Average Wages In Spain - All trades etc - Commuting to UK?

Think I read that figure somewhere recently as well (€9000) but it may be a little misleading since a lot of people still work "black" or at least get paid a part of their wages under the table. This is probably particularly true in the catering industry, which of course employs a lot of people on the Costas. Also, many catering staff work seasonally, and either doss around the rest of the year or do casual (black) jobs through the winter. I have some guys doing some reform work at the moment, one of whom usually works as a waiter during the summer months. He used to be a cop in Colombia, which I imagine could be quite lucrative, so I would think he makes more than 9k a year over here. Mind you, I suppose he'd happily take a cut in earnings against the increased life-expectancy of a waiter/builder versus Colombian cop.

Also, bear in mind that many people are self employed, and it is unlikely that their true earnings are included in this "average" figure. People like mortgage brokers and webmasters may tell you they average 9k a year, but truth is, their weekly booze bill probably exceeds that, so don't be too taken in by statistics. After all, 42.3% of people know that 93.6% of statistics are made up.

Having said all that, I actually agree with others here, namely that wages are p*ss poor. A typical shop assistant's or waiter's wage will be €1000 a month, and unless you have a fair degree of fluency in Spanish, opportunities for expats are rather limited. I recommend getting hold of a copy of Sur in English or one of the other English papers to see what type of jobs are offered. A great many are in real estate, which will be commission based and expect you to be a car owner (who is happy to put excessive miles on your car).

I'm starting to waffle now,so I'm going to another thread.

Worthwhile commuting until the expensive period crop up.  Flights are great except over holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, Half terms etc) and also end of June to September when it can cost £300 plus return.  Saying that, the average wage in Spain outside Madrid and Barcelona is under €14,000 a year (about £10,000 if you're lucky),  Of course, this average wage takes in all the bar, restaurant and other staff which rely on tips to boost their wages.  However, an office worker (typical hours quite different to UK - 8.30to1400 and 1700to2030 ish) will still be lucky to get €15,000 a year.  This does not include those in the property business who work on commission, hence the high rates charged in Spain when buying property.

I have a friend who does commute to Spain and spends his whole 5 weeks holiday there at a week a time (his wife lives in Spain permanently) and also goes over for odd weekends.  You can still hit it lucky and get return flights for 60 to 70 pounds a time if you book in advance.  I think my best was £34 return (including taxes and fees) in November.  If you register your e-mail address with a no-frills company, they will contact you with offers when they become available as the seats increase in price as the plane fills up. 

Hi

What is the wage tax in Spain?

Not an easy question to answer, but found this which may help; don't know how accurate the source is (found some out of date stuff on same site, so be careful!) Probably best to get professional advice.

Rough guide to income tax rates in Spain:

In other words, if you make 20.000€, the first 4000€ are taxed at 18%, the next 9000€ is charged at 24%, and the last 7000€ is charged at 29%.

The provincial tax rate is only a guide. Some autonomous communities have different rates.

Also found this one which is valid for 2006/2007.  I think the bands below were the 2003 rates from previous posts.Also remember to deduct your personal allowances which vary by age and marital status.    For example, in the first one it is 0 - 4161 over your personal allowance.  Personal tax allowance is 3,400 euros each and 800 euros over 65 and 1000 euros over 75.

So, a couple under 65 earning 10000 euros a year.  Deduct 6800 euros - 3200 euros taxed at 15% because it's under the 4161 level.  A couple earning 30000 euros a year.  Deduct 6800 euros, 23200 - 1st 4161 at 15%, then 24% up to 14357 and then 28% up to the remaining 23200 euros.  That's 3071 (top of band 2) plus 2476 for band 3.  Total tax 5547 euros.  (I think)

Sorry had to edit cos I mucked up the first bit......been a long week


This message was last edited by bobaol on 5/4/2007.

Thanks guys

That helps alot !!!!

Tina