Recently on the forums, a lot of junior students have been asking about finding a job after graduation. The most frequently asked question is: How much is a first salary in Spain, really? It seems like everyone is quite anxious. As someone who’s been through it and made my share of mistakes, I’m starting this thread today to discuss this tough but realistic topic, hoping to offer some guidance to those of you feeling lost.
First, let’s get a general idea, and don’t be scared off by some of the exaggerated claims online. Spain’s official minimum wage for 2024 is €15,876 per year. For a recent university graduate, the starting salary is generally higher than this, but not excessively so. Typically, a pre-tax annual salary in the range of €18,000 to €25,000 is quite common. Of course, this is just a broad framework; the actual amount depends on your major, the city, and your personal skills.
Major and Region Are Key Factors
There’s a saying, “Choosing the right career path is crucial,” and this holds true in Spain. The salary gap between different industries is quite significant. Based on my own experience and that of my friends, combined with data from recruitment websites, I’ve put together a rough reference table for you:
| Field of Study / Industry | Annual Salary Range |
|---|
| IT / Software Engineering | €24,000 - €32,000+ |
| Industrial Engineering / Data Analysis | €22,000 - €28,000 |
| Marketing / Sales | €18,000 - €24,000 |
| Humanities & Social Sciences / Tourism | €16,000 - €21,000 |
| Architecture / Design | €19,000 - €25,000 |
The city is also a decisive factor. Madrid and Barcelona offer more opportunities and relatively higher salary levels, but the cost of living is also proportionally higher. In regions like Andalusia or Valencia, starting salaries might be 10%-20% lower, but the daily life pressure is much less—and who can complain about sunshine and beaches?
What Else Affects Your Salary Besides Your Major?
Beyond the macro factors of your major and region, the following points are also very important:
- Internship Experience: High-quality internships, especially those that lead to a full-time offer, can significantly boost your starting salary and provide strong leverage during negotiations.
- Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish is a basic requirement. If you also have strong English or another second language, it’s definitely a ticket into multinational companies, where salaries are naturally higher.
- Company Type: Large multinational corporations usually offer more generous salaries than smaller local companies.
Don’t expect to land the perfect job right away; sometimes, starting at a smaller company to gain experience is a great choice.
It’s true that the first salary for a graduate in Spain isn’t particularly high, especially when compared to Northern Europe or Germany. However, don’t just focus on the starting number. The advantages of working in Spain include clear career development paths and a generally excellent work-life balance, as reflected in data on Spanish university graduate starting salary. What’s more important in your first job is the platform it provides and the opportunity to learn. Your salary will grow as your experience and skills do. What was your first salary after graduation? Or do you have any tips for salary negotiation during interviews? Feel free to leave a comment below and join the discussion!
