Sam SmithSpain’s labor market continues to evolve rapidly at the present, driven by advancements in technology, healthcare innovation, renewable energy growth, and strong financial services demand. High-skill roles remain the biggest earners, particularly in executive leadership, medical specialties, engineering, and digital technology. This ranking of Spain’s top 100 highest-paid jobs reflects current salary trends and economic data, offering valuable insights for job seekers, graduates, expatriates, and professionals planning a strategic career path in Spain’s competitive workforce.
Top 100 Highest Paid Jobs In Spain
1. Surgeon
Surgeons are among Spain’s highest-earning professionals due to the advanced expertise and precision required to perform life-saving operations. Their responsibilities include diagnosing severe medical conditions, conducting complex surgical procedures, and overseeing patient recovery. Many surgeons specialize in areas such as cardiovascular, neurosurgery, or orthopedic surgery, each demanding years of intensive training and continuous professional development. Their role is vital in both public and private healthcare systems, reflecting Spain’s strong emphasis on high-quality medical care and advanced health services.
2. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists play a critical role in Spain’s healthcare system by administering anesthesia and monitoring patients throughout surgical procedures. Their job requires deep understanding of human physiology, pain management, and emergency response techniques. Anesthesiologists work alongside surgical teams to ensure patient safety, stability, and comfort during complex medical operations. Due to the complexity of their duties and the significant risks involved, the profession demands extensive training, resulting in high compensation and strong demand in both private hospitals and leading medical institutions.
3. Radiologist
Radiologists specialize in using imaging technologies — such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds — to diagnose diseases and guide treatment plans. Their expertise allows for early detection of illnesses like cancer and heart disease, making them highly valuable in Spain’s hospitals and diagnostic centers. Radiologists must interpret detailed images accurately and collaborate with physicians across departments. With technology-driven medicine expanding rapidly, their role is increasingly essential, offering excellent earning potential and career stability within Spain’s modern healthcare landscape.
4. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists in Spain diagnose and treat mental health disorders using a combination of therapy, medication, and behavioral care strategies. Their work involves supporting patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. Spain has seen rising awareness and investment in mental health services, increasing demand for qualified professionals. Psychiatrists frequently work in hospitals, private practices, or mental health clinics, and their lengthy medical education and specialist training contribute to their high earning potential and respected status in the healthcare sector.
5. Orthodontist
Orthodontists focus on correcting teeth alignment and jaw irregularities through braces, aligners, and other dental technologies. Spain’s strong cosmetic dentistry market and rising public awareness of oral health drive high demand for orthodontic services. Working in private clinics or high-end dental centers, orthodontists benefit from consistent patient demand and the ability to build profitable private practices. Their specialized training, precision-based work, and involvement in aesthetic improvement contribute to their competitive salary levels across the country.
6. General Practitioner (GP)
General practitioners are frontline medical professionals providing primary care, diagnosing common illnesses, and managing long-term patient health. They serve as the first point of contact in Spain’s healthcare system, offering prevention, treatment, and referrals to specialists when necessary. GPs may work in public clinics (Centros de Salud) or private practices, often building long-term relationships with patients. Their broad knowledge, high responsibility, and essential community role contribute to strong compensation, especially in private healthcare or underserved areas.
7. Pediatrician
Pediatricians specialize in treating infants, children, and adolescents, managing everything from routine checkups to serious medical conditions. They play a key role in childhood development, preventive care, and early disease detection. Spain places strong emphasis on pediatric wellness and family health services, ensuring steady demand for experienced pediatric specialists. Many pediatricians work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, offering a rewarding and financially competitive career path rooted in long-term patient trust and specialized training requirements.
8. Medical Director
Medical directors oversee hospital departments, private clinics, or healthcare institutions, ensuring high standards of patient care and operational efficiency. Their responsibilities include supervising medical staff, developing treatment policies, managing budgets, and implementing healthcare regulations. With a combination of clinical expertise and executive leadership skills, medical directors navigate both medical and administrative complexities. In Spain’s growing private health sector, they play an increasingly strategic role, earning high salaries reflective of their experience, management responsibilities, and decision-making authority.
9. Pathologist
Pathologists analyze tissue, blood, and body fluids to diagnose diseases, guiding critical medical decisions for treatment plans and surgical procedures. Their work often occurs behind the scenes in laboratories, but their diagnostic results are essential to effective patient care. In Spain, pathologists are in strong demand due to advancements in cancer research, genetic testing, and specialized lab technologies. Their extensive scientific knowledge and pivotal role in disease identification contribute to high earning potential and job security.
10. Emergency Medicine Consultant
Emergency medicine consultants lead emergency room teams, diagnose acute conditions, and perform life-saving interventions. They operate in high-pressure environments, addressing trauma, cardiac events, accidents, and critical medical crises. Spain’s busy urban hospitals and strong tourism sector — particularly in coastal regions — create significant demand for emergency specialists capable of rapid decision-making. Their advanced expertise, fast-paced responsibilities, and round-the-clock availability drive strong compensation and recognition within the medical community.
11. Clinical Researcher
Clinical researchers conduct medical studies, develop treatment protocols, and contribute to pharmaceutical and biotechnology advancements. Spain is a major hub for clinical trials in Europe, particularly in oncology, neurology, and rare diseases, increasing demand for skilled research professionals. These experts design research studies, analyze data, and collaborate with hospitals and universities. Their role fosters medical innovation and supports Spain’s global leadership in biomedical science, offering competitive salaries and strong career growth opportunities.
12. Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and dental injuries. They perform procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions, while also offering preventive care and cosmetic dentistry services. Many dentists in Spain operate private practices, providing opportunities for high earnings and flexible work setups. Growing dental awareness and demand for aesthetic treatments contribute to lucrative income potential, particularly for those with specialized training or established patient bases in urban centers.
13. Hospital Administrator
Hospital administrators manage healthcare facilities, overseeing staffing, budgeting, patient services, and operational performance. They ensure compliance with health regulations and work closely with medical professionals to deliver efficient, quality care. Spain’s expanding private healthcare network and increasing demand for hospital modernization make this role vital. Administrators with strong organizational and leadership skills can secure high-paying positions, reflecting the importance of efficient healthcare management and the complexity of running large-scale medical operations.
14. Physiotherapist (Senior)
Senior physiotherapists treat patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, neurological disorders, or chronic pain conditions. They design rehabilitation programs, guide mobility improvement, and work closely with sports clubs, hospitals, and wellness centers. Spain’s active population and strong sports culture — including professional football — contribute to strong demand for experienced physiotherapists. Advanced credentials and years of clinical practice lead to higher salaries, especially for specialists in sports rehabilitation or neurological therapy.
15. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners provide advanced clinical care, treating patients, prescribing medications, and performing medical assessments under physician collaboration. They play an expanding role in Spain’s healthcare system, helping reduce physician workload and improve access to care in both urban and rural settings. With advanced training and a strong patient-care focus, nurse practitioners combine diagnostic skills with compassionate service. Their specialized expertise and growing recognition in healthcare policy contribute to rising salaries and career expansion.
16. Investment Banker
Investment bankers work with corporations, governments, and private firms on mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, and financial advisory services. Spain’s financial sector, anchored in Madrid’s banking district, continues to recover and expand with global investment flows. These professionals analyze markets, structure deals, and negotiate high-value transactions, often working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. The role demands strong financial modeling skills, economic insight, and strategic decision-making, reflecting its high salary and competitive entry requirements.
17. Private Equity Manager
Private equity managers oversee investment funds that acquire and restructure businesses for long-term growth and profitability. They identify investment opportunities, negotiate deals, and guide corporate strategy, frequently working with high-net-worth clients and multinational firms. In Spain, private equity activity has grown steadily, especially in technology, real estate, and renewable energy sectors. This highly analytical and strategic role offers lucrative compensation due to its financial impact and leadership responsibilities within competitive investment markets.
18. Risk Manager
Risk managers identify financial, operational, and market-related risks within organizations, ensuring long-term stability and regulatory compliance. They play a crucial role in Spain’s banking, insurance, and corporate sectors, designing mitigation strategies and supervising internal controls. As businesses navigate global uncertainty and digital transformation, experienced risk managers are increasingly valuable. Their role demands analytical skills, industry knowledge, and strong decision-making abilities, contributing to high earning potential and steady career progression.
19. Asset Manager
Asset managers help individuals and institutions grow wealth through investment strategies spanning stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative assets. They monitor market conditions, assess risk, and tailor portfolios to client goals. Spain’s growing investment market and increasing foreign capital flows boost demand for skilled asset managers, particularly in financial hubs like Madrid and Barcelona. Their ability to deliver returns, build long-term client relationships, and navigate complex markets supports strong earning potential.
20. Financial Controller
Financial controllers oversee accounting operations, budgeting, and financial reporting within organizations. They ensure regulatory compliance, monitor cash flow, and contribute to strategic financial planning. In Spain, financial controllers play an essential role in both local companies and multinational subsidiaries, particularly in sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and real estate. Their combination of managerial expertise and technical accounting knowledge leads to strong salaries and opportunities for advancement into CFO or executive finance roles.
Top 100 Highest-Paid Jobs in Spain (Full List)
Annual Salary Estimates in Euros (€)
| # | Role | Estimated Salary (€) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surgeon | 120,000–180,000 |
| 2 | Anesthesiologist | 110,000–170,000 |
| 3 | Radiologist | 100,000–160,000 |
| 4 | Psychiatrist | 95,000–150,000 |
| 5 | Orthodontist | 90,000–140,000 |
| 6 | General Practitioner | 85,000–130,000 |
| 7 | Pediatrician | 80,000–125,000 |
| 8 | Medical Director | 90,000–140,000 |
| 9 | Pathologist | 80,000–120,000 |
| 10 | Emergency Medicine Consultant | 75,000–115,000 |
| 11 | Clinical Researcher | 70,000–110,000 |
| 12 | Dentist | 70,000–100,000 |
| 13 | Hospital Administrator | 65,000–95,000 |
| 14 | Physiotherapist (Senior) | 60,000–90,000 |
| 15 | Nurse Practitioner | 55,000–85,000 |
| 16 | Investment Banker | 100,000–160,000 |
| 17 | Private Equity Manager | 95,000–150,000 |
| 18 | Risk Manager | 90,000–140,000 |
| 19 | Asset Manager | 85,000–130,000 |
| 20 | Financial Controller | 80,000–120,000 |
| 21 | Compliance Officer | 75,000–110,000 |
| 22 | Tax Advisor | 70,000–105,000 |
| 23 | Auditor (Senior) | 65,000–100,000 |
| 24 | Corporate Treasurer | 65,000–95,000 |
| 25 | Wealth Manager | 60,000–90,000 |
| 26 | Financial Analyst | 55,000–85,000 |
| 27 | Portfolio Manager | 55,000–85,000 |
| 28 | Credit Risk Analyst | 50,000–80,000 |
| 29 | Accountant (Senior) | 50,000–75,000 |
| 30 | Insurance Underwriter | 45,000–70,000 |
| 31 | CTO | 120,000–180,000 |
| 32 | Cloud Architect | 110,000–160,000 |
| 33 | AI/ML Engineer | 100,000–150,000 |
| 34 | Software Engineering Manager | 95,000–140,000 |
| 35 | Cybersecurity Expert | 90,000–130,000 |
| 36 | Data Scientist | 85,000–125,000 |
| 37 | DevOps Engineer | 80,000–120,000 |
| 38 | Full Stack Developer | 75,000–110,000 |
| 39 | Blockchain Developer | 70,000–105,000 |
| 40 | IT Project Manager | 65,000–100,000 |
| 41 | UX/UI Designer | 60,000–90,000 |
| 42 | Systems Analyst | 55,000–85,000 |
| 43 | Network Architect | 55,000–85,000 |
| 44 | QA Automation Engineer | 50,000–80,000 |
| 45 | Database Administrator | 50,000–75,000 |
| 46 | Petroleum Engineer | 100,000–150,000 |
| 47 | Drilling Engineer | 95,000–140,000 |
| 48 | Reservoir Engineer | 90,000–130,000 |
| 49 | Renewable Energy Consultant | 85,000–125,000 |
| 50 | Subsea Engineer | 80,000–120,000 |
| 51 | Project Manager (Energy) | 75,000–110,000 |
| 52 | Electrical Engineer (Senior) | 70,000–100,000 |
| 53 | HSE Manager | 65,000–95,000 |
| 54 | Mechanical Engineer | 60,000–90,000 |
| 55 | Civil Engineer | 60,000–85,000 |
| 56 | Geologist | 55,000–80,000 |
| 57 | Pipeline Engineer | 55,000–80,000 |
| 58 | Energy Analyst | 50,000–75,000 |
| 59 | Environmental Engineer | 50,000–75,000 |
| 60 | Architect | 50,000–70,000 |
| 61 | CEO | 150,000–250,000 |
| 62 | CFO | 140,000–230,000 |
| 63 | COO | 130,000–220,000 |
| 64 | Managing Director | 120,000–200,000 |
| 65 | HR Director | 110,000–180,000 |
| 66 | Marketing Director | 100,000–170,000 |
| 67 | Sales Director | 95,000–160,000 |
| 68 | Operations Director | 90,000–150,000 |
| 69 | Product Manager | 85,000–140,000 |
| 70 | Business Development Manager | 80,000–130,000 |
| 71 | Procurement Manager | 75,000–120,000 |
| 72 | Account Director | 70,000–110,000 |
| 73 | Strategy Lead | 65,000–100,000 |
| 74 | Brand Manager | 60,000–95,000 |
| 75 | Project Manager | 60,000–90,000 |
| 76 | Airline Pilot | 90,000–150,000 |
| 77 | Ship Captain | 85,000–140,000 |
| 78 | University Professor (Senior) | 60,000–100,000 |
| 79 | Judge | 90,000–140,000 |
| 80 | Corporate Lawyer | 100,000–160,000 |
| 81 | Tax Lawyer | 90,000–140,000 |
| 82 | Intellectual Property Lawyer | 85,000–130,000 |
| 83 | Real Estate Director | 100,000–160,000 |
| 84 | Construction Director | 95,000–150,000 |
| 85 | Hotel General Manager | 80,000–130,000 |
| 86 | Aviation Engineer | 80,000–120,000 |
| 87 | Pharmacist (Senior) | 60,000–95,000 |
| 88 | Supply Chain Director | 90,000–150,000 |
| 89 | Logistics Manager | 70,000–110,000 |
| 90 | Investment Consultant | 70,000–120,000 |
| 91 | Business Analyst | 55,000–85,000 |
| 92 | Marketing Manager | 60,000–95,000 |
| 93 | HR Manager | 60,000–90,000 |
| 94 | IT Auditor | 60,000–95,000 |
| 95 | Cybersecurity Analyst | 55,000–90,000 |
| 96 | Biomedical Engineer | 55,000–85,000 |
| 97 | Airline Operations Manager | 70,000–110,000 |
| 98 | Mining Engineer | 75,000–120,000 |
| 99 | Food & Beverage Director | 70,000–110,000 |
| 100 | Senior Sales Manager | 65,000–100,000 |
Closing
Spain offers a diverse range of high-earning career opportunities across healthcare, finance, technology, engineering, and executive leadership roles. While salaries vary by experience, region, and company, the top-tier roles highlight the value of advanced qualifications, digital skills, and industry-specific expertise. Whether you’re already based in Spain or planning to relocate, understanding this salary landscape can help you target the most rewarding career paths and make informed decisions about your professional future.