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What Are The Most In-Demand Jobs In Spain?

Expat Tips

What Are The Most In-Demand Jobs In Spain?

Spain’s job market has shifted dramatically in the past decade, shaped by technology, demographics, and the country’s uneven economic recovery. For expats — whether you're arriving from within the EU or further afield — navigating work opportunities here can be challenging, but far from impossible. Understanding where the real demand lies is the first step.

Let’s start with tech. In cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Málaga, the digital economy has taken root. These cities have attracted startups, international tech firms, and remote-first companies drawn by Spain’s lifestyle, infrastructure, and talent pool. The result? High demand for software developers, cloud architects, UX designers, data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals. The hiring language for many of these roles is English, and remote work is often an option. Spanish, while helpful, isn’t always a requirement. What's more, a growing number of companies offer relocation support, especially for roles that are hard to fill locally.

Healthcare tells a very different story — one that’s shaped more by demographics than tech trends. Spain has one of the oldest populations in Europe, and with that comes a nationwide shortage of nurses, carers, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals. In rural areas and smaller cities, the need is especially acute. For EU citizens, integration into the healthcare system is relatively smooth, though Spanish fluency is expected. For those outside the EU, the bureaucratic process of getting foreign qualifications recognised (homologación) can take time, but the opportunities are real and increasingly urgent.

Education is another key area, especially for those who speak English as a first language. Many expats begin their Spanish working life as English teachers — often in private academies, bilingual schools, or through conversation assistant programs. These roles may not pay well at the entry level, but they offer a starting point. More experienced teachers, especially those with formal credentials like a PGCE or a background in STEM subjects, will find demand in international schools, where salaries and benefits are often significantly better. There’s also a growing appetite for tutors and online educators, particularly in wealthier regions like Madrid, Catalonia, and the Basque Country.

Spain’s hospitality and tourism sectors have long been major employers — and the bounce-back after COVID has reignited the need for workers. From coastal resorts in Andalusia and the Balearic Islands to city hotels in Barcelona and Valencia, employers are looking for multilingual staff to fill reception, kitchen, service, and guest experience roles. The work can be seasonal, with long hours and modest pay, but those who build up language skills and local knowledge often move into management roles or pivot into property management, tour operations, or entrepreneurship in the tourism space.

Not all jobs in Spain are in cities or tied to tourism. Tradespeople — especially those who are self-employed — are in incredibly high demand in many parts of the country. Electricians, builders, tilers, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are often booked out for weeks or months in advance. Many expats report that starting a small service business can be one of the most reliable paths to financial stability, particularly in areas with large foreign populations who value working with someone they can easily communicate with. While registration as a self-employed worker (autónomo) comes with some red tape and monthly tax obligations, the independence and earning potential are strong.

One of the most common questions we hear is: what jobs are actually in demand — not just theoretically, but in real hiring markets across Spain today?

Top 20 Most In-Demand Jobs in Spain (Right Now)

This isn’t a padded list. These are roles currently showing up in ads, staffing agencies, and real conversations with recruiters across Spain.

1. Backend Software Developer (Java, Python, Node.js)
2. Solar Panel Installer / PV Technician
3. Geriatric Nurse (especially in rural areas)
4. HVAC Technician
5. Bilingual Customer Support Agent (German or Dutch a big plus)
6. Full-Stack Web Developer
7. Tour Guide (English + Spanish or French)
8. Warehouse Logistics Coordinator
9. English Teacher (TEFL + degree preferred)
10. Project Manager (green energy, construction, IT)
11. UX/UI Designer
12. Carpenter or General Builder
13. Waitstaff in Tourist Zones (English essential, Spanish desirable)
14. Data Analyst
15. Primary or Secondary STEM Teacher
16. Social Media Manager / Content Creator
17. Mobile App Developer
18. Remote Technical Support Specialist
19. Electrician (with EU certification)
20. Sustainability Consultant

Pro tip: Many of these aren’t posted on mainstream sites. You’ll often have better luck using regional Facebook groups, going directly to companies, or walking into a business with your CV.

For those without recognised trades or fluent Spanish, multinational companies offer another route into the Spanish job market. Cities like Málaga and Barcelona are hubs for customer service centres that serve clients across Europe. Fluent speakers of German, Dutch, French, Italian, and Scandinavian languages are regularly hired to work in customer experience, tech support, and back-office functions — often with only basic Spanish required. These jobs tend to come with proper contracts, social security, and in some cases, relocation assistance. While entry-level pay can be modest by northern European standards, the benefits of legal employment — especially for those trying to establish residency — are significant.

One of the fastest-growing sectors in Spain is renewable energy. The country’s climate, policy incentives, and EU funding have made it a leader in solar and wind energy. This has created opportunities for engineers, project managers, electricians, and even marketing professionals with experience in green industries. Southern regions like Andalusia and Extremadura are leading the charge, but installations are increasing everywhere. Expats with experience in sustainability or energy efficiency often find that their skills transfer well — especially if they can work in Spanish or partner with a local firm.

What’s crucial to remember is that job availability in Spain varies widely by region. Madrid and Barcelona offer the most corporate jobs, but they’re also more competitive and expensive to live in. Málaga, Valencia, and Bilbao are increasingly attractive to digital professionals and entrepreneurs thanks to their quality of life and growing international communities. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for work in construction, agriculture, or hospitality, smaller towns and rural provinces may offer more immediate opportunities — even if salaries are lower and you need to work harder to build a network.

For job seekers outside the EU, the visa pathway matters. The traditional route requires a formal job offer from a Spanish employer willing to sponsor a work visa — not always easy, especially for lower-skill roles. However, alternatives like the digital nomad visa or the non-lucrative visa (for remote workers or retirees with independent income) may offer easier legal entry, even if they restrict local employment. For freelancers and remote workers, Spain is also becoming more welcoming, with some regions offering local grants and co-working infrastructure designed to attract digital professionals.

The process of job hunting in Spain also has its quirks. Online job boards like InfoJobs, Milanuncios, and Indeed.es are popular for local roles, while platforms like LinkedIn and EuropeLanguageJobs are more useful for international roles and language-based opportunities. Networking remains vital — many jobs are never advertised formally, especially in small towns or within tight-knit industries. Building relationships, learning the language (even just conversationally), and being persistent can often be more effective than scattergun applications.

Salaries in Spain can be lower than many expats expect — especially if you’re coming from the UK, US, or northern Europe. However, the cost of living in many parts of the country is still manageable, and full-time workers typically enjoy a good benefits package including health coverage, paid holidays, and pension contributions. For those willing to adapt to the pace and style of Spanish working life, the trade-offs can be well worth it.

At its best, working in Spain can offer a balance that’s hard to find elsewhere: a vibrant culture, excellent food and weather, and a healthier work-life rhythm. But it requires patience, especially at the start. Red tape, language gaps, and cultural differences can slow things down. Still, for those willing to learn, ask questions, and put themselves out there, Spain’s job market offers more opportunities than ever before — particularly for those who understand where the real needs are and how to meet them.

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