Your Guide to Average Salary in Spain

Spain is a popular destination for workers and international students. According to the World Bank, Spain has a GDP of over $1.4 trillion and a growing workforce of over 23 million people. Spain offers various job opportunities with a diverse range of industries, including medical, finance, and technology. But what can you expect to earn in Spain? In this blog, we'll explore the average salary in Spain, including regional variations and industry-specific salaries, and key factors affecting the average wage in Spain to help you better understand potential earnings in this country.

What is the Average Salary in Spain?

The average salary in Spain stands at €28,400 per year. It is slightly lower than the other European countries. The main thing to note here is that the cost of living in Spain is also comparatively lower than its other European counterparts. The average gross salary in Spain per month is around €2,360. Full-time workers in Spain can enjoy 22 days of annual paid leave. Part of the worker's salary goes to social security, providing public healthcare, paid leave, and unemployment benefits.
Do you want to know where Spain stands when compared to other countries in Europe? Check out the table below for a detailed breakdown of average salaries:

What is the Minimum Salary in Spain? 

Spain guarantees a minimum wage for all workers, no matter their age, job, or contract type. This minimum amount gets reviewed every year by the government. The minimum salary in Spain as of January 1st, 2024, is €1,323 per month, which comes out to roughly €8.00 average wage in Spain per hour. 
For those receiving wages over 14 payments, the minimum monthly salary amounts to €1,134, with two additional payments in July and December, resulting in an annual income of €15,876. This reflects a 5% increase in the minimum wage since 2023. With these levels, Spain boasts the 8th highest minimum wage out of 22 European countries. Since 2008, the minimum monthly salary in Spain has experienced a significant growth of about 54%.
Keep in mind that some industries might offer even higher minimum wages through agreements between companies and worker groups.

What is the Average Wage in Spain for Interns?

Student interns typically receive travel or meal vouchers of up to €300 instead of minimum wage. However, interns who have graduated and are undertaking extracurricular internships are entitled to receive at least the average wage in Spain of €800 per month. 
Well, students from the best universities in Spain often end up getting recruited by top companies around the world. Do not worry if your internship wage is less, learning and experience is what matters the most.

Average Salary in Spain: Job Role-Wise Distribution

The average salary in Spain provides a decent standard of living, but your career path greatly impacts your earning potential. Doctors and lawyers typically earn over €5,000 per month, topping the salary pyramid. Finance, engineering, and IT leadership professions often command more than an average salary in Spain, closely following the top earners. In contrast, the service sector has a higher concentration of minimum wage earners, around €1,134 per month as of 2024. 
Experience and specialisation can significantly increase pay within sectors. For example, a restaurant server's salary can climb to €2,000 per month or higher with experience and management roles. Average salaries in Spain vary according to the job role, and it's important to note that various factors influence individual salaries. The table below will provide you with a better understanding:

Average Salary in Spain: City-Wise Distribution

We've explored average salaries in Spain across the different career sectors, but a crucial factor is city variations. Living expenses can differ significantly depending on location. For instance, major cities like Barcelona and Madrid generally have higher costs of living of around €800 to €1,500 compared to smaller towns. So, to clear up your confusion, we have provided you with a table below. This information can help you determine which cities offer the best balance between earning potential and affordability:

Average Salary in Spain: Sector-Wise Distribution

Understanding the average salary in Spain can help you navigate the country's job market and plan your career. From general labour to banking, administration to healthcare, let's explore the average salaries in Spain per month for various job sectors. But as mentioned above, salaries vary greatly depending on the sector you work in. Below is the table for understanding of average pay in Spain across various fields:

Average Salary in Spain: Part-Time Workers

In Spain, part-time workers earn a proportionate salary based on the number of hours they work. The average wage in Spain for part-time workers is half of the full-time minimum wage, approximately €1,200 per month. Domestic workers are also entitled to a minimum wage per hour, calculated on a pro-rata basis. 
The average salary in Spain per hour varies according to responsibilities. For instance, part-time workers in the service sector may earn around €10 to €12 per hour, while those in the technology or healthcare sector may earn upwards of €15 to €20 per hour.

Key Factors Affecting Average Salaries in Spain

As we move forward in understanding the complexities behind the average salary in different Spain for different fields, it's also important to know what the key factors are in shaping the earning potential of individuals in different industries. There are a number of key factors that determine the average gross salary in Spain, and here are a few:

1. Industry

Your salary varies significantly depending on your career field. Certain sectors, such as banking, insurance, health, engineering, and IT, tend to offer higher salaries.

2. Location 

The largest cities in Spain, such as Barcelona and Madrid, offer higher average salaries compared to smaller cities like Málaga and Bilbao.

3. Nationality 

Non-EU expats tend to earn more than the average annual salary due to work visa requirements and high demand for certain skills.

4. Educational Qualifications

Higher education levels can significantly impact your salary, with PhD holders earning up to 23% more than Master's Degree holders.

5. Experience Level 

Your pay rate increases with work experience, with a 21% raise expected for those with 10+ years of experience.

6. Gender Pay Gap

Unfortunately, gender still influences salary in Spain, with women earning, on average 4% less than men. However, this gap is decreasing, and companies are implementing measures to address it.
In conclusion, Spain offers diverse job opportunities with an average salary of €28,400 per year, complemented by a lower cost of living compared to other European countries. The minimum wage stands at €1,134 per month, with variations across industries and regions. Factors such as industry, location, education, experience, nationality, and gender contribute to individual earning potential. Understanding these dynamics can help students or workers navigate Spain's job market effectively.