Highest-paying jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector in Spain

The tourism and hospitality sector continues to be one of the pillars of the Spanish economy, generating employment in a multitude of areas ranging from customer service to the strategic management of large hotel complexes. Although traditionally associated with moderate or low salaries, there are profiles and positions that stand out for being well paid and offering high professional prospects.

The salary outlook for the sector in Spain

It is important to provide context before discussing high salaries: tourism and hospitality continue to have average salaries below the national average, especially in entry-level positions or those requiring no prior experience. *Source: Profesional Horeca

• The average salary in the tourism and hospitality industry in Spain is around €23,000–24,000 gross per year, which is below the national average.
• In hospitality, some entry-level positions can pay around €16,000–18,000 per year or even less for entry-level profiles.
• This makes the best-paid jobs particularly relevant for professionals seeking financial stability and professional development.
   

1. Hotel General Manager

One of the highest positions in the hotel sector is that of hotel manager, who is responsible for the overall management of the establishment. They manage teams, budgets, operations, sales, and customer relations.

Main functions

• Define business strategies and annual objectives.
• Coordinate all areas of the hotel (reception, F&B, housekeeping, sales).
• Lead and motivate the team.
• Ensure customer satisfaction.

Salary

Hotel managers in Spain can earn around €60,000 or more per year, varying according to the size of the establishment, location, and experience. *Source: Smart Travel

2. Director of Finance for the Tourism Sector

In hotels, tour operators, or large chains, the chief financial officer (CFO) plays a key role in ensuring the economic viability of the business.

Main functions

• Oversee budgets, reports, and audits.
• Manage cash flow and economic forecasts.
• Coordinate profitability strategies with other departments.

Salary

This position is usually well paid, with salaries close to €60,000 or more, especially in national and international chains. *Source: Qbit

3. Executive Chef / Head Chef

The role of executive chef or head chef stands out both for its technical responsibility and its remuneration, especially in haute cuisine environments or luxury hotels.

Main functions

• Designing menus, menus, and dining experiences.
• Leading the entire kitchen team.
• Controlling costs and maintaining high quality standards.
   

Salary

An experienced chef can earn up to €60,000 gross per year, depending on the category of the hotel or restaurant.. *Source: Right Casa Estates

4. Sommelier and F&B Specialists

Although often underestimated, the role of sommelier has gained prominence due to its specialization: selecting wine lists, coordinating pairings, and enhancing the dining experience.

Main functions

Sommeliers are among the highest-paid professionals in the sector, with salaries that can reach €40,000 gross per year or more, depending on the type of establishment. *Source: Noticiastrabajo

5. Head of Customer Experience (CX)

Beyond hotels and restaurants, strategic roles such as customer experience manager are gaining importance. This professional designs tourist experiences, coordinates feedback, and improves overall satisfaction.

Salary

Salaries can reach over €60,000 per year at large tour operators or hotel chains with an international presence. *Source: Right Casa Estates

6. Sales Manager and Revenue Manager

Positions related to sales, income, and revenue management also stand out for their direct impact on the profitability of tourism businesses.

Responsabilities

• Maximize revenue per room (RevPAR).
• Design marketing campaigns.
• Coordinate with marketing and sales teams.

Salary

These roles, especially in hospitality and tour operations, tend to offer competitive salaries linked to commercial targets.

7. Specialized Tour Guide

Tour guides have an interesting position, especially when they specialize in niche areas (art, food and wine, or culture).

Salary

The average remuneration for guides tends to vary according to experience and specialization, with significant ranges for specialized or bilingual jobs.

Factors that influence salary

Not all professionals in the tourism sector have the same earning potential. Some influencing factors are:

• Professional experience and track record in the sector.
• Specific education and training (hospitality, gastronomy, management).
• Size and category of the establishment (luxury vs. standard).
• Languages and technical skills (language proficiency is highly valued in tourism).

Although the tourism and hospitality sector in Spain has historically been associated with modest salaries, positions are emerging that offer competitive remuneration and professional stability, especially in management, gastronomy, and strategic roles. For those thinking of studying or specializing in this sector, focusing on training that provides access to these higher-paying positions is a key decision for professional advancement.

Below are the different training areas at CETT where you can deepen your knowledge:

• Higher Technician in Travel Agencies and Event Management
• Higher Technician in Tourism Accommodation Management
• Bachelor's Degree in Tourism
• Bachelor's Degree in International Hotel Management
• Bachelor's Degree in Digital Business and Innovation
• Double Degree in Tourism and Digital Business and Innovation
• Open Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree in Hotel and Food & Revenue Management
• Master's Degree in Innovation in Tourism Management
• Master's Degree in Tourism Business Management
• Master's Degree in Tourism Project Management
• Master's Degree in Marketing and Sports Event Management | CETT-UB & Barça Innovation Hub
• Executive Master in Hospitality Management