Choosing a university career is one of the most important decisions in every student’s life, as it not only shapes their professional career but also has personal repercussions. During this crucial phase of life, it is essential to consider various aspects, such as financial prospects, to make the best possible decision regarding their degree.
Students aiming for a high future salary should find out which professions in Spain offer the best earning potential. This way, they can pursue a degree that will enable them to earn up to €150,000 annually. According to data from the Social Security and the Ministry of Universities, the highest-paying professions are in the health sciences.
The highest-paying profession is medicine, particularly surgery, where the average salary is €60,000 gross per year. While young doctors can expect a salary of around €35,000 in the first years of their careers, with increasing experience, they have the potential to reach the aforementioned €150,000 gross per year. These figures refer to the public sector, while even higher salaries can be achieved in the private sector.
Although financial considerations should not be the only deciding factor in career choice, it is understandable that they play a significant role. A good salary allows for a higher quality of life and the achievement of financial and personal goals.
It is also worth noting that very attractive salaries can also be achieved in the pharmacy sector, particularly in the areas of research, sales, and clinical analysis. Professions related to prevention and occupational safety also offer interesting earning opportunities.
However, it should be noted that many of these degree programs have very high entry requirements, which makes access to these programs difficult and requires considerable preparation in the years prior to university.
The Lowest-Paid Careers
In contrast, there are university degrees that offer fewer job opportunities and lower pay. These are often dependent on market fluctuations, supply and demand, technological advances, and other variables. Nevertheless, they represent an opportunity for students who are interested in these fields beyond the economic aspect.
Among the lowest-paying professions in Spain are veterinarians, whose average salary after four years of professional experience is barely €22,838.91 per year. Artists are also among the lowest-paid professions, with an average salary of €22,898.83 per year. These two professions are among the lowest-paid in Spain.
Other popular university fields, however, not attractive for their salaries, include audiovisual communication, journalism, tourism, and hospitality, where the average salary is around €23,000 per year. Humanities degrees are also among the lowest-paying, with only 77.1% of graduates finding employment and only 36.4% earning more than €1,500 per month.
There are exceptions, however, and in some cases, graduates of these programs can earn significantly higher salaries. This depends on both individual experience and the company they work for, as well as their position within the organization.
