Most In-Demand Jobs in Spain 2024

The Spanish labor market is evolving rapidly, influenced by technological advances, demographic changes and changing global economic dynamics.

Whether you’re looking to begin your career, contemplating a job switch, or planning to move to Spain, understanding the landscape of the most wanted jobs can give you a competitive edge. Here’s an insightful guide to the most in-demand jobs in Spain for 2024.

INDEX

1. Tech and IT Professionals

Software Developers and Engineers

Software Developers and Engineers are leading Spain’s tech boom, with demand everywhere. These professionals are essential for developing and maintaining the software solutions that drive businesses and innovation. The salary for Software Developers and Engineers in Spain is expected to reflect their critical role, with entry-level positions starting around €30,000 annually. More experienced developers and specialized engineers, particularly those in AI and cybersecurity, can command salaries upwards of €50,000 to €70,000, depending on the region and the specific industry.

Cybersecurity Experts

Cybersecurity Experts are in high demand jobs in Spain, as businesses and governmental organisations prioritise protecting their data and systems from cyber threats. With the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks, these professionals play a crucial role in developing strategies to defend against, detect, and respond to security breaches. In Spain, the salary for Cybersecurity Experts varies widely depending on experience and specialisation. Entry-level positions may start around €30,000, but experienced cybersecurity professionals, especially those with expertise in emerging threats and cybersecurity technologies, can expect salaries in the range of €50,000 to €80,000 annually.

AI and Machine Learning Specialists

Is one of the most rapidly evolving and impactful areas of technology. Their expertise in creating algorithms that enable machines to learn from and interpret data is transforming industries from healthcare to automotive. The demand for professionals in this niche is skyrocketing, reflecting in their potential earnings. Entry-level positions for AI and Machine Learning Specialists typically start at around €35,000 annually. However, with a few years of experience and a proven track record of successful projects, these specialists can see their salaries jump significantly, often reaching €60,000 to €90,000.

If you’re really skilled in areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or robotics, you can expect to earn some of the top salaries in Spain’s tech scene.

2. Healthcare Sector

Nurses and Healthcare Assistants

The demand for nursing staff has been consistently high, driven by an aging population and the need for specialized care. Entry-level nurses and healthcare assistants can expect to start with salaries ranging from €20,000 to €25,000 annually. With additional certifications and experience, particularly in specialized fields such as geriatric, pediatric, or emergency nursing, professionals can see their earnings increase significantly. Experienced nurses, especially those holding managerial positions or advanced degrees, can command salaries upwards of €35,000 to €45,000, reflecting the critical nature of their work and the expertise required to perform it effectively.

Mental Health Professionals

In Spain, mental health pros like psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists are getting more and more essential as people are becoming way more open about mental health issues. These folks are super important for those dealing with mental health challenges, offering a range of therapies tailored to what each person needs. Starting out, salaries for these roles are usually between €25,000 and €30,000 a year. But as you specialise and rack up experience, especially if you’re working in private practice or nab a senior role in a healthcare institution, you could be looking at making between €45,000 to €60,000. And for the exceptionally experienced and well-known pros in big cities or those with a solid patient base, earnings can go even higher.

3. Renewable Energy Experts

Solar and Wind Power Technicians

They are the ones setting up, fixing, and keeping solar panels and wind turbines running, tapping into the sun and wind to light up our lives. Thanks to the Spanish government going all-in on renewables, there is a pretty high demand for these skilled people

When you are just starting out as a Solar or Wind Power Technician, you can expect to make between €20,000 and €25,000 a year, which is pretty standard for newbies or those just getting their feet wet. But stick around, get really good at working with solar or wind power, and you will see your pay-check start to grow. Those with a bunch of experience and a knack for making the systems run smoother and more efficiently can look forward to salaries between €30,000 to €40,000. And if you climb the ladder to a leadership position, you could be making over €45,000. That just goes to show how much Spain values the folks working to keep the country green and how important renewable energy is to the economy.

4. Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Hotel Management Professionals

These skilled individuals oversee all aspects of hotel operations, from guest services and front desk interactions to housekeeping and financial management. In Spain, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful holiday destinations, the demand for experienced Hotel Management Professionals is consistently strong.

Starting salaries for Hotel Management Professionals in Spain typically range from €18,000 to €25,000 per annum for those entering the field or with limited experience. However, with the growth of tourism and the corresponding demand for high-quality accommodation and customer service, seasoned professionals can expect to earn significantly more. For those with several years of experience, particularly in popular tourist destinations or at luxury hotels, salaries can climb to between €30,000 and €50,000 annually. In top positions at prestigious hotels, or for those with a strong track record of improving hotel performance and guest satisfaction, earnings can even exceed €60,000, reflecting the high value placed on leadership and expertise in this sector.

Culinary Arts and Chefs

Spain, with its amazing food traditions is the perfect place for chefs and foodies to get creative and shine. As a well-demanded job in Spain, in the culinary field, salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of establishment. Entry-level chefs can expect to earn a starting salary ranging from €16,000 to €22,000 annually.

However, as they gain experience and recognition, particularly in high-end restaurants or in regions with a strong culinary culture like Catalonia or the Basque Country, their income can significantly increase.

Mid-career chefs with a strong portfolio and specialisations in areas such as molecular gastronomy or traditional Spanish cuisine might see their salaries rise to €30,000 to €40,000.

Executive chefs or those who run their own successful restaurants can earn upwards of €50,000 to €70,000, with the top echelon in prestigious establishments or with international fame potentially making even more.

5. Finance

Financial Analysts and Advisors

This High demand job in Spain, is a big area that helps with investments, manage finances, and keep the economy healthy for both companies and individuals. Starting out, you might earn between €25,000 and €35,000 a year, depending on your education and experience. Gain some experience, specialise in things like corporate finance, investment banking, or financial planning, and maybe snag some cool titles like CFA or CFP, and you’ll see your pay-check get a nice bump. Mid-career pros often pull in €40,000 to €60,000. And if you are at the top of your game, working in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona, especially in big-deal positions at large companies or investment firms, you could be making €70,000 or way more than €100,000. The financial scene in Spain really values know-how, solid results, and being able to keep up with the global economy. It is a great field if you are looking to make your mark and earn well.

6. Creative and Digital Media

Content Creators and Strategists

These professionals are the architects behind engaging digital content that captivates audiences, drives traffic, and builds brand loyalty across multiple platforms making it a demanded job in spain, that is getting bigger every year.

Starting salaries often range from €18,000 to €25,000, reflecting the initial phase of building experience and a portfolio. With the digital landscape constantly evolving, those who can adeptly maneuver through SEO practices, social media trends, and content marketing strategies to deliver compelling content can see their earnings grow significantly. Mid-career professionals, especially those with a knack for viral campaigns or a strong following, can expect to earn between €30,000 and €45,000. The crème de la crème in this field, particularly those working for major brands or leading digital marketing agencies in Spain’s bustling cities like Madrid or Barcelona, can command salaries upwards of €50,000 to €70,000. The success in this career largely hinges on one’s ability to stay ahead of digital trends, innovate, and engage target demographics effectively.

Digital Marketing Specialists

They have a cool job mixing tech and creativity, using the internet to boost brands, products, and services. They need to be good at a bunch of things like SEO, PPC ads, email marketing, and social media. Starting out, you might earn between €20,000 and €28,000, but this can jump to €35,000 to €50,000 with some experience and killer campaigns under your belt. For those who nail senior roles or become hotshots in things like analytics or strategic planning, salaries can go over €60,000.

UI/UX Designers

Think of them as the masterminds making sure everything clicks perfectly between you and your favourite apps and websites, with a mix of psychology, design, and tech know-how. When it comes to what they earn, it’s a bit of a range. Newbies can expect to pull in about €22,000 to €30,000 a year. But, give it some time and a killer portfolio that shows off a solid grip on designing with the user in mind, and they can start seeing something like €35,000 to €50,000. The real top-notch pros, especially those who are all about the latest tech and leading teams, can make way over €55,000.

7. Construction and Real Estate

Architects and Civil Engineers

Their work often overlaps on projects that need a solid grasp of both looks and structural soundness. Starting out, architects and civil engineers in Spain usually earn between €24,000 and €32,000 a year. But with a few years under their belt and some standout projects in their portfolio, they can start pulling in between €40,000 and €60,000.

Over in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia or Bilbao, where there’s always a buzz for cool new buildings and reno projects, experienced pros can earn even more, sometimes over €70,000, especially if they are into green design or have the know-how on the latest in construction technologies.

Real Estate Agents

These professionals have a deep understanding of the market, adept at matching individuals with their ideal homes or investment opportunities. Their earnings largely depend on commissions, which can lead to a wide range in income.

Typically, a Real Estate Agent starting out might see earnings around €18,000 to €25,000 annually. However, with experience, a solid network, and a track record of successful deals, their income can surge significantly, reaching upwards of €30,000 to €60,000.

In bustling markets like main cities, or in high-demand coastal areas, top agents have the potential to earn beyond €100,000 annually, especially those who specialise in luxury properties or commercial real estate.