Guide to Careers in Spain's Agricultural Sector

Salaries in the Agricultural Sector in Spain

As a country with a rich agricultural history, Spain has always been a hub for farming and cultivation. With its warm climate, fertile soil, and diverse topography, Spain's agricultural sector has been an essential part of the country's economy for centuries. In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for agricultural jobs in Spain, which has resulted in a rise in salaries and an increase in job opportunities. In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about pursuing a career in Spain's agricultural sector. Spain's agricultural sector is diverse, covering a wide range of crops, livestock, and fisheries. The country is the largest producer of olives and olive oil in the world, and it is also a significant producer of wine, fruits, vegetables, and cereals. The sector employs more than 2 million people, making it one of the most significant employers in the country. Spain's agricultural sector is divided into two main categories: primary production and agribusiness. Primary production involves farming and cultivation, while agribusiness involves the processing, packaging, and distribution of agricultural products. Both sectors offer numerous job opportunities, ranging from farmhands and laborers to agronomists, farm scientists and farm managers

Salaries in Spain's agricultural sector vary greatly depending on the job position, skills, education level, employer and the region. On average, some entry level positions earn between EUR 10,000 to EUR 18,000 per year, while managerial and other high paid positions can earn upwards of EUR 50,000 per year. Additionally, workers in the agribusiness sector, such as food processing and packaging, can earn similar salaries to those in other industries.
One of the advantages of working in the agricultural sector in Spain is that there is a clear career progression path, with opportunities for promotion and salary increases. Additionally, many agricultural jobs offer stable employment and benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans.

Types of Farm Jobs Available in Spain

The demand for agricultural jobs in Spain has been on the rise in recent years due to several factors. One of the primary reasons is the increase in demand for organic and locally sourced food products, which has led to an increase in the production of such products. Additionally, many young people are now showing interest in farming, leading to a surge in the number of new farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
There are numerous farm jobs available in Spain, ranging from entry-level positions to managerial roles. Some of the most common farm jobs include: farm laborer, veterinarian, farm manager, agronomist, etc.
The requirements for farm jobs in Spain vary depending on the job position. For entry-level positions such as farm laborer, sometimes no formal education or training is required, although high school diploma or some experience in farming or manual labor may be beneficial.
For managerial and professional positions such as farm manager and agronomist, a degree in agriculture, biology, or a related field is typically required. Additionally, some positions may require specific certifications or licenses, such as a pesticide applicator license or a commercial driver's license.

Job Opportunities in the Agricultural Sector in Spain

The agricultural sector in Spain offers numerous job opportunities, ranging from entry-level positions to professional and managerial roles. Some of the most in-demand jobs in the sector include:
Farm Laborer Farm laborers are in high demand in Spain, especially during the busy planting and harvesting seasons. Many farms offer temporary employment opportunities during these times, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Veterinarian The demand for farm veterinarians in Spain has been steadily increasing due to the growing need for animal health and welfare management in the agricultural sector. This trend is driven by the increasing awareness and concern for food safety and sustainability, as well as the expansion of the livestock industry in the country.
Farm Manager Farm managers are always in demand, as they are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a farm. Many farms offer opportunities for on-the-job training and career advancement.
Agronomist Agronomists are highly sought after in Spain, as the country is home to many research institutes and universities that specialize in agriculture. Additionally, many agricultural companies and organizations are looking for skilled professionals to help them improve their operations and develop new technologies.
The agricultural sector in Spain offers numerous opportunities for career progression. Entry-level positions such as farm laborer or technician can lead to managerial positions such as farm manager or agricultural engineer. Additionally, many professionals in the sector go on to start their businesses or work in research and development.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Agriculture in Spain

Working in the agricultural sector in Spain has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages include:
Job Security Agricultural jobs in Spain offer stable employment and benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans.
Career Progression There is a clear career progression path in the agricultural sector in Spain, with opportunities for promotion and salary increases.
Work-Life Balance Many agricultural jobs offer a good work-life balance, with flexible schedules and time off during the off-season.
Some of the disadvantages of working in the agricultural sector in Spain include:
Physical Labor Many agricultural jobs involve manual labor, which can be physically demanding and challenging.
Seasonal Work Some agricultural jobs are seasonal, which means that workers may only have employment opportunities for a few months out of the year.
Low Wages Entry-level agricultural jobs often pay low wages, which can make it difficult for workers to make ends meet.


How to Find Job Openings in the Agricultural Sector in Spain

There are several ways to find job openings in the agricultural sector in Spain.
One of the best ways is to search online job boards such as Infojobs or Indeed, which list a wide range of job opportunities in the sector. Additionally, many agricultural organizations in Spain, such as Asaja, COAG, and UPA, have job boards on their websites where they post job openings in the sector. These organizations can also provide valuable information and contacts for finding work in the agricultural sector.
Spain's agricultural sector is largely based in rural areas, so you may have more luck finding job openings in these regions. Consider searching for job openings in regions like Andalusia, Aragon, and Castile-La Mancha.
Many multinational companies have operations in Spain's agricultural sector, and they may be more open to hiring foreigners. Research companies like Syngenta, Monsanto, and Bayer to see if they have job openings in Spain.
Look for recruitment agencies that specialize in the agricultural sector in Spain. Some examples include Agrimaster, Agroconsulting, and Agrosearch. You can search for these agencies online or ask for recommendations from people in the agricultural industry.


Pursuing a career in agriculture in Spain can be an excellent choice for those who are passionate about farming and cultivation. With its rich agricultural history, warm climate, and fertile soil, Spain offers numerous job opportunities in the sector, ranging from entry-level positions to professional and managerial roles.
While working in the agricultural sector in Spain has its advantages and disadvantages, it is a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy working outdoors, have a passion for farming, and are committed to sustainable agriculture practices. With the right education and training, and a willingness to work hard, anyone can find success in Spain's agricultural sector.