What It’s Like to Work in Spain: Salaries, Work Culture, and Hours

Considering a move to Spain for work, or just curious about what working life is really like here? Spain is famous for its sunny beaches, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture — but what about the experience of working and building a career in this Mediterranean paradise? In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working in Spain: current salary expectations, workplace culture, typical working hours, work-life balance, and key insights for English speakers seeking employment. Whether you are eyeing a multinational position in Madrid or a remote job from coastal Valencia, this post will offer valuable insights.

Salaries in Spain: What Can You Expect?

National Average Salaries

Salaries in Spain can vary greatly depending on the sector, experience level, and the region in which you work. As of 2024, the average gross monthly salary in Spain is around €2,000, translating to an average annual salary of about €24,000. However, it’s important to note that many roles, especially entry-level positions, may offer salaries below this average, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas.

Regional Variations

Salaries tend to be higher in major metropolitan areas such as Madrid, Barcelona, and the Basque Country, where the cost of living is also greater. For example, professionals in Madrid might see average annual earnings of €28,000 – €32,000, while similar roles in Andalucía or Galicia could hover closer to €20,000 – €22,000 per year.

Salaries by Sector

• Information Technology (IT): Tech professionals, especially in development, data science, and cybersecurity, are in high demand. Salaries for mid-level roles often range from €28,000 to €45,000, with management positions going higher.
• Teaching (English): Teaching English remains popular among expats. Language assistants and teachers typically earn between €1,000 and €1,600 per month; private tutoring can supplement this income.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Given Spain’s tourism industry, these roles are abundant, but wages can be modest, usually between €1,200 and €1,800 per month for full-time work.
• Finance and Banking: Salaries are competitive, averaging €30,000 – €40,000 for experienced professionals.
• Remote and International Companies: Working for international firms, especially in tech, marketing, or finance, can offer higher, globally competitive salaries – sometimes exceeding €50,000 annually.

For English speakers, competitive salaries are most likely in international environments, remote work settings, or highly specialized roles where English is a business asset.

The Unique Work Culture in Spain

Spanish work culture is renowned for being both passionate and sociable, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. However, it also has some unique characteristics that may surprise newcomers.

Hierarchies and Formalities

Spanish companies often maintain a clear organizational hierarchy. Respect for seniority is important, and formal communication with superiors is the norm, especially in traditional sectors such as finance, law, or government. That said, startups and international companies may foster flatter, more collaborative environments.

Team Spirit and Socializing

Collaboration and building relationships with colleagues are highly valued. It’s common for teams to enjoy coffee breaks (cafés), after-work drinks, and group lunches. Building rapport can be crucial for career progression, so joining social events and engaging with your coworkers is highly encouraged.

Punctuality and Flexibility

You may hear the stereotype of Spaniards not being punctual, but in the professional world, being on time is important – particularly in more formal settings. However, work culture is generally more relaxed compared to Northern Europe or the United States, with a healthy flexibility around breaks and meetings.

Language in the Workplace

While Spanish is the main language in most work environments, many multinational companies, startups, and tourism businesses now operate in English, especially in Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga’s “Tech Hub.” If you’re seeking jobs in Spain in English, be sure to target these sectors. That said, learning basic Spanish will dramatically enhance your experience, open up more local opportunities, and help you integrate with your team.

Working Hours and Work-Life Balance in Spain

Standard Work Week

The typical full-time working week in Spain is 40 hours, often spread across Monday to Friday. However, you’ll notice that the daily schedule can differ substantially from what you might expect in other countries.

The Famous Siesta: Fact or Myth?

The classic Spanish siesta – a mid-day break or nap – is more myth than reality in today’s urban Spain, especially in corporate environments. Nonetheless, many businesses and shops (outside major cities) do close for an extended lunch break, typically from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with working hours resuming until 7:00 or 8:00 pm.

Flexible and Remote Work

The pandemic significantly increased the prevalence of remote and hybrid work in Spain. Particularly in technology, marketing, and design sectors, many companies now offer flexible schedules, remote-first policies, or shortened workdays on Fridays. However, face-to-face interaction is still appreciated, particularly in traditional sectors.

Paid Holidays and Leave

Spanish labor law is generous with time off. Employees are entitled to at least 22 working days of paid vacation per year, in addition to approximately 14 national and regional public holidays. This, paired with a generally relaxed attitude towards work, results in Spaniards enjoying some of the best work-life balance in Europe.

Overtime and After-Hours Work

Overtime is less common than in some other countries, and most Spaniards value clocking-off on time to enjoy personal life, family, and social activities. Still, in sectors such as consulting, law, or during peak season for tourism, longer hours may occasionally occur.

Pros and Cons of Working in Spain

Advantages

• Excellent work-life balance thanks to generous holidays and a culture that values personal time.
• Warm and friendly workplace atmosphere, with opportunities to build strong relationships.
• Flexible working hours and increasing availability of remote jobs, especially for English speakers.
• Lifestyle perks such as great weather, healthy Mediterranean cuisine, and vibrant social life.

Challenges

• Salaries can be lower compared to Northern Europe or the US, especially in non-tech sectors.
• Competitiveness for English-speaking jobs is high in major cities.
• Traditional companies may be slow to adapt to remote work or innovation.
• Language barrier: Even in international roles, knowing some Spanish is a significant advantage.

Tips for English Speakers Seeking Work in Spain

• Target multinational companies or startups where English is the company language, or look for remote opportunities with international teams.
• Consider teaching or hospitality roles as they often have lower language requirements and are popular entry points for expats.
• Invest in learning Spanish. Even basic proficiency shows initiative and can set you apart.
• Network, network, network! Many jobs are filled by word of mouth, especially in Spain’s close-knit professional circles.
• Be patient and persistent. Spanish bureaucracy is famous for being a bit slow, but your efforts will pay off.

Conclusion: Working in Spain – More Than a Job, It’s a Lifestyle

In summary, working in Spain offers a unique blend of professional growth, social connection, and enviable work-life balance. While salaries may be lower relative to many Western countries, the lifestyle, culture, and benefits often make up the difference for many expats and locals alike. With the rise of international businesses and remote work, English speakers have more opportunities than ever to build meaningful careers in Spain.

If you’re dreaming of sun-filled days, a vibrant social scene, and a healthier approach to work, Spain might just be your ideal destination. Remember: embrace the culture, learn the language, and above all, enjoy the journey. Work in Spain in English is no longer just a dream – it's a very real and rewarding possibility!