What Is A Good Salary And How Much Do I Get Paid in Spain?

In my experience of working remotely from the Costa del Sol for Barcelona-based companies such as Semrush and Amazon, I have found that digital and sales roles, particularly account executive roles, can significantly exceed traditional salary norms. 

With the right bonuses, I've sometimes reached five-figure net monthly incomes, highlighting the potential for lucrative earnings in the Spanish digital market. 

However, I decided to look at the official figures and put them into perspective with the cost of living to find out what a good salary is in Spain. 

You've already received your first salary in Spain, but you're not sure what all those terms and abbreviations on your payslip mean? Check out my guide for a clear explanation.

According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), the average monthly brut salary in 2023 was €2,273.0 (about €27,276 annually), an increase of 7.3% compared to 2022.

After taxes, this translates to a net average monthly salary of €2,157 in cities like Madrid. Salaries vary significantly depending on the industry, region, and job position. 

Digital roles and executive positions often exceed the national average, while traditional jobs may offer lower salaries.

A 'good' gross salary in Spain is generally between €35,000 and €45,000 per year, depending on lifestyle and location.

In cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, a net monthly income of around €2,500-€3,000 (which would require a gross annual salary of €40,000-€50,000) is considered comfortable for a single person.

For families, especially in larger cities, a good gross annual salary would be around €60,000 or more to cover rent, utilities and daily expenses.

High salaries in Spain typically start at €60,000 gross per year, especially for digital marketing, sales, technical positions or management roles.

This gross salary would result in a net monthly income of €3,500-€4,000 or more, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, especially in major cities such as Madrid or Barcelona.

From 2024, the minimum gross monthly wage (SMI) in Spain is €1,134, or €15,876 a year spread over 14 payments.

This represents an increase of 5% over the previous year and is the minimum income threshold set by the government for full-time workers.

• A traditional market with limited high-paying industries.
• High unemployment, leading to increased competition for jobs.
• An economy that has historically relied on sectors such as tourism and agriculture, which offer lower wages.

However, digital, technology and management roles in major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona offer higher, more competitive salaries. 

If you are looking for such jobs, LinkedIn should become your best friend!

Absolutely! A €60,000–€80,000 gross annual salary is considered very good in Spain.

This salary range would provide a net monthly income of €3,500–€4,500, which is more than enough to cover living costs in cities like Madrid. 

Even allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and savings, you'd be all set!

To get an idea of what your take-home pay will be after taxes, take a look at our net salary calculator:

A good salary in Madrid should cover the city's relatively high cost of living. 

Bearing this in mind:

• 1-bedroom flat in the city centre: Around €1,337.24 per month.
• Basic utilities: Around €155.11 per month.
• Monthly food and eating out: Estimated at €400-€600.
• Average net monthly salary: €2,185.45.

A good salary would be at least €3,000-€3,500 net per month (around €40,000-€50,000 gross per year) to cover rent, utilities, food, transport and savings. 

For families, especially those looking for larger apartments, €4,500 net per month or more is recommended.