10 Most In-Demand Jobs in Spain 2026: Complete Career Guide

The most in-demand jobs in Spain in 2026 reflect a rapidly transforming labor market driven by technological innovation, demographic shifts, and sustainable development. Spain’s economy has achieved remarkable growth, creating over 780,000 new jobs in the past year alone, representing 44% of all new employment across the Eurozone. With unemployment projected to drop below 10% for the first time in two decades, job seekers face unprecedented opportunities across multiple sectors.

Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and green energy initiatives are reshaping career paths throughout the country. Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and emerging tech hubs such as Malaga are experiencing surges in hiring across technology, engineering, healthcare, and logistics sectors. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced professional considering a career pivot, or an international worker exploring opportunities in Spain, understanding which roles offer the strongest growth potential is essential for making informed decisions about your professional future in 2026.

Understanding Spain’s Job Market in 2026

Current Economic Landscape

Spain’s job market in 2026 demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth. According to recent economic projections, employment is expected to increase by 2.3% throughout the year, with the economy generating more than 1.5 million jobs between 2024 and 2026. The employment rate for individuals aged 15 to 64 reached a record high of 66.5% in early 2026, signaling robust demand for skilled professionals.

The Spanish government’s “Digital Spain 2026″ agenda has accelerated demand for specialized technical roles, particularly in areas involving <a href=”https://www.anthropic.com/claude” target=”_blank”>artificial intelligence</a> and automation. Unlike traditional sectors, many of these positions use English as the primary working language, making them accessible to international professionals.

Key Hiring Regions

While Madrid and Barcelona continue to dominate as employment hubs, several emerging cities are experiencing rapid growth:

• Madrid – Fintech, AI, and corporate management roles
• Barcelona – Deep tech, startups, and software development (22@ District)
• Valencia – Startup ecosystem and logistics
• Malaga – Deep tech hub and cybersecurity
• Alicante – AI strategy and digital transformation
• Tarragona – Supply chain and logistics analytics

These regional opportunities mean professionals no longer need to relocate to major capitals to build successful careers in high-demand fields.

The 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in Spain in 2026

1. AI Engineers and Machine Learning Specialists

AI engineers top LinkedIn’s ranking as the most in-demand position in Spain for 2026. These professionals build, deploy, and maintain real-world applications using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. They integrate AI into business strategy, operations, and creative processes, transforming how organizations function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing AI-powered applications and systems
• Building machine learning models for automation
• Deploying generative AI solutions
• Integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into business processes
• Ensuring ethical AI compliance

Required Skills:

• Python, TensorFlow, R, SQL
• Neural networks and NLP (Natural Language Processing)
• Computer Vision
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Salary Range: €50,000 – €80,000+ annually

Job Locations: Primarily Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia

According to IndesIA, an association promoting AI in Spain’s industry, 30% of AI and machine learning roles remain unfilled due to talent shortages. If this gap isn’t addressed, the demand-supply imbalance could quadruple by 2026.

2. Data Scientists and Data Analysts

As businesses across Spain embrace data-driven decision-making, data scientists and analysts have become indispensable. These professionals analyze complex datasets to extract actionable insights, predict trends, and optimize business operations.

Core Functions:

• Analyzing large datasets for business intelligence
• Creating predictive models
• Developing data visualization dashboards
• Implementing BI tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Supporting strategic decision-making with analytics

Essential Technical Skills:

• SQL, Python, R programming
• Statistical analysis and modeling
• Big Data technologies (Hadoop, Spark)
• Machine learning fundamentals

In 2023, 24% of Spain’s 120,000 tech job offers required data skills, and this percentage is projected to reach 30% by late 2026. Organizations across finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing are actively recruiting professionals who can transform raw data into competitive advantages.

3. Cybersecurity Analysts and Information Security Managers

The growth of IoT, 5G networks, and connected devices has exponentially increased security threats, making cybersecurity professionals critically important. Spain’s cybersecurity sector is projected to grow 12% annually through 2026, with approximately 35,000 unfilled positions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities
• Implementing security protocols and compliance measures
• Conducting penetration testing and ethical hacking
• Managing incident response and recovery
• Ensuring GDPR and data protection compliance

Certifications in High Demand:

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

Average Salary: €45,000 – €70,000 annually

As Spanish SMEs migrate to cloud infrastructure and digital platforms become central to business operations, organizations desperately need security specialists to protect critical assets and maintain customer trust.

4. Cloud Architects and DevOps Engineers

Cloud migration continues accelerating across Spain’s business landscape, creating substantial demand for cloud architects and DevOps engineers. These professionals design, implement, and maintain cloud infrastructure that enables scalability and operational efficiency.

Primary Duties:

• Designing cloud architecture solutions
• Managing AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud environments
• Implementing CI/CD pipelines
• Containerization using Docker and Kubernetes
• Automating deployment processes
• Ensuring system reliability (SRE – Site Reliability Engineering)

Technical Expertise Required:

• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)
• Linux system administration
• Scripting languages (Python, Bash)

Cloud Solutions Architects ranked as the 4th highest-paying tech job in Spain in 2024, with professionals earning between €65,000 and €80,000 annually. This trend continues strengthening in 2026 as more companies embrace digital transformation.

5. Software Developers and Full-Stack Engineers

Software developers remain consistently among the highest-demand careers in Spain, with specialization in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. The digital transformation market is projected to reach $80.56 billion by 2029, fueling continuous demand for development talent.

Development Specializations:

• Front-end developers (React, Vue, Angular)
• Back-end developers (Python, Java, Node.js)
• Full-stack engineers
• Mobile app developers (iOS, Android)
• Blockchain developers

Skills Companies Seek:

• Modern JavaScript frameworks
• RESTful API development
• Database management (SQL, NoSQL)
• Version control (Git)
• Agile methodologies

Salary Expectations: €20,000 – €50,000+ depending on experience level

Barcelona’s tech centers alone create 26,000 jobs annually and generate €2.5 billion in economic activity, with software development representing the largest segment.

6. Logistics Analysts and Supply Chain Managers

Logistics analysts rank third on LinkedIn’s growth list, analyzing and optimizing companies’ entire supply chains from raw materials through finished product delivery. They use data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance delivery speed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supply chain optimization
• Inventory management and forecasting
• Transportation logistics planning
• Data analysis for operational improvements
• Vendor relationship management

Most positions concentrate in Barcelona, Madrid, and Tarragona, where manufacturing and distribution centers require sophisticated supply chain management.

The e-commerce boom and post-pandemic supply chain restructuring have elevated the importance of these professionals, making them essential for competitive business operations.

7. Healthcare Professionals and Biomedical Engineers

Spain’s aging population and continued healthcare investment support stable demand for healthcare professionals. Demographic shifts create particularly strong needs in long-term care, specialized medicine, and medical technology integration.

High-Demand Healthcare Roles:

• Nurses and specialized nursing staff
• Medical practitioners and surgeons
• Biomedical engineers
• Elder care specialists
• Medical support technicians

Biomedical engineers specifically experience sustained growth, driven by increasing integration of technology into healthcare settings. These professionals work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and research facilities developing medical devices and diagnostic equipment.

Average Healthcare Salaries:

• Surgeons: €6,010 monthly
• Specialized nurses: €2,500 – €4,000 monthly
• Biomedical engineers: €35,000 – €55,000 annually

Healthcare roles require appropriate certifications, Spanish language proficiency, and often experience within EU healthcare systems.

8. Sales Managers and IT Sales Directors

IT sales managers manage commercial strategies for selling technology products and services to clients. These positions combine technical knowledge with business development skills, making them valuable across Spain’s growing tech sector.

Role Functions:

• Developing sales strategies for tech products
• Managing client relationships
• Leading sales teams
• Revenue forecasting and planning
• Negotiating enterprise contracts

Most positions are found in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, where tech companies and multinational corporations maintain significant operations.

Sales representatives, more broadly, account for over 10% of all job offers in Spain. Entry-level positions typically require minimal experience, offering accessible entry points into professional careers with average salaries around €1,860 monthly, while senior sales managers can earn €4,000 – €6,500 monthly.

9. Civil Engineering Managers and Commissioning Specialists

Spain’s renewed infrastructure investment is driving demand for civil engineering managers and commissioning specialists. After years of hesitation, large-scale projects in construction, transport, and renewable energy are returning, requiring professionals who can manage complex on-site implementations.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Overseeing construction and infrastructure projects
• Managing multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Ensuring projects meet timelines and budgets
• Quality control and safety compliance
• Coordinating with stakeholders and regulatory bodies

The construction industry is projected to grow 3% annually from 2026 through 2028, with investments spanning residential development, transportation infrastructure, renewable energy facilities, and manufacturing plants.

Spain faces a skills gap in construction, with 60% of workers lacking professional or higher education compared to 40% in other sectors. This creates opportunities for qualified engineers and managers to advance quickly.

10. Renewable Energy Specialists and Green Tech Professionals

Spain’s commitment to sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions has created strong demand for renewable energy specialists. The country has invested heavily in wind and solar power infrastructure, requiring engineers, project managers, and technicians.

Career Opportunities:

• Renewable energy engineers
• Solar installation technicians
• Wind turbine specialists
• Energy project managers
• Sustainability consultants

These roles support Spain’s green transition while offering stable, future-focused career paths. Professionals design, build, and maintain renewable energy infrastructure critical to meeting national and EU environmental targets.

The sector benefits from both government investment and private sector growth, providing diverse employment opportunities across technical and managerial levels.

Essential Skills for Spain’s Job Market in 2026

Beyond specific job titles, certain skills in demand in Spain cut across multiple industries:

Technical Skills:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Cloud computing platforms
• Data analysis and visualization
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Programming languages (Python, Java, JavaScript)
• Digital marketing and SEO

Soft Skills:

• Adaptability and continuous learning
• Cross-cultural communication
• Problem-solving abilities
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Project management

Language Proficiency: While many tech companies use English as their primary language, Spanish fluency significantly improves employment prospects. According to surveys, 68% of Spanish companies prefer candidates with Spanish language skills, though this varies by sector and company size.

Salary Trends and Compensation in 2026

The average gross salary in Spain in 2026 is approximately €31,600 annually (€2,633 monthly before taxes). However, high-demand professions significantly exceed this average:

Top-Paying Roles:

• Surgeons: €6,010 monthly
• Legal Counsels: €4,500 – €6,250 monthly
• AI Engineers: €50,000 – €80,000 annually
• Cloud Architects: €65,000 – €80,000 annually
• Data Scientists: €45,000 – €70,000 annually
• Cybersecurity Experts: €45,000 – €70,000 annually

Salaries vary significantly by region, with Madrid and Barcelona offering 20-30% higher compensation than other areas for equivalent roles. However, cost of living adjustments often balance these differences, making smaller cities increasingly attractive.

Work Visas and Immigration Pathways

For international professionals, several visa options facilitate working in Spain:

Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa remains popular for remote workers. As of 2026, applicants must prove income of 200% of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI), approximately €2,800 – €3,000 monthly. Successful applicants may qualify for the “Beckham Law” tax regime, paying a flat 24% tax rate on income up to €600,000.

EU/EEA Citizens

Citizens of EU/EEA countries don’t need work permits. They only need to obtain a NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) and register as residents if staying longer than 90 days.

Spain Job Seeker Visa

This visa allows highly qualified individuals to stay in Spain for 6-12 months while searching for employment directly. Once you secure a job offer, you can convert it into a work permit.

Shortage Occupation List

Spain maintains a Catalogue of Occupations Hard to Cover (COHC), updated quarterly by SEPE based on labor market needs. Jobs on this list receive expedited processing for work permits and residence applications.

How to Find Jobs in Spain

Top Job Search Platforms:

• LinkedIn – Professional networking and AI-powered job matching
• InfoJobs – Spain’s largest job portal with 146,000+ STEAM openings
• Glassdoor – Salary transparency and company reviews
• Indeed Spain – Broad range of opportunities
• Welcome to the Jungle – Tech-focused positions

Specialized Recruitment Agencies:

• Blu Selection – Multilingual roles
• Michael Page International – Professional positions
• Manfred – Tech specialists
• Ticjob – Technology careers

Networking Strategies: Attending tech meetups, industry conferences, and professional events significantly improves job prospects. Spain’s work culture values personal relationships and community involvement, making networking essential for career advancement.

Career Development and Upskilling

Given rapid technological change, continuous learning is essential. Professionals should consider:

• <a href=”https://www.edx.org/” target=”_blank”>Online courses and certifications</a> in AI, cloud computing, and data science
• Spanish language courses for non-native speakers
• Industry-specific certifications (AWS, Azure, CISSP)
• Attending workshops and bootcamps
• Participating in open-source projects

Many companies offer training programs and professional development opportunities, recognizing that upskilling existing staff is often more effective than competing for limited talent.

Work Culture and Life Quality in Spain

Spain ranks 2nd out of 53 countries in the Quality of Life Index for 2025, with 87% of expats reporting happiness with their living situation. The country offers:

• Work-Life Balance: 73% of expats report satisfaction with work-life balance
• Affordable Living: 69% satisfied with cost of living despite rising rental prices in major cities
• Healthcare: World-class public and private healthcare systems
• Climate: Mediterranean weather and outdoor lifestyle
• Cultural Richness: Historic landmarks, vibrant cities, and diverse regions

Spain’s work culture blends professionalism with a relaxed social atmosphere, emphasizing respect for personal time and family commitments.

Challenges and Considerations

While opportunities abound, job seekers should be aware of challenges:

• Competition: 58% of professionals believe finding jobs has become more difficult compared to previous years due to increasing qualifications and global competition.
• Language Barriers: Many traditional sectors still require fluency in Spanish, though tech roles are more flexible.
• Regional Variations: Job availability and salaries differ significantly between major cities and smaller towns.
• Economic Uncertainty: While growth is strong, European economic conditions can impact Spain’s employment landscape.

Conclusion

The most in-demand jobs in Spain in 2026 reflect a labor market undergoing profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and sustainability initiatives. AI engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and cloud architects lead technological hiring, while healthcare professionals, logistics specialists, and renewable energy workers address demographic and environmental challenges. With unemployment falling below 10%, record employment rates, and over 1.5 million new jobs created between 2024 and 2026, Spain offers exceptional opportunities for skilled professionals. Whether you’re pursuing technology careers in Barcelona’s 22@ District, healthcare positions serving an aging population, or engineering roles supporting renewable energy infrastructure, Spain’s job market rewards adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic skill development. By aligning your expertise with these high-demand sectors and embracing the country’s unique work culture, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in one of Europe’s most dynamic economies.