If the idea of living and working in Spain is included in your plans, then knowing the average salary here can be a great strategy for you as an expat and a professional.
Because understanding the average earnings, regional variations, and cost of living is the key, no matter if you are negotiating an offer, budgeting for a move, or mapping out your career.
Whether it’s paying your rent in Madrid you are worried about or negotiating that first contract in Barcelona, knowing what to expect financially remains the most essential. Because, while Spain might offer a relaxed lifestyle and a great culture, you still need to pay your bills.
Depending on where you are, what you do, and who you are, the pay can widely vary. From figuring out salary negotiations to gauging the cost of living, this blog post covers it all.
Our discussion will include everything: gross vs net income, hourly wages, high and low-paying sectors, regional trends, and even tips for negotiating your salary.
We will also explore how your average salary in Spain impacts your visa requirements and work permits.
What is the Average Salary in Spain in 2025?
The average gross salary in Spain has been estimated to sit between €28,000 and €30,000 per year. That breaks it down to roughly €2,300 to €2,500 per month before taxes hit.
Net salary, or the actual amount that hits your bank account after deductions like income tax and social security, usually ranges from €1,800 to €2,000 per month.
Gross salary is what’s listed on your contract. Net salary is what you actually live on. The difference matters a lot. Especially when you have to be budgeting for essentials like rent, groceries, insurance, and transportation.
While these figures represent national averages, salaries in Spain can still fluctuate quite dramatically depending on role, industry, and region.
Senior professionals in multinational companies can earn well above the average, whereas junior roles in smaller towns might be paid below.
Monthly and Annual Salary Overview
The national average wage in Spain per month is around €2,000 net. This comes to about €24,000 net income annually. High-skill, in-demand professions and executive-level roles can easily command gross salaries upward of €50,000 to €70,000 per year.
Spain operates on a progressive tax model, meaning the more you earn, the higher the percentage you contribute in taxes. This system impacts your take-home pay. That’s why it is important to factor that in when you are assessing job offers or setting your salary expectations.
Also, keep in mind that the VAT in Spain is usually 21%. This will be affecting your everyday spending, from supermarket trips to utility bills.
Average Salary in Spain Per Hour
Hourly wages offer a different lens on income, altogether. On average, the hourly wage in Spain for full time roles ranges anywhere between €11 and €14. This is based on a 40-hour workweek, assuming it’s either a 12 or a 14 payment salary cycle.
Part time and freelance roles might see higher hourly rates, but with less consistency and fewer benefits. In service industries like hospitality or retail, hourly wages may dip below the national average. Meanwhile, hourly rates in tech, law, and engineering can go much higher.
12 vs 14 Salary Payments in Spain
In Spain, it’s common for companies to divide the annual salary into 14 payments: 12 monthly salaries plus two additional bonuses, one in July and one in December. These are often known as “extra payments” and are legally required in many sectors.
Some employers opt to prorate these payments across the 12 months, resulting in slightly higher monthly income without separate bonus months. Make sure to clarify the payment structure during job negotiations, as this will be affecting your monthly budgeting.
This format also influences how Spain payroll taxes are calculated, as contributions are spread across more installments.
Key Factors That Influence Salaries in Spain
The numbers don’t look the same for everyone where salaries in Spain are concerned. Other various factors, including what you do and where you live, play quite a significant role in determining your pay.
Job Title and Industry Type
The profession you choose matters. The highest salaries are generally offered in the field of tech, finance, law, and healthcare. Software developers, for instance, can earn between €35,000 and €60,000. Whereas, a financial analyst in Madrid might make up to €55,000 in salaries.
In contrast, jobs in hospitality, education, and the arts tend to fall below average. Especially in tourist-heavy or rural areas.
Experience, Skills & Education
It won’t be amiss to say experience is the currency. Entry level positions start between €18,000 to €22,000. Whereas, mid-career professionals can expect €30,000 to €45,000, depending on which sector they are working in.
Higher education, particularly STEM degrees and MBAs, can boost your salary potential. If you have got specialized skills, such as coding, data analysis, or multilingual fluency, those are highly valued in the job market.
Regional Variations
Where you work in Spain matters as much as what you do. Madrid and Barcelona top the charts for average earnings, followed closely by cities like Bilbao, Valencia, and San Sebastián.
By contrast, regions like Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, or Murcia offer lower wages, but also a more affordable cost of living. Southern coastal cities like Málaga and Cádiz often offer lifestyle perks but come with lower average incomes.
Gender and Nationality Disparities
Despite legislative efforts, a gender pay gap still exists in Spain. It is estimated at around 10–15%. On average, women earn less than men in equivalent roles, particularly in leadership and tech positions.
Nationality also influences income. Expats from non-EU countries might earn less due to limited bargaining power or visa constraints.
Companies can combat this disparity by partnering with an employer of record model to ensure fair pay for their global professionals.
Salary by Region in Spain
Let’s zoom in on regional salaries and see how geography impacts income potential.
| Madrid | Catalonia (Barcelona) | Basque Country (Bilbao) | Andalusia (Seville, Málaga) | Valencia Region |
| Highest wages, averaging €32,000–€35,000/year gross | Competitive pay around €30,000/year | Strong salaries due to industrial base, ~€31,000/year | Lower average salaries, around €24,000–€26,000/year | Usually between €25,000–€27,000/year |
These figures we shared above reflect full time roles. Freelancers or part timers might earn differently. Also consider your working hours in Spain, which may vary by region and industry. Those also factor in the total amount of your salary.
Salary by Industry in Spain
Some industries consistently offer better pay and benefits.
High-Paying Sector
- Finance and investment banking
- Information technology, especially software development, cybersecurity, AI
- Pharmaceuticals and life sciences
- Energy and engineering
- Private healthcare and dentistry
Lower-Paying Sectors
- Tourism and hospitality
- Retail and sales
- Education (especially in public or language schools)
- Creative arts and media
- Agriculture and manual labor roles
How Spain Compares to Other EU Countries
Spain’s average salary is lower than many Western EU nations, but it also offers lower living costs, more public services, and a slower-paced lifestyle.
For comparison:
- Germany: €45,000/year avg gross
- France: €39,000/year
- Netherlands: €42,000/year
- Spain: ~€30,000/year
This gap is balanced by cheaper rents, public healthcare, and affordable food in Spain, making it an attractive option for remote workers and lifestyle-driven expats.
What Is a Good Salary to Live Comfortably in Spain?
Your lifestyle expectations, location, and family size define what’s comfortable and what constitutes a good salary for you to live comfortably in Spain. These statistics might help you estimate the numbers better:
Typical Living Costs for Singles & Families
- Rent: €700–€1,200/month in urban areas; €500–€800 for rural areas
- Utilities & internet: €100–€150/month
- Groceries: €250–€450/month
- Public transport: €40–€60/month
- Health insurance (if private): €50–€100/month
- Childcare/education: €250–€600/month
Comfortable Salary Benchmarks
- Singles in large cities: €27,000–€33,000/year
- Couples with one child: €42,000–€55,000/year
- Rural households: €20,000–€25,000/year can go far
Lifestyle matters. Dining out frequently or enrolling children in international schools will bump up that comfort threshold.
Minimum Wage in Spain: A Baseline for Workers
A national minimum wage in Spain is enforced, that gets annually reviewed. While these figures vary slightly industry to industry and among different contract types, a determined minimum wage still provides a baseline for all workers.
Understanding the Minimum Wage Framework
Minimum wage is calculated assuming a 14 month payment structure. This means workers receive extra holiday pay in July and December. Some employers divide this into 12 monthly payments.
In response to inflation and economic growth, the monthly minimum wage is expected to continue its gradual rise in 2025. This serves as a reference point for many entry level and hourly jobs.
Interns and Entry-Level Compensation
Interns usually earn stipends between €300 and €800/month. This, again, depends on their location and company size. Entry level roles across most industries start from €18,000 to €22,000 annually, with room to grow after one to two years of experience.
Salary Trends Over Time in Spain
Salaries in Spain have shown a slow yet steady growth over the past decades. Salary benchmarks and expectations have been reshaped by major economic events, including the rising inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote work has had a particularly strong impact. Professionals in tech and digital marketing are now earning global-level salaries while living in Spain, taking advantage of lower local costs.
Tips for Evaluating and Negotiating a Job Offer in Spain
Are you job hunting in Spain? Then these tips on benchmarking offers and negotiating based on your role, location, and industry will sure come in handy.
Research Before Accepting an Offer
Use salary benchmarking tools. Compare similar roles across cities. And ask local professionals. Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and regional job portals are some great places to start your search!
Vacation days, flexibility, and company culture should also be factored in as part of non-monetary perks.
What to Clarify During the Interview Process
Before you sign that contract, you should confirm these points first:
- Whether salary is spread across 12 or 14 payments
- Any performance-based bonuses or commissions
- Tax and social security deductions
- Relocation packages and visa sponsorship
Check if the company you are applying to uses outsourcing partners for payroll. Because one of the major benefits of outsourcing payroll is ensuring compliance and transparency.
Final Thoughts: Taking A Look At Salaries in Spain
Spain may not be known for the highest salaries in Spain. But its lifestyle perks, lower living costs, and a strong social safety net more than makes up for it.
So if you are considering moving here or switching your career, then you need to know all about the salaries over here. That way, you will be able to negotiate better and confidently.
If you are a business expanding into Spain, our team at IberiaEOR provides expert support with hiring, tax compliance, and payroll services in Spain. We offer the easiest and most smooth onboarding experience. So contact us now.
FAQs
What Is the Average Salary in Spain in 2025?
It is roughly between €28,000 to €30,000 gross annually, or €2,300 to €2,500 per month.
How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Spain?
Singles need €27,000 to €33,000, while families need €42,000 to €55,000 annually in major cities.
Do Expats in Spain Earn More than Locals?
Not typically. Expats might earn more in niche fields, but that often aligns with local salary bands.
How Does the Cost of Living Affect Salaries in Spain?
Moderate living costs help balance lower wages, especially in non-urban areas.
Is Salary Paid Monthly or In 14 Installments in Spain?
It is often paid in 14 installments: monthly with extra payments in July and December.
