Extremadura posts record average salary but stays at bottom of Spain's wage rankings

The average gross annual salary in Extremadura reached €23,254 in 2025, the highest level recorded since the series began in 2008. Despite a 3.3% rise from the previous year, the region remains Spain's lowest‑paid area, earning €5,156 less than the national average of €28,410 – a gap of roughly 18%. Industry workers earn the most in the region at €25,260, followed by services at €23,111 and construction at €21,889. Company size strongly influences pay: employees in firms with fewer than 50 staff earn €19,138 on average, while those in companies of 200 or more receive €29,749, a difference of over €10,600.

In parallel, the Extremaduran public employment service approved a "Tarifa cero" subsidy for 120 self‑employed workers whose earnings fall below the statutory minimum wage. The aid totals €115,200 and is granted under Line III of the autonomous‑employment stimulus programme, requiring applicants to have previously benefited from Program I, to have maintained continuous social‑security contributions, and to operate in Extremadura after 15 February 2024. Certain sectors and managerial roles are excluded from the benefit.