Average salary in Spain

The Kingdom of Spain is a popular destination for professionals, thanks to its warm climate, well-developed infrastructure, and affordable healthcare services. The average post-tax salary in Spain is approximately €2,000, sufficient to cover basic living expenses. Over the past year, salaries have risen by 4.7%. Strong labor laws protect workers’ rights, while flexible working hours encourage a healthy work-life balance.

To establish a career or run a business in Spain, a residence permit is essential. Securing a residence permit—and eventually Spanish citizenship — opens the door to opportunities across the EU. One of the most efficient ways to legalize your stay is by applying for a residence permit through the registration of an innovative business project. Spain’s Startup Visa allows you to launch entrepreneurial ventures, relocate your family, and fully integrate into society.

iWorld specialists will provide you with all the details about obtaining a Spanish residence permit during a consultation and assist you in organizing the entire process.

Economic situation and income levels today

Spain is one of the world’s largest economies, ranking 15th globally by GDP and 4th in the European Union, following Germany, France, and Italy, with a share of 8.62%. The country continues to recover from the 2008 financial crisis and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, Spain’s economy grew by 2.4%, signaling gradual improvement. 

However, challenges remain in the economic sector. Unemployment is a significant issue, particularly among young professionals, many of whom opt to work abroad. As a result, it can be difficult for foreigners to secure well-paying contract positions. To address this, Spain offers robust support for entrepreneurs, including startup programs, tax incentives, and business development grants. 

Having traditional employment is not the only path to a good income in Spain. Obtaining a residence permit through a startup provides foreign entrepreneurs with the opportunity to establish and legally operate a business in favorable conditions while generating profit.

The economy’s influence on wages

Spain is a key economic hub with well-established industries, including tourism, entertainment, and healthcare. A significant number of job opportunities are available in the tourism, hospitality, and restaurant sectors, while skilled workers in industry, construction, agriculture, and information technology are also in demand. 

In recent years, Spain has focused on developing the renewable energy and innovation sectors, creating additional opportunities for qualified professionals. By 2024, Spain is seeking workers, including foreign nationals, in the following professions: 

• Marine engineers
• Coastal and ship mechanics
• Sports coaches
• Pilots of merchant ships
• Carpenters and joiners
• Ship cooks
• Electricians

The government and immigration services facilitate the issuance of work visas at the employer’s request. These permits allow individuals to legally live and work in Spain for the duration of their employment contract.

Average salary in Spain

The average gross salary in Spain is approximately €2,300 per month, varying by industry and region. After taxes and deductions, the net income is around €1,765 per month.

Compared to other European countries, the average salary in Spain is higher than in nations like the Czech Republic or Hungary, but lower than in Germany or France, where the cost of living is also significantly higher. However, Spain compensates for this with a more affordable cost of living.

Detailed examples and comparisons are provided in the table below.

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Minimum wage in Spain in 2025

The minimum wage in Spain is set at the national level, declared by Royal Decree, and reviewed annually by the government. For 2024, it stands at €1,134 per month, paid 14 times a year. This amount is higher than in many European countries but remains lower than in Luxembourg, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France. 

Notably, Spain’s minimum wage has nearly doubled over the past decade. The government aims to increase it by another 60% in the coming years. For comparison, in 2019, the minimum income was €900, highlighting significant growth and the state’s commitment to improving living standards. 

This upward trend is an important factor for foreign professionals considering living and working in Spain, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance economic conditions and attract talent. 

Salaries by profession in Spain

The average salary in Spain varies by profession and economic sector. Pay differences are influenced by factors such as qualification level, experience, and demand for workers in specific fields. A detailed breakdown of monthly earnings in euros for specialists in high-demand professions is provided in the table below. 

High-paying professions in Spain 

Qualified professionals in fields such as medicine, finance, banking, law, and the IT sector enjoy competitive salaries in Spain: 

• Surgeons and anesthesiologists earn between €5,640 and €17,500 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Highly skilled professionals in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology earn annual salaries of €60,000 to €78,000.
• Top managers in banks and financial institutions receive monthly salaries ranging from €5,290 to €6,160.
• Software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and project managers earn between €4,180 and €4,640 per month.
• Judges and lawyers with significant experience can earn annual salaries of €65,000 to €84,000.
• Engineers working on large infrastructure projects earn starting salaries of €3,570 per month.

These salary levels reflect the need for specialized education, relevant licenses, significant responsibility, and extensive work experience. 

Salaries by region and city

In 2024, average salaries in Spain vary significantly depending on the region and city. In Madrid and Barcelona, home to major financial and business hubs, wages are higher than in other parts of the country. This is largely due to the higher cost of living and increased economic activity in these areas. In contrast, regions like Andalusia and Extremadura, where the economy is predominantly driven by agriculture, have lower average salaries. This is attributed to a lower level of industrialization and reduced demand for labor in these areas. 

Salaries in Spain differ significantly between urban and rural areas. In cities, especially large metropolitan centers, wages are higher due to the abundance of job opportunities and high market competition.

In contrast, rural areas tend to have lower salaries, driven by fewer job openings and less developed infrastructure. For instance, in the rural regions of Galicia or Castile-La Mancha, the average monthly salary ranges from €1,400 to €1,960, while in Madrid or Barcelona, it exceeds €2,000. Employment in rural areas is often concentrated in agricultural farms and small businesses, which contributes to the lower levels of compensation.

Salaries for foreign nationals in Spain

Foreign citizens in Spain are typically employed in fields requiring either high qualifications or in roles that are less attractive to the local population. These opportunities are found in sectors such as IT, medicine, construction, agriculture, and tourism. Salaries for foreign specialists can vary by several thousand euros annually, depending on the industry and level of expertise. Key salary indicators are outlined in the table. 

In high-demand sectors like IT and medicine, foreign specialists often earn wages comparable to those of locals, reflecting the high need for qualified professionals. However, in fields requiring low-skilled labor, such as agriculture and tourism, foreigners may earn below the national average. Despite this, these positions often provide a stable income and opportunities for residency legalization in Spain. 

Earning a higher income in Spain is also achievable by starting a small startup and working independently. This approach eliminates the need to search for vacancies or depend on labor contracts. Moreover, registering an innovative business project allows you to obtain Spanish residency, enabling you to live legally, run a business, move your family, and eventually apply for citizenship. 

For detailed information on priority technologies and related inquiries, contact iWorld’s immigration specialists.

Payroll taxes in Spain

Salaries in Spain are subject to significant taxes and social contributions. Depending on income levels, income tax can reach up to 47%, with additional deductions of approximately 6.35% for pension contributions, health insurance, and other social services. Despite the high tax rates, many Spaniards support this system, as it ensures access to high-quality medical and social services. 

Income tax

In Spain, income tax is mandatory for all individuals holding local citizenship or a residence permit. The tax structure is regulated by Law 35/2006 of November 28, 2006, “On Income Tax of Individuals.” The rate varies based on income levels and types of deductions. Savings income is taxed at a lower rate compared to non-savings income, and residents are taxed only on income earned within Spain. 

Income is taxed on a progressive scale, meaning the percentage owed increases with higher earnings. This system provides benefits to those with lower income levels. A detailed breakdown of income-to-tax ratios is presented in the table below. 

Social contributions and other taxes

In addition to income tax, employees in Spain are required to pay various social contributions, which amount to approximately 6.35% of their salary. The primary contributions include: 

• Social Security Contributions: 4.8%
• Unemployment Insurance: 1.55%
• Wage Guarantee Fund: 0.2% of total earnings from the previous year, including salary, fringe benefits, and accumulated bonuses
• Vocational Training Fund: 0.1%
• Industrial Accident Insurance: Ranges from 1% to 6.7%, depending on the workplace’s risk level

While average salaries in Spain may be lower than in some other EU countries, professionals can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle thanks to the affordable cost of rent and reasonably priced groceries. Monthly basic expenses typically range as follows:

• €1,100 for a single person on a limited budget
• €1,750 for a single person with an average income
• €1,900 for a couple
• €2,200–€2,880 for a family with children

The table below provides an estimate of basic expenses relative to an average monthly net salary of €1,765 after taxes.

The cost of food in Spain depends on personal preferences. High-quality, delicious products are readily available in both supermarkets and local markets. The average monthly grocery bill for a family of three starts at approximately €400.

Unemployment challenges and opportunities for immigrant workers

Despite economic growth, unemployment remains a significant issue in Spain. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the unemployment rate stood at 11.27% in the second quarter of 2024. Young people are disproportionately affected, with 26.8% of individuals under 25 unemployed—a rate that places Spain alongside Estonia and Greece as having the highest youth unemployment in Europe. 

Another notable issue is the gender pay gap, where women earn on average 13% less than men. This disparity is influenced by factors such as industry type, part-time work, and career breaks related to maternity. The Spanish government is actively addressing this issue through new laws and support programs to promote equality. 

Immigrants make up 18.6% of Spain’s population. At both national and regional levels, programs are in place to help immigrants integrate into Spanish society. According to the Ministry of Immigration, 2.7 million foreigners were legally employed in Spain as of early 2024, an 8.1% increase compared to 2023. Immigrants are particularly represented in the following sectors: 

• Tourism, hospitality, and restaurants: 13.7%
• Construction: 11.8%
• Healthcare: 11.5%
• Scientific and technical fields: 10.8%
• Finance: 10.8%

Despite high competition in the Spanish labor market, immigrant workers are in demand in certain areas, particularly agriculture, construction, hospitality, logistics, truck driving, and elderly care. While salaries in these fields may be lower than those of local workers, they remain attractive for individuals seeking employment in Europe. 

Spain has introduced a training program for professionals running from 2024 to 2027, aimed at helping workers, including immigrants, upgrade their skills and improve their earning potential. The program prioritizes: 

• Workers in small and medium-sized businesses
• Seasonal and temporary workers
• The long-term unemployed
• Young people under 30
• Part-time workers
• Women
• Individuals over 45 years old
• Persons with disabilities
• Low-skilled laborers
• Employees with fixed-term contracts

In Spain, only legally employed workers are entitled to fair wages, paid vacation, sick leave, and other social protections. Obtaining a residence permit ensures access to these rights, providing security and opportunities for career advancement.

Money transfers from Spain

Transferring money from Spain is straightforward, thanks to modern technology. The process involves the following key steps: 

1. Selecting a service

   Choose from various options such as banks, online platforms (e.g., Wise, Western Union), or mobile applications. Opt for a service that offers low fees and fast transfer speeds.

2. Registration and identification

   This step typically requires submitting an ID card and proof of your residential address.

3. Sending money

   After completing registration, input the transfer amount and recipient details. Most services enable international transfers with minimal delays.

4. Paying commission

   Transfer fees vary depending on the chosen service. Bank transactions generally charge higher commissions compared to online platforms.

5. Receiving money

   The transfer duration depends on the method selected, ranging from a few minutes to several days.

To transfer money conveniently and without complications, legal status in Spain (residence permit or citizenship) is often required. Residency can be obtained through work or business visas, with startup registration being the fastest and most efficient option.

 
The primary requirement is an innovative business idea. A residence permit allows for an extended stay and offers the possibility of applying for permanent residence or citizenship in the future. Our experts will tailor solutions to your specific needs and goals, assist with document preparation, and guide you through the residence permit process.