Tarragona city's average annual salary is the closest to Catalonia's overall mean, outperforming both Girona and Lleida, according to a new report from the Generalitat's Labour and Productive Model Observatory. The study, based on Social Security data, was published on 14 May 2026.
The report shows the average gross annual salary in Tarragona reached €31,804. This figure is very close to the Catalan average of €31,590. Tarragona also exceeded Girona, where the average was €30,409, and Lleida, which recorded €29,032.
The observatory's analysis looked at Catalan cities with more than 40,000 inhabitants. These cities collectively account for about 60% of Catalonia's population.
Salary Disparities Across Catalonia
Viladecans led the ranking for highest salaries, with an average of €38,190. Sant Cugat del Vallès followed with €37,685, and Esplugues de Llobregat with €36,783. Conversely, Lloret de Mar had the lowest average at €22,155, with Blanes at €23,468 and Santa Coloma de Gramenet at €23,844.
The study clarified that salaries are assigned based on the workplace location, not the employee's home address. This factor can significantly influence figures, especially in municipalities with large industrial or logistics centres.
Persistent Wage Gaps
Overall, Catalonia's average annual salary grew by 3.5% compared to 2023. However, a significant pay gap between men and women remains. Men earn an average of €34,789 annually, while women earn €28,204, a difference of nearly €6,600 per year.
Differences also appeared based on nationality. Workers from European Union countries receive an average of €35,611 annually. Non-EU workers, however, earn considerably less, averaging just €22,093.
By sector, electricity and gas energy led with an average annual salary of €61,554. Financial activities and information and communication followed. Hospitality remained the lowest-paid sector, with an average of only €19,035 annually.
