Overview of Salary Trends in Spain’s Tech Industry for 2026
A year ago, it was widely accepted that asking for a raise was a straightforward process: experience, seniority, and job category directly correlated with higher salary ranges. The comparative salary guide published by Manfred in 2025 for five large technology companies established a predictable framework: junior, mid, and senior positions followed a uniform upward trend across companies. This structure ensured that moving up a category usually meant an increase in pay.
Key Changes in the 2026 Salary Study
The 2026 update presents a contrasting landscape. With data from more companies and a broader analysis, it highlights the evolving nature of the tech labor market. Salary bands are no longer as rigid; categories are diversifying, and the disparity in salaries for similar roles among different firms is growing. This year, the size and reputation of the company appear to outweigh the importance of experience or job title.
From Growth to Stagnation
One major observation in the 2026 study is the stagnation in salaries for some companies. For instance, Cabify’s salary ranges remain similar to 2025, where entry-level positions start at €27,000 and senior roles can reach up to €138,000. This situation reflects a cycle shift from consistent salary increases to a more static landscape.
Progressive Pay Structure at Alan
Conversely, the corporate health platform Alan is showcasing a more progressive salary structure. Their thirteen-level salary framework facilitates smaller, more frequent promotions rather than substantial jumps. For example, interns can expect salaries between €35,000 and €41,000, while junior positions offer €65,000 to €76,000, plus shares. This consistency positions Alan above the national average for tech salaries.
AI and Its Impact on Salaries
AI has notably influenced salary structures. Factorial has innovatively rebranded its engineering roles by adding “AI” to job titles, which is projected to come with salary increases. For instance, a Staff AI Engineer’s total gross compensation ranges from €82,300 to €106,950, while the Distinguished AI Engineer category has increased from €180,000 to €198,000. This reclassification indicates a desire to match AI expertise with management roles’ compensation.
Increase in Market Context
The 2026 study significantly expands on its predecessor by including more firms, doubling the number analyzed from five to ten, including Buffer, Revolut, and Amazon, among others. This broader scope enables a more realistic view of salary variations. For instance, salaries for a Senior Engineer can start at €67,000 at JOIN and go up to an impressive €135,000 at Datadog.
Changing the Salary Paradigm
In previous years, moving from junior to senior roles generally resulted in notable salary hikes. However, the 2026 data indicates that this pattern is faltering; a mid-level role can range from €39,000 at Factorial to over €80,000 at Glovo. Disparities in senior salaries are even more pronounced, showing an average of €60,000 at Cabify against €135,000 at Datadog. Consequently, shifting companies has proven to be more lucrative than moving up the ladder within the same organization.
The Role of Salary Transparency
One pivotal change influencing these developments is the European Salary Transparency Directive (2023/970), which mandates firms in Spain to disclose salary ranges to mitigate discrimination. Although this directive is a positive step towards transparency, the Spanish tech ecosystem still faces challenges in fully implementing these principles.
Conclusion
According to recent reports, the IT sector in Spain could see an average salary increase of 6% in 2026, but this figure is not indicative of uniform growth. Variances in salaries will depend heavily on factors such as company type and the connection of roles to AI development. As the market continues to evolve, professionals and organizations alike must stay informed to navigate the changing dynamics effectively.
For detailed insights, visit Manfred’s study.