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In 2024, Spain’s labor market was dynamic, but it still faced the high unemployment rate that has characterized this country in recent decades. The unemployment rate was 12.3%, slightly lower than the 13.1% (2023 data). However, the country continues to struggle with regional disparities in employment and a shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors.

Spain is one of the most attractive EU countries for labor migrants due to its climate, quality of life, and economic opportunities. In 2024, the number of foreign workers exceeded 2.7 million, accounting for almost 15% of the country’s total labor force.

Here are the key indicators of the Spanish labor market at the end of 2024.

1. Total number of employed population:
   • About 20.5 million people are employed in various industries.
2. Regional differences:
   • The lowest unemployment rate is in regions focused on tourism and industry:
     • Catalonia – 9.1%;
     • Madrid – 8.5%;
     • Basque Country – 7.2%.
   • High unemployment in the southern regions:
     • Andalusia – 17.5%;
     • Canary Islands – 18.3%.
3. The average level of wages:
   • The average salary in Spain is 2,090 euros before taxes.
   • Salaries vary depending on the industry:
     • IT and technology – up to 3,500 euros;
     • Financial sector – about 3,000 euros;
     • Construction and agriculture – 1,500-2,000 euros.
4. Professions in demand:
   • IT specialists (developers, data engineers);
   • Medical personnel (doctors, nurses, pharmacists);
   • Employees of tourism and hospitality industry;
   • Workers in the construction and agricultural sectors.

The role of migrants in the Spanishlabor market

Foreign workers play an important role in the Spanish economy, especially in sectors where there is a shortage of local labor. According to the Spanish Ministry of Labor, in 2024, the share of migrants accounted for more than 14% of the total number of employees, this percentage continues to grow and the contribution of migrants covers a wide range of sectors.

Main groups of migrants:

1. Citizens of Latin American countries:
   • Number: over 1.2 million people.
   • Areas of employment: construction, agriculture, services (restaurants, hotels).
   • Special features: due to language similarities, Latin Americans easily integrate into the labor market.
2. Citizens of EU countries:
   • About 800,000 people (including Romanians, Italians, Portuguese, and Poles).
   • Areas of employment: IT, finance, tourism, medicine.
   • Special features: EU citizens have the right to work in Spain without additional permits.
3. Migrants from North Africa:
   • Number: about 450,000 people (including Morocco, Algeria).
   • Areas of employment: agriculture, construction, retail trade.
   • Features: often work in low-skilled positions.
4. Citizens of Ukraine:
   • Official number: over 100,000 people.
   • Areas of employment: agriculture, construction, services.
   • Special features: Since 2022, after the outbreak of the war, Spain has simplified labor migration rules for Ukrainians by providing temporary work permits.
5. Migrants from Asia:
   • Number: about 150,000 people (including Chinese and Indian citizens).
   • Areas of employment: retail trade, IT, restaurant business.

Latin Americans and North Africans: More often work in low-skilled or seasonal jobs. EU and Ukrainian citizens: hold both skilled and unskilled positions. Asia: focused on highly skilled professions and owning small businesses.

In 2025, experts predict an increase in migration from Latin America and possibly from Ukraine due to simplified employment rules. In addition, employment in sectors related to green energy, IT, and tourism will continue to grow. Additional incentives to attract highly qualified specialists will attract engineers and doctors to Spain.

In 2024, the Spanish labor market continues to recover, but faces challenges in the form of high unemployment and staff shortages in key sectors. Migrants play an important role in supporting the country’s economy, especially in such sectors as agriculture, construction and services.

Spain remains an attractive destination for foreign workers, and their importance to the economy will only increase in the coming years.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analiz-rynku-pratsi-ispanii-u-2024-rotsi-vid-relocation/