attract and retain skilled professionals, ensuring their compensation aligns with industry standards.

What is the average salary in Spain?

According to Statista, the average salary in Spain is €29,113 per year or €2,426 a month. 

However, depending on various factors such as experience, location, and industry, this figure can vary. For example, Workers in Madrid and Catalonia typically earn higher salaries than those in other areas while high-skilled industries, such as finance and technology, generally pay better than lower-skilled industries.

What is a good salary in Spain? 

What’s considered a good salary in Spain depends on a number of factors, including the cost of living, lifestyle, and household size. However, when looking at the figures from Numbeo, a salary of €30,000 or more is considered to be good. This would allow you to live comfortably in most parts of Spain, with enough money left over to save and travel.

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on some basic expenses in Spain:

• Rent: €600-1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a major city
• Utilities: €100-200 per month
• Groceries: €200-300 per month for one person
• Transportation: €50-100 per month for public transportation or €100-200 per month for a car
• Healthcare: Public healthcare is free for Spanish residents, but certain services have some fees. Private health insurance costs around €50-100 per month.

Of course, your actual expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle. For example, you’ll spend more money if you eat out frequently or travel often. However, if you’re frugal and cook most of your meals at home, you can live comfortably on a salary of €30,000 or more.

If you have a family, you will need to budget accordingly. For example, the cost of childcare can be high in Spain. However, there are also a number of government subsidies available to help families with the cost of living.

Overall, Spain is a relatively affordable country to live in. A salary of €30,000 or more is considered to be good and would allow you to live comfortably in most parts of the country.

The below salaries have been sourced from Salary Expert, Payscale and Salary Explorer. 

Average salary in Spain by city

As with most countries, the larger and more populated the city, the higher the expected income.

It’s clear from the data above that Madrid and Barcelona have the highest earning potential. This is not surprising, given that these cities have a population of over a million people. At the lower end of the salary scale, you’ll find cities like Cádiz, Bilbao and Córdoba, which have 720,000 residents between them. 

Average salary in Spain by industry 

Spain's economy is experiencing growth, leading to a higher demand for skilled workers. Currently, over 20 million people are employed in Spain, which is expected to increase in the coming years. It's important to understand which job sectors are the most desirable in the current market. Below is a list of these Industries and their corresponding average salaries.

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Average salary in Spain by Profession

While knowing the average salary for an industry is helpful, it doesn't offer a complete picture. So, in this section, we dig deeper and provide a breakdown of the most sought-after professions in each industry, along with their corresponding average salaries.

1. Sales and Marketing

Skilled individuals with marketing and sales expertise are in high demand across many urban regions in Spain. Following the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, several cities in the country are witnessing a revival in expenditure, which has led to an increased need for skilled sales representatives and marketing professionals.

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2. Engineering

Spain's improving infrastructure and landscapes drive high demand for engineers. The most sought-after engineering professions are.

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3. Technology

With the advancement of technology showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, the push for IT specialists is growing exponentially in Spain.

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4. Design

A skilled eye for detail and creative flair are innate qualities that can’t be taught in school, so skilled designers are sought after nationwide.

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5. Finance

Spain's economy was hit hard by the pandemic, and many financial firms have suffered as a result. However, there are signs of recovery, and some of the top financial companies in Spain are starting to bounce back. This is good news for jobseekers with technical and numerical finance skills, as these skills are in high demand. 

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6. Legal

Legal experts undergo specialised training and study to become knowledgeable in their field, making them highly sought after. Even those who specialise in tasks such as reading wills or creating contracts are in high demand due to the importance of their work.

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7. Healthcare

Spain has an exceptional healthcare system, which has been aided by the contributions of nurses and medical professionals over the years. The country is ranked 19th in Europe and 7th in the world by the World Health Organisation, which is a testament to the quality of healthcare in Spain.

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Average salary in Spain by the highest-paid profession

Now that we’ve looked at the most sought-after professions in Spain let’s explore the professionals who sit high on the salary ladder. 

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The table shouldn’t surprise you, as these professions are commonly known for their lucrative salaries worldwide.

However, when it comes to average salaries in Spain, several factors should be considered, such as experience and location. For instance, although a Bank Manager is regarded as one of the highest-paid jobs, someone in that position with only 2 years of experience working in Murcia city may earn less than a Computer Network Architect with over 5 years of experience working in Madrid.

Average salaries in other European countries

Let’s see how the average salary in Spain compares to other European countries. 

Although Spain has a lower average salary than some other European countries, it’s important to note that the cost of living in Spain is also lower. This makes it possible for people to enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle in Spain, even with a lower salary. For instance, the cost of housing, groceries, dining out, transportation and healthcare tend to be lower in Spain, especially outside major cities. This means that people in Spain can still maintain a comfortable standard of living, even with a lower salary.