The Complete Guide to the Average Salary in Spain
Ambitious career goals? Sun-soaked lifestyle?
Spain delivers both.
The nation has become a go-to destination for students and young professionals chasing big opportunities and even bigger quality of life. But how do you make sure you’re clued up on the numbers behind the career opportunities that await you?
Understanding the average salary in Spain is essential for navigating a market that balances earning potential with a rich cultural experience. With the average Spain salary showing impressive upward trends, there’s never been a better time to explore what this vibrant country can offer your career.
From the rising minimum wage in Spain to industry-specific opportunities, here’s your up-to-date breakdown of average salaries in Spain.
Average Salary in Spain: The Complete Breakdown
The average annual gross salary in Spain stands at about €28,050 according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), translating to approximately €2,337 per month before tax. Net take-home pay typically sits around €1,700–€1,900 per month, depending on region, sector and personal tax circumstances.
Average Salary by Job Role
Your earning potential varies significantly depending on your career path. Here’s what you can expect across key sectors:
- Senior Management: €50,000-€80,000 annually in major cities
- IT & Software Development: €40,000+ for experienced professionals, especially in Madrid and Barcelona
- Healthcare Professionals: €45,000+ for doctors and specialists
- Engineering: €30,000-€55,000 depending on specialisation and experience
- Marketing & Sales: €25,000-€45,000 across various industries
- Administrative & Support: €18,000-€28,000 for entry to mid-level positions
- Teaching & Education: €22,000-€40,000 depending on level and institution
Average Salary by Region
Where you work in Spain significantly impacts your earning potential. Madrid and Barcelona lead the pack with salaries typically 15-25% above the national average, thanks to their thriving financial and tech sectors.
The Basque Country offers competitive compensation due to its strong industrial base, whilst Valencia strikes an attractive balance between above-average salaries and manageable living costs. Andalusia presents lower salaries but compensates with dramatically reduced living expenses and that famous Spanish lifestyle you’ve heard so much about.
That said, there’s no getting around the fact that if you want to maximise your earning potential, the hubs of Barcelona and Madrid are the places to be.
Average Salary by Industry
Finance, technology and healthcare consistently top the salary charts in Spain. The financial services sector in Madrid offers some of the highest packages, with experienced professionals easily earning above €50,000 annually.
Tech continues its hot streak, as software development, cybersecurity and digital marketing roles command premium salaries. The booming renewable energy sector presents excellent opportunities for engineers and project managers looking to ride the green wave.
Part-time Worker Salaries
Part-time work in Spain offers proportional compensation with hourly rates typically ranging from €12-€25, depending on your sector and qualifications. It’s particularly attractive for international students seeking flexibility, and many freelance and consulting roles actually offer competitive hourly rates that can exceed full-time equivalents.
Average Salary by Gender
Spain’s gender pay gap is around 9%, according to EU data.
The country is actively addressing gender pay gaps through progressive legislation and corporate initiatives. Whilst disparities still exist, they’re narrowing across most sectors as government and corporate diversity programmes push for equality in compensation.
Key Factors That Influence Salaries in Spain
- Your earning potential hinges on several key factors. Education level significantly impacts your salary. Master’s degrees and professional certifications often boost compensation by 20-30% compared to bachelor’s degrees alone.
- Language skills are your secret weapon. Bilingual professionals speaking Spanish and English command premium salaries, particularly in international companies. Additional European languages can further enhance your marketability and earning potential.
- Experience matters enormously. Entry-level positions typically start near minimum wage, but with 5-10 years under your belt, expect salaries 40-60% higher. Senior professionals with 15+ years often double entry-level compensation.
What is the Minimum Wage in Spain?
The Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) for 2025 stands at €16,576 per year, distributed in 14 payments of €1,184 each. This represents an impressive 4.41% increase for 2025, demonstrating Spain’s commitment to supporting workers whilst maintaining economic competitiveness.
This progressive approach to the minimum salary in Spain reflects the country’s focus on improving worker prosperity and provides crucial context for entry-level salary negotiations.
What’s a Good Salary for Comfortable Living in Spain?
Your comfort level depends heavily on location due to significant variations in cost of living in Spain. In Madrid or Barcelona, €35,000-€45,000 annually supports a comfortable lifestyle for singles, covering quality housing, dining out and entertainment with room for savings.
Secondary cities like Valencia or Seville offer similar lifestyle quality for €28,000-€35,000 due to lower costs. Smaller cities provide exceptional value where €22,000-€28,000 can support very comfortable living.
For families, comfortable living typically requires household incomes of €50,000-€70,000 in major cities, or €40,000-€55,000 in smaller urban areas.
Spanish Salary Trends Over Time
The Spanish job market is showing genuine momentum. Average salaries are currently growing at a rate of nearly 4% year-on-year, which means wages are growing faster than the economy as a whole.
Technology sector salaries continue leading salary growth with annual increases of 5-8% for skilled professionals. Healthcare and engineering also show consistent progression, whilst the government’s progressive minimum wage approach creates positive pressure across all salary levels.
Ready to Launch Your Spanish Career Journey?
Spain offers exceptional opportunities for ambitious professionals seeking international career growth in a culturally rich environment. With competitive salaries, progressive wage policies and unbeatable quality of life, it’s no wonder top talent from across the globe is choosing Spain.
Understanding the average salary in Spain empowers you to make informed decisions and negotiate confidently in this exciting market. Whether Madrid’s finance scene, Barcelona’s tech hub or emerging opportunities elsewhere appeal to you, your career prospects are bright.
Ready to enhance your credentials for the Spanish market? Explore BSBI’s Barcelona campus and get the perfect foundation for your international business career.
