Spain's Industrial Sector Poised to Lead Job Creation in 2026, Unemployment Rate Projected to Fall to 10.2%

Industrial Sector to Drive Significant Job Growth

Spain's industrial sector is projected to emerge as the leading job creator in 2026, with forecasts indicating approximately 450,000 new jobs will be generated across the country. This significant expansion is expected to contribute to a notable decrease in the national unemployment rate, which is anticipated to fall to 10.2%. These projections come from estimates by Randstad Spain, highlighting a robust outlook for the Spanish labor market.

The positive forecast for 2026 follows a period of strong economic performance, with Spain's unemployment rate dipping below 10% in the fourth quarter of 2025 for the first time in 18 years, reaching 9.93%. This trend underscores the resilience of the Spanish economy, which has been outperforming many of its eurozone counterparts.

Key Sectors and Regional Contributions

While the industrial sector is set to be the largest contributor, other key areas are also expected to fuel job creation in 2026. These include the logistics, tourism and hospitality, and agri-food sectors. The agri-food sector, in particular, is generating employment opportunities in specialized fields such as engineering, logistics and transport, digitalization, and professional services.

Regionally, the demand for skilled workers in the metal manufacturing industry is particularly strong in areas like the Basque Country, Madrid, and Catalonia, with notable contributions also expected from Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and La Rioja. This widespread growth across various industrial sub-sectors and regions indicates a broad-based economic recovery and expansion.

Broader Economic Context and Driving Factors

The optimistic job market outlook is supported by several underlying economic factors. Continued strong domestic consumption and the high quality of products, especially within the agri-food sector, are significant drivers. Furthermore, substantial investment, particularly from EU-funded projects, is playing a pivotal role in stimulating economic activity and job creation.

Migration inflows are also identified as a crucial factor, significantly expanding the labor force and boosting the pace of job creation. The Spanish government has emphasized the positive impact of migration on the country's dynamic economic growth. Overall, these combined elements are contributing to a sustained period of economic growth and a strengthening labor market in Spain.