Viladecans, a town in the Barcelona province, has the highest average annual salary in Catalonia, reaching €38,190. This figure surpasses other major urban centres, according to data published by the Generalitat's Labour and Productive Model Observatory.
The report, based on Social Security's Continuous Sample of Working Lives (MCVL), shows Sant Cugat del Vallès close behind with an average of €37,685, followed by Esplugues de Llobregat at €36,783. These three municipalities, all within the Barcelona area, lead the ranking for average earnings.
At the other end of the scale, Lloret de Mar recorded the lowest average salary at €22,155. Blanes followed with €23,468, and Santa Coloma de Gramenet with €23,844. These figures highlight significant regional disparities in income across Catalonia.
Salary Trends Across Catalonia
The study focused on Catalan municipalities with over 40,000 inhabitants, which together account for approximately 60% of the region's population. Among the provincial capitals, Tarragona had an average salary of €31,804, placing it closest to Catalonia's overall average. Girona followed with €30,409, and Lleida with €29,032.
The report notes that salaries are assigned based on the workplace address, not the employee's residence. This can influence results for towns like Viladecans, which benefits from its logistics and industrial parks, as well as its proximity to Barcelona Airport.
Catalonia's overall average annual salary in 2024 was €31,590, a 3.5% increase from the previous year. However, a notable gender pay gap persists. Men earned an average of €34,789, while women received €28,204, a difference of nearly €6,600 annually.
Sectoral and Nationality Disparities
Differences also appear across economic sectors. The electricity and gas sector is the best paid, with an average of €61,554. Financial activities follow with €54,828, and information and communications with €46,062. In contrast, the hospitality sector recorded the lowest average annual salary at €19,035.
Nationality also plays a role in earnings. Workers from the European Union earned an average of €35,611. Spanish workers received €32,658, and workers from outside the EU earned €22,093. These figures show a clear hierarchy in average incomes based on origin.
The Generalitat's ongoing analysis of these salary trends will help inform future labour policies aimed at reducing existing inequalities and promoting more balanced economic development across Catalonia.
