Salary Benchmark for Barcelona, Paris, Lisbon and Athens 2024/25
Building meaningful connections between international jobseekers and hiring companies through high-quality recruitment solutions, Blu Selection is a key player in hiring international profiles for multinational companies across Europe. Our expertise covers:
BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing)
International Shared Services Centers
Global Business Hubs
Coworking Centers
IT and Finance start-ups
With a specialized database focused on these profiles, our consultants possess in-depth knowledge of international job markets, candidate pools, sourcing channels, and direct approach expertise.
Recent entry-level talent acquisition trends in Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens, and Paris have evolved due to shifting expectations in the candidate-driven market. As we continue to explore additional job functions and seniorities, we are pleased to share this brief salary guide, shedding light on current market pay rates for sectors with the highest volume of entry-level openings for foreign language speakers in Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens, and Paris: Customer Service, Sales, and Back Office.
Methodology of The Salary Benchmark Study
Entry-level seniority By entry-level seniority, we considered all positions that don't require any previous experience (approx. 80% of the roles included) and roles that require only 6 months to a maximum of 2 years of relevant experience (20%). For most of these positions, companies are looking for native language speakers with soft skills only while a few exceptions require previous experience in the sector or related fields or a certain education level.
Language classification The language classification includes German, Dutch and Flemish, French, Nordic and other languages. By Nordic, we categorised Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian aligning with the classification of the job market. In Other languages, as our portfolio of different languages with a lower volume of positions suggests, we consider 15 languages including English, Italian, Turkish, Arabic, Hebrew, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Norwegian, and Russian. For non-native level language requirements, the levels are determined according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Job functions For the Job functions, we named 3 main categories that the companies continuously require entry-level employees. The Customer Service category consists of all "customer/client-facing" support roles including positions that originally fell under the Technical Support category but were combined here due to similarities in demand and salaries.For the Sales category, we have included different titles such as Sales Representative, Business Developer or Account Executive. Back Office, on the other hand, combines all support and administrative positions that are not client-facing.
Salary Benchmarks Regarding the Salary benchmarks, the gap between minimum and maximum salaries might be larger in some cities and languages due to differences between company packages and market demands. Minimum salaries represent the base salary including the language bonuses but not the performance bonuses. For uncapped bonus packages, the maximum salaries have been calculated according to average team achievements.
1. Barcelona Entry-Level Salary Benchmark
Companies in Barcelona are incontinuous need of international talents with native language skillsto stay competitive in this growing business hub. Normally positions are opened only with one month max notice. It’s a very paced Market. Table 1 of the salary benchmark includes the salary trends for different entry-level job functions. While salary packages between Customer Service and Back Office demonstrate a similar trend, the Sales function comes with a higher salary end due to the competitive salary and bonus trends within the market. Due to differences in native languages, the salaries vary according to the demand of the market for those language skills as well as bonus packages for different regional markets.
Requirements: While the majority of the Customer Service roles don't have any requirement for a Bachelor's or Master's degree, it can be beneficial for Sales and Back Office positions either as a mandatory requirement or to reach a higher salary package. English proficiency, on the other hand, is a mandatory requirement for almost all positions included in this study with a few exceptions. While a B2 level of English is acceptable for some positions, most language jobs require a C1 level to ensure fluent internal company communication and native-level language skills as listed.
Benefits: Due to the high expat population and competitive candidate market in Barcelona, the relocation package is not observed as a common benefit for the entry-level job market, however, some companies might help with paperwork organisation.
2. Paris Entry-level Salary Benchmark
Companies in Paris are constantly seeking international talents with native language skills to maintain competitiveness in this global business hub. Asone of Europe’s key economic centers, the demand for multilingual candidates is particularly high in industries such as Customer Service, Sales, and Back Office.
The hiring process in Paris typically allows for slightly longer notice periods compared to Barcelona, with positions often being filled within 4 to 6 weeks. However, the market remains fast-paced, especially for roles requiring rare language skills or specialized knowledge.
Table 2 highlights the salary benchmarks for entry-level job functions in Paris. While salary packages for Customer Service and Back Office positions follow a similar trend, Sales roles offer higher earning potential due to competitive bonuses and commission-based structures. Salaries also vary significantly based on language skills, reflecting the demand for specific languages and their associated market value.
Requirements: For most Customer Service roles, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is generally not required, although soft skills and fluency in a native language are essential. In Sales and Back Office, a Bachelor’s degree may be required or advantageous for higher salary packages or progression opportunities.English is mandatory for nearly all positions in this study, with most companies requiring at least a C1 level for internal communication and operational efficiency. Native or near-native proficiency in specific target languages (e.g., German, Dutch, Hebrew) is a key factor in securing positions and negotiating higher salaries.
Benefits: Unlike Barcelona, where relocation benefits are rare, Paris offers a slightly different scenario: While relocation packages remain uncommon for entry-level roles, some companies do provide support for administrative tasks like visa applications or accommodation assistance, especially for high-demand language speakers. Additional perks such as meal vouchers, transportation subsidies, and health insurance are standard in many entry-level packages, reflecting French labor market norms.
Language Impact on Salaries: The Paris market places a high premium on certain languages due to demand and competition. Highest salaries are offered to speakers of Hebrew, Nordic languages, and Japanese. Mid-tier salaries are typical for German, Dutch, and Arabic speakers. Lower-tier salaries apply to positions requiring English, French, Italian, Spanish, or Polish, though these remain competitive compared to other European cities.
3. Lisbon Entry-Level Salary Benchmark
Hosting many top outsourcing companies, Lisbon became an attraction for expats with language skills by providing a vast amount of career opportunities.
Table 3 includes the salary trends for different entry-level job functions. Salary packages in Lisbon show similar rates between job functions only with a slight difference in the higher end for the roles that are client-facing such as Customer Service and Sales. The salaries for different native languages vary according to the demand of the market for language speakers and bonus packages for different regional markets.
Requirements: For the majority of the entry-level roles, holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree is not a significant criterion with a few exceptions. The minimum required English level is often B2. A C1 level makes candidates eligible for sales positions, with a higher salary. On the other hand, a proficient English level is a requirement for most of the projects companies hire for, and a C1 level might be a criterion for a higher salary. Regarding native languages, while for some positions a B2 or C1 level is acceptable, most positions require native-level proficiency.
Benefits: Meal vouchers, with a minimum value of €7/day, are a very common benefit. Some companies either include: relocation support in their salary package or provide it extra. Much have is relocation package nowadays because of the steadily increasing housing market. If no accommodation can be given, financial support in the first months is expected. Relocation packages have become much more common nowadays due to the steadily increasing housing market.
It’s worth mentioning that the trend in Lisbon, at least in BPO, is shifting towards full return to the office, with a few exceptions. For remote projects, salaries might be slightly lower – which is fair enough, as the high living costs are mostly concentrated in Lisbon.
4. Athens Entry-Level Job Market
The job market in Athens has ahigh demand for international talent.This trend is driven by the need for companies to remain competitive in Athens' rapidly growing business landscape
Table 4 provides an overview of salary trends for various entry-level job functions in Athens. Compared to other markets the salary across different functions is relatively stable with a slightly higher salary for Sales positions. Also, the difference between the presented language skills is barely noticeable, which demonstrates a more or less equal demand for all languages for the job market in Athens.
Requirements:Entry-level positions in Athens and across Greece typically don't demand specific educational qualifications, but having relevant experience, such as in customer service or sales, can be a major advantage. A high level of English proficiency is essential. While a B2 level might suffice for some roles, many positions require a C1 level to perform tasks effectively and communicate with the team. Additionally, candidates must possess the native language skills specified in the job description.
Benefits: Benefits vary significantly depending on the job and employer. Common perks include relocation packages, health insurance, and remote work options across Greece. Some positions even offer visa sponsorship for non-EU citizens. However, visa sponsorships are no longer available in certain cases. Relocation assistance is crucial, especially for managing paperwork and securing housing upon arrival.
What else will you find in our study?
Do you want to understand:
the Costs of Living in Barcelona, Paris, Lisbon and Athens
the Most demanded Skills for entry-level Jobs
our 2024 Observations and 2025 Salary Predictions
Download our last Salary Benchmark Study for the entry-level Jobs Just below.
Do you have questions about working or hiring in Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris or Athens?
As Blu Selection, connecting multilingual jobseekers with international companies is what we specialize in and we are more than ready to help you with your next career move. Whether you are seeking a first working experience abroad or trying to catch an offer that will boost your career, we are here to answer your questions regarding the European labour market and mobility, particularly job opportunities in Barcelona and Lisbon for multilingual entry-level professionals.
To learn more about working or hiring in Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris and Athens, feel free to contact us.
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