Spain faces high rates of worker overqualification

A significant portion of the workforce in Spain is facing professional misalignment. According to Eurostat, Spain has one of the highest overqualification rates in the European Union at 34% for 2025, compared to the EU average of 21.4%. This figure refers to individuals with higher education—such as vocational training, university degrees, masters, or doctorates—working in roles that do not require such high levels of training.

An InfoJobs survey corroborates this trend, indicating that 31% of workers believe their education, experience, or skills exceed the requirements of their current positions. Among those with university or higher education, this figure rises to 35%. While 65% of respondents feel their training matches their job requirements, the data suggests a growing challenge in effectively utilizing available talent and matching professional preparation with market needs.