Salary divide: Who’s at the top and who’s at the bottom
In Spain, the gap between the highest and lowest incomes has reached record levels. Executives of major medical institutions earn up to €150,000 a year, while at the other end, junior medical staff barely make over €17,000 annually. This pay disparity highlights the uneven distribution of income in the country and reflects the structure of today’s labor market.
Labor market trends: Stability and new challenges
By 2026, Spain’s labor market had become noticeably more stable than a few years earlier. However, inflation, economic uncertainty, and a shortage of qualified specialists continue to shape the outlook. Despite some recovery in business confidence and lower interest rates, employers are struggling to find professionals in key sectors. The shortage of talent in digital technology and logistics is particularly acute.
Highest-paying sectors: Who earns the most
Top executives and managers in major cities traditionally receive the highest salaries. In the medical sector, a hospital director can expect an annual salary of €100,000–150,000, while a medical director earns €85,000–150,000, especially in Madrid and Barcelona. In banking and investment, commercial directors make around €100,000. In logistics, strategic roles such as supply chain directors earn up to €105,000. The digital technology sector also offers high salaries: e-commerce marketing executives easily exceed €100,000, driven by the growing demand for digital transformation specialists.
Mid-level positions: stable professions and new opportunities
In the mid-salary segment, consultants, auditors, and experienced finance specialists stand out, with earnings ranging from €60,000 to €90,000 depending on their field and region. In the digital sector, product managers with over six years of experience also earn above €60,000. These professions remain in demand and provide stable income.
The lowest salaries: who ranks at the bottom
The lowest salaries are typical for care sector and retail workers. Junior medical staff, for instance, earn between €17,000 and €24,000 a year, and sanitation workers make about the same, despite the importance of their work. In retail, customer support staff start at €22,000–€28,000, while entry-level designers earn €20,000–€24,000. In education, junior specialists and academic advisors make €21,000–€24,000, with only managerial positions in this field offering higher incomes.
