The average salary in the tourism sector is around 1,700 euros per month.
Turijobs has presented its annual report on the salary trends that will define tourism this year. The study, based on the analysis of more than 20,000 published job offers, reveals key data on the highest paid positions, the salary distribution by province and the significant differences between sectors within the industry.
The tourism sector accounts for 13.1% of national GDP and generates more than ?207 billion annually, but faces growing challenges in attracting and retaining talent.
The report reveals that the average salary of the portal's job offers in Spain stands at 1.734.37 € per month (21,000 € per year), 29% above the countryís sector average, but still 26.32% below the national average salary,según the INE. This 5% growth compared to 2023 reflects an effort by the sector to remain competitive, although there is still some way to go.
Geographical and sectorial differences
Geographical location continues to be a key factor in the wage disparity in the sector. The Balearic Islands lead with an average salary of 23,831 € per year, followed by Madrid (22,378 €) and Barcelona (22,263 €).
At the opposite extreme, Seville presents the lowest average with 17,126 € per year.These differences highlight the need for policies adapted to local characteristics, including cost of living and tourism competitiveness.
Types of companies
In the restaurant sector, the most competitive salaries are found in chains (23.467 € per year) and in the events and catering area (24,188 € per year), reflecting a commitment to specialized and high-value services.
In contrast, bars have the lowest salaries, with an average of less than 17.000 € per year, evidencing a high dependence on temporary and operational employment.
In the field of accommodation, independent hotels lead the salaries with 22,711 € per year, standing out against chain hotels (21,244 € per year) and rural tourism (20,575 € per year). Hostels (18,178 € per year) and tourist apartments (19,271 € per year) show lower values, in line with their focus on basic and less personalized accommodations.
Tourism companies such as travel agencies and tour operatorsísticos offer competitive average salaries of 22,062 € and 22,623 € per annum, respectively. These figures exceed sectors such as theme parks and car rental, where salaries are around 16,000 € per year, reflecting a lower complexity in the functions of the latter.
In other related sectors, maintenance companies stand out with 24,328 € per year, leading this group thanks to the high specialization required and the growing demand for their services. On the other hand, complementary activities such as spas reach almost 20,000 € per year, while cleaning is in the lowest range, with 15,924 € per year.
By positions
The data reveal a wide salary disparity according to the type of position within the tourism sector. In the á areas operational, average salaries are in the range of 19,000 € to 21,000 € per year, with positions such as receptionists (20,924 €), cooks and waiters (19,790 €) standing out.
However, positions of greater specialization such as maintenance technicians (21,372 €) or floor governors (24,871 €) show a notable salary increase thanks to the demand for these profiles.
On the other hand, roles related to management, such as reception managers (23.853 €) or maintenance managers (27,285 €), confirm the trend that administrative and strategic responsibilities are valued with more competitive salaries.
At the top of the pyramid, executive chefs lead among operational positions with 35.163 € annually, a reflection of the high level of experience and skills needed for this type of role.
The top management roles stand out as the highest paid, reflecting the importance of strategic management to the success of the tourism sector. They lead the position of Regional Manager with 62,479 € per annum, Finance directors with 53,142 € per annum and Operations directors with 47,037 € per annum.