Jobs in Spain for Americans: Top 10 Jobs, Resources, Visas & Resume Tips

What's up with everybody talking about jobs in Spain for Americans right now?  

Well, just imagine this: You're soaking up the sun with a glass of sangria in one hand, a plate of tapas in the other, and immersing yourself in the vibrant Spanish culture. Sounds like a dream, right? 

But what if you could make it your everyday reality? For many Americans, working in Spain isn’t just an escapist fantasy — but a premeditated career move! After all, Spain offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle that's hard to beat. 

But what do you need to actually make the move happen? 

Keep reading my article to discover:

• Which sectors are the best to look into;
• What are the top jobs in Spain for English speakers;
• How to get a job in Spain as an American in 7 steps;
• What type of visa you need;
• And more.

Top sectors for American job seekers in Spain

Let's start with a healthy dose of reality.

Because of Spanish policies, local employers prefer to hire Spanish nationals. And only when there's a shortage of qualified workers for particular job positions are employers authorized to extend a job offer to foreign employees.    

And, to add salt to the wound, Spain's unemployment rate currently sits at 11,76%, making it one of the highest in the European Union. So, things really aren't looking that good. 

But, there are three sectors in which American workers can thrive:

• Education
• Tourism & hospitality
• Tech, business & finance

Education

For instance, there's teaching! 

Despite being one of the biggest European countries, the number of Spanish people speaking English as a foreign language is surprisingly low — just 22%. However, the demand for employees proficient in English is growing across all industries. And so, a void in the market opens. 

That's why this is such a great opportunity for you, a native speaker! 

For example, there's the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP), championed by the Spanish Ministry of Education, that allows Americans to teach English throughout Spain for the duration of 8 months (on average).

But your native-level of English alone may not be enough. Just in case, consider enrolling in an English language teaching program like CELTA or TEFL.

Tourism & hospitality

Not only does Spain boast cities with great historical and cultural importance (for example: Barcelona, Sevilla, Madrid, Valencia, and many more), it also oversees islands like Tenerife, Ibiza, San Sebastian, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands.  

And so, considering Spain's climate, it's no surprise that the country attracts millions of international visitors all year round. In fact, tourism in Spain is so big that it generates 11.7 percent of the country's GDP. 

Hand in hand with booming tourism also comes the demand for hospitality services and job opportunities for animators, tour guides, hotel managers, sommeliers, chefs, or housekeepers. 

And here, your English comes into play once again!

Tech, business & finance

With a background in tech or business, jobs in Spain for Americans can include those in the IT sector (from programming, coding and software development, to project management), since companies in Spain struggle to secure qualified workers for these positions. 

Indeed, the technology sector in Spain has been expanding significantly. And cities like Madrid and Barcelona have become hubs for tech startups and innovation. 

Barcelona, in particular, is often cited as one of the top startup cities in Europe, hosting numerous tech events and boasting a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs. 

Overall, the outlook for the Spanish economy is actually pretty optimistic — it's projected to grow by 2 percent in 2025 (the European Union's average being 0.9 percent).

And, with its relatively unrestricted regulations, Spain ranks 10th on the FDI Regulatory Restrictiveness Index, making it especially welcoming for international investments. 

Top 10 jobs in Spain for English speakers

So what exactly are the top jobs in Spain for Americans?

Amigo, let's have a look at our list!

1. English language tutor. We've already covered this topic extensively. And, your teaching options aren't exactly limited either — you can guide students of varying ages in schools, language institutes, or private settings. 
2. Software developer. As long as there's technological innovation, there's demand for software engineers. You can find a suitable role anywhere from startups to large tech companies, often in tech hubs like Madrid or Barcelona.
3. Hotel manager. Because of their native-English fluency and multicultural experience, American managers are the perfect choice for any establishment that offers accommodation to international clientele. 
4. Digital marketing specialist.Americans basically invented digital marketing, so why not explore your career options in this field? Hailing from another cultural context, you can offer your employers a fresh perspective. 
5. Customer support agent. Spanish openness to foreign investments also creates demand for high-quality customer service. Think international companies or sectors like tech and tourism.
6. Real estate salesperson. Or, you can capitalize on your American smile and optimism as a real estate agent. With your international know-how, you can help fellow expats or foreign investors find their ideal property.  
7. Business consultant- With your insights into global trends and markets, you become a valuable asset to any business that aims to expand into international waters. 
8. Financial services advisor. Growing economy also creates opportunities in the financial sector. And with the U.S. being one of the global financial leaders, you can offer cutting-edge skills in financial management, investment opportunities, portfolio management, and risk management. 
9. University professor: Alternatively, you can opt for a career in academia. Spanish universities offer programs taught entirely in English to encourage international student exchange and cooperation with universities worldwide. 
10. Executive chef: Lastly, how would you like to lead the kitchen in restaurants in a country renowned for its culinary arts? Your experience with diverse cuisines and cultures represented in the U.S. will surely come in handy. 

Beside the obvious pros, such as financial reward or better work-life balance, spending some time abroad will only broaden your horizons and help you develop problem-solving skills you've never even dreamed of.

Where to look for jobs in Spain for Americans

Knowing what are suitable jobs in Spain for Americans is one thing; but knowing where to look for the right opportunities is quite another. 

Yes, we know … even the idea of searching for a job in a foreign country is enough to make anybody's stomach turn. That's why we've sifted through the internet, and brought you resources you can leverage in your favor. 

So, when it's time to roll up your sleeves, make sure to check out these platforms:

1. ThinkSpain. This website is the Holy Grail of your job hunt! Not only does it list relevant job postings, it also provides services for English-speaking expats living in Spain.
2. InfoJobs. This is one of the largest job search websites in Spain, offering a wide range of job listings across all industries. It's particularly good for finding local company listings. But you'll need to turn on Google automatic translation, since it's entirely in Spanish. 
3. Tecnoempleo. In case you're interested in IT and technology-related jobs, go straight to the source and visit this platform. It's ideal for Americans with a background in tech looking for opportunities in Spain. But again, Google translation on! 
4. Hosteleo. Or, you can venture into the hospitality sector with Hosteleo, which aggregates a wide range of job listings including chefs, waitstaff, hotel management, and bar staff positions.
5. Tus Clases Particulares. And finally, if you decide to teach, this platform allows tutors and lecturers to offer private lessons based on desired location. 

Also, don't overlook Spanish counterparts to popular job search engines, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or Monster. These can also yield compelling results. 

But there's more! It's not unusual for people in Spain to get job positions through informal channels. So, get your LinkedIn profile in shape and start networking! 

And don't be afraid to send out speculative applications to companies you're interested in — this is also a common job hunt strategy in Spain.

How to get a job in Spain as an American in 7 steps

Of course, we can’t talk about jobs in Spain for Americans without discussing the paperwork! 

Since you come from a country outside of the EU/EFTA, you'll need to obtain residence and work permit (visado de trabajo y residencia). Here's how to that in 7 steps: 

Note that this guide provides just a general overview. But specifics can vary based on individual circumstances and job types.

Types of work visas in Spain for Americans

Our guide on how to get a job in Spain as an American wouldn't be complete without talking about visas.

As a U.S. citizen looking to bolster the Spanish economy, you have the following visa options available: 

• Employee Visa. Also known as por cuenta ajana, this visa is available for people aged 16. But you can ask for it only at the Spanish Consulate in your country. 
• Entrepreneur Visa. In case you want to start a business that contributes to Spain's economic development, you can obtain a visa for a period of three years.Given that your detailed business plan gets approved, of course. 
• Research Visa. This visa permits entrance to Spain to those who undergo training, research, or development and innovation activities including teaching staff and scientists. 
• Internship Visa. Similarly, if you're travelling to Spain for an internship and are a non-EU citizen, you qualify for this visa. 
• Self-Employed Visa. To be granted this visa, you need to obtain an initial residence and self-employed work permit first. Also, you can submit your application in person only at the Consular Office.
• Golden Visa. But this visa is available only to those who make a significant investment in Spain, such as purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000 ($53 5397).
• EU Blue Card. Highly-qualified professionals can apply for this visa only if they hold a uni/college degree, or have at least 5 years of professional experience under their belts.  
• Digital Nomad Visa. Spain introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in 2023. And it's a great option for those who work remotely while residing outside of their home countries. 

You can only apply for any of these visas at the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence.

Spain-specific resume tips

Although the Spanish CV isn't all that different from the American resume, there are certain things you should be aware of: 

1. Mind the language. While some positions don't require you to have Spanish proficiency, it's a good idea to submit your CV in both languages just in case. But beware of regional accents!
2. Use the chronological resumeformat. The Spanish favour the traditional chronological format. So, always list your work experiences from the most recent. 
3. Include date of birth. Unlike in the U.S., it's normal to include personal information like your age, nationality, and your NIE in the resume header of your Spanish CV. 
4. Include a professional photo. Also, you might want to add a photo to your resume that only shows your head and shoulders. This isn't a must, but it's often expected. 
5. Showcase your qualifications. In case you're unsure whether your degrees and certificates are recognized in Spain, you can look for more information at the NARIC website. 
6. Write concise job descriptions. For example, use bullet points instead of paragraphs, and avoid unnecessary fluff. 
7. Put emphasis on your language skills. In Spain, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is highly valued. But, when you write your skills section, we recommend marking the level of language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Below, you'll find an example of a Spanish CV, created using our resume template, that has helped its owner land a job at Google. 

To see the full, two-page version of the resume, click directly on the image.

Key takeaways: Jobs in Spain for Americans

To conclude, finding the courage to move your career abroad is undoubtedly a huge step. Yet one that may be very well worth it!

But there's a lot of effort and paperwork standing between you and your life in Spain. To navigate your way through it all, you need to know where to look for job opportunities, which jobs to focus on, and what your resume should look like. 

Here's a list of the top 10 jobs in Spain for Americans:

1. English language tutor.
2. Software developer.
3. Hotel manager.
4. Digital marketing specialist.
5. Customer support agent. 
6. Real estate salesperson.
7. Business consultant.
8. Financial services advisor. 
9. University professor.
10. Executive chef.

By this time, you might already have a pretty well-rounded idea about what it takes to become a Spanish employee.

And maybe, you've changed your mind about the whole thing. And that's also okay. Be sure to also look at how to get work in Australia, find a job in Canada, in the UK, or even in Italy.