What is Considered a Decent Salary in Spain?
Living in Spain remains a popular choice for many expats but what is considered a decent salary in Spain? The country’s average salaries are generally attractive in comparison to other European countries. However, there are variations depending on the region and sector type.
Spain’s remarkable culture and customs have become renowned in every corner of the Earth, thus spurring an influx of immigrants to the country. Before committing to such a life-changing move, though, prospective migrants must consider what salary they would need to sustain themselves comfortably in their new homeland. Read on to learn more about it!
What is a good salary to live comfortably in Spain?
If you are an expat considering relocating to Spain, obtaining a Spanish Working Visa is essential for legally residing and working there. Getting that visa, however, requires a job offer from a Spanish company – but how can you tell if this is truly the right opportunity? Before accepting any position overseas, consider your salary versus what would be necessary to cover living expenses. This way you know for certain whether or not saying ‘yes’ will lead to financial stability abroad.
A good monthly net salary in Spain is generally considered to be around €2,700 for an individual, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. In 2024, the national average net salary was approximately €1,785 per month, or €2,250 gross. Notice that having a family implies higher expenses and consequently, higher incomes. Families need a net income closer to €4,000 to manage expenses comfortably.
In Madrid, salaries are about 18% higher than the national average. This means that a single person might need at least €3,185 monthly to maintain a similar standard of living. Professionals with mid-level experience in Madrid typically earn between €35,000 and €55,000 annually, reflecting the balance between income levels and the city’s relatively moderate cost of living.
Is Spain a good place to work?
Despite having the highest youth unemployment rate and a relatively low average salary within the EU, Spain remains an irresistible destination for expats.
The exceptional quality of life, great work-life balance, and cheaper cost of living make it attractive to young people looking for new opportunities.
For English speakers, Spain’s largest and most vibrant cities are excellent locations to pursue work. With a strong expat network and an abundance of job opportunities, you’ll be able to find your desired career path. We suggest researching SublimeSpain team to apply for a working visa so that you can explore all your prospects for employment.
What’s the minimum salary in Spain?
The Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI according to its Spanish acronym) in Spain will increase again during 2025, continuing with the plan of increases initiated in 2018. According to estimates by the Ministry of Labor, the SMI will reach 1145 euros per month in 14 payments, representing a 3% increase over 2024, which was 1134 euros.
Do interns get minimum wage in Spain?
While most of the Spanish workforce is entitled to a minimum wage, unfortunately, this only sometimes extends to interns. If you are still studying, chances are that your compensation will be around €300 for travel or lunch expenses.
However, if you have already graduated and taken up an extracurricular internship position, then you should expect no less than the established minimum wage rate. If you’re considering an internship in Spain, it’s a good idea to review the agreement carefully to understand your rights and compensation.
The average salary in Spain by sector
The average salary in Spain by sector varies significantly based on factors such as experience, location, and company size. However, some sectors reflect Spain’s growing focus on innovation, sustainability, and global commerce. Here’s a breakdown:
Technology
The tech industry is expanding rapidly, especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Professionals in roles such as software development, data analysis, and IT consultancy can earn anywhere from €40,000 to €80,000 annually, depending on their experience.
Engineering
Fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering offer salaries ranging from €35,000 to €65,000. The renewable energy sector is also emerging as a key player, providing competitive pay for specialized engineers.
Finance and Banking
Spain’s financial sector continues to thrive, with financial analysts earning between €40,000 and €60,000 per year. Senior roles, particularly in multinational firms located in Madrid, can surpass €100,000 annually.
Do taxes negatively influence salary in Spain?
Yes, taxation does impact wages in Spain. The average income tax rate for Spanish citizens ranges from 24% to 46%. This is significantly higher than in most European countries and can often take a huge chunk of your salary. Every worker pays taxes monthly and the final amount depends on their sector, location, and average income.
Taxes in Spain include income tax, social security contributions, and other levies. Although taxes can have a negative impact on your salary, you could be eligible for certain exemptions or reductions depending on your industry, age, and marital status.
What is the best-paid job in Spain?
Earning a substantial salary is essential to many people living in Spain. A large paycheck can cover the necessities, such as food, rent or mortgage payments, and transportation expenses; while still leaving plenty of funds for other luxuries. Improved quality of life and access to more opportunities come with a good salary.
Chief Executive Officer
The average salary for a Chief Executive Officer is €171,000 per year. If you want to be at the top of your company earning the highest salaries, these jobs are for you.
High-level positions entail a whole lot of responsibility and risk as Chief Executives need to ensure that organizations remain profitable. To reward them for their effort, CEOs generally receive more compensation than other employees in the organization.
Surgeon
Surgeons earn an average gross salary of €170,000 per year in Spain. By taking up a job as a surgeon, one can expect to earn an above-average salary with the potential for higher earnings.
Surgeons are essential in providing specialized healthcare to people around the globe, making their careers one of the most desired jobs. Their qualifications and experience make these important roles highly financially rewarding–especially in major Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid where hospitals and treatment centers are at the heart of it all. Surgeons face the daunting task of making fast and accurate decisions under significant pressure. Therefore, they are usually among the most highly compensated positions in Spain.
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officers in Spain earn an average gross salary of €133,000 per year. As the second highest-ranking executive in a company, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays an integral role in managing finances and leading multiple departments. From scheduling to budgeting to analyzing spend vs costs figures, it’s no secret that this position is as demanding as it is important. In recognition of their hard work and dedication, CFOs are handsomely compensated for their efforts – job seekers should note that this position comes with a high salary and plenty of job stability.
Airline Pilot
Airline Pilots earn an Average gross salary of €73,000 per year which is considered a decent salary in Spain. Being a pilot in Spain is one of the most sought-after jobs, and for good reason – it pays well! Pilots who take on international flights often earn more than pilots with shorter hauls. The training to become a qualified pilot may be intense. However, the results are sure to be worth your while at the end of all that hard work.
Part-time workers in Spain
In Spain, the full-time working week is 40 hours. However, many people choose to supplement their income with additional part-time work. This can be beneficial in terms of raising overall gross pay, as some jobs may be better paid than others while also providing a good work-life balance.
Part-time jobs, such as teaching English, are quite popular among young expats. This is due to the fact that they usually offer a higher salary than most other part-time jobs. These jobs are paid 5% less than the average Spanish minimum wage.
What to do if you’re not being paid the minimum wage in Spain?
If you are not earning the minimum monthly wage, it’s important to check with your employer that your gross salary is in line with both Spanish law and the national average gross wage rate. If you find a discrepancy, it’s best to talk to your employer directly to resolve any differences and ensure you are paid what you are owed.
The Spanish government is committed to ensuring that employers uphold Spain’s minimum wage laws, and fines may be imposed on those who do not comply. To protect employees if their employer becomes insolvent or terminates employment without paying wages owed, they can count on the Spanish Salary Guarantee Fund (FOGASA) alongside the Ministry of Labour. Furthermore, workers are also granted additional protection under specific circumstances outlined by labor regulations regarding strike action.
A word from SublimeSpain
Determining a decent salary in Spain depends on each individual’s situation. Factors such as place of residence, amount of education and experience, cost of living in the area, and any other unique circumstances will all play a role in determining one’s salary.
No matter the exact specifics, salaries within Spain should provide enough money to live comfortably while still allowing room to save and invest. With economic policies improving in recent years, many citizens have managed to achieve higher wages than before. This is an encouraging sign for those looking to move there or relocate within the country.
Disclaimer: Information on this page may be incomplete or outdated. Under no circumstances should the information listed be considered professional legal or financial advice. We highly recommend seeking guidance from a legal or financial expert if you lack extensive knowledge or experience dealing with any of the procedures outlined in these articles.