Salaries in Portugal in 2026: complete guide by professional sector

The big question when considering a new role or negotiating a raise: are you being paid fairly? Salaries in Portugal vary considerably by sector, experience level and city. This guide brings together data from multiple professional areas so you can negotiate with confidence.

Context: the Portuguese job market in 2026

The Portuguese labour market continues to transform. Recent inflation has pressured real wages, talent shortages in several areas have created negotiating opportunities, and remote work has opened previously inaccessible markets. The national minimum wage rose to €870/month in 2025.

Salaries by sector (gross annual, mainland Portugal, 2026)

Healthcare:

• Nurse (entry level): €19,000 – €24,000
• Specialist nurse: €26,000 – €38,000
• Medical specialist: €50,000 – €90,000+
• Physiotherapist: €17,000 – €28,000
• Clinical pharmacist: €22,000 – €36,000

Sales and Commercial:

• Junior salesperson: €16,000 – €22,000 + commission
• Key Account Manager: €28,000 – €45,000 + commission
• Sales Director: €55,000 – €90,000
• Pharmaceutical representative: €26,000 – €42,000

Finance and Accounting:

• Accounting technician: €17,000 – €26,000
• Certified accountant: €24,000 – €40,000
• Management controller: €32,000 – €52,000
• CFO (SME): €60,000 – €100,000

Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical):

• Junior engineer: €20,000 – €28,000
• Mid-level engineer: €30,000 – €46,000
• Senior engineer: €46,000 – €70,000
• Project director: €65,000 – €95,000

Marketing and Communications:

• Marketing assistant: €16,000 – €22,000
• Marketing manager: €30,000 – €48,000
• Head of marketing: €50,000 – €80,000
• Social media specialist: €18,000 – €30,000

Human Resources:

• HR technician (entry): €17,000 – €23,000
• HR Business Partner: €28,000 – €45,000
• HR Director: €55,000 – €85,000

Education and Training:

• Teacher (public school, career start): €18,000 – €24,000
• Teacher (private school): €16,000 – €28,000
• Corporate trainer: €20,000 – €40,000
• Pedagogical coordinator: €24,000 – €38,000

Information Technology:

• Junior developer: €18,000 – €26,000
• Senior developer: €44,000 – €65,000
• Senior DevOps / Cloud: €50,000 – €75,000
• Senior data scientist: €48,000 – €70,000

Lisbon vs Porto vs the interior

Lisbon pays on average 15 to 25% more than Porto for equivalent positions. The interior of the country is typically 20 to 35% below Lisbon, but the cost of living is also significantly lower. 100% remote positions for foreign companies can pay 40 to 80% above the national average.

Public sector vs private vs multinational

• Public sector — Lower starting salary, but regulated progression, greater stability and benefits such as pension
• Portuguese SMEs — Mid-range salaries, but greater autonomy and fast growth for top performers
• Multinationals — Best salary packages and robust benefits, but more hierarchical structures
• Startups — Lower base salary offset by equity and dynamic environment

Benefits to negotiate beyond salary

Gross salary is only part of the package. Always negotiate:

• Health insurance (extendable to family)
• Meal allowance
• Extra holiday days (above the legal minimum)
• Annual training budget
• Flexible hours and remote working days
• Mobility plan (car, transport passes, fuel)

How to know if you're being underpaid

Triangulate with multiple sources: Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, Randstad Salary Survey, and professional communities in your field (LinkedIn groups, professional associations). If you're 15% or more below the median for your level and sector — it's time to negotiate or explore other options.

When preparing your application, CV Creator Pro helps you present your skills in the way most valued by recruiters — increasing your negotiating power. Try it free