Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the Portugal job market. Finding the right job or candidate requires solid data. We provide the latest statistics on employment, salaries, and economic indicators, empowering you to make informed decisions about your next career step or recruitment strategy in Portugal.

    Job Market Overview: Employment Statistics in Portugal

    Understanding Portugal's job market is crucial for both job seekers and employers. The country's current employment indicators show:

    Key Metric Current Status
    Total Population 10.196.707 residents
    Employment Rate 55.9% (below OECD average)
    Unemployment Rate 5.9% (moderately competitive market)

    These Portugal employment statistics reveal a balanced labor market where candidates should highlight specialized skills. The 55.9% employment rate suggests moderate job availability across sectors.


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    Living & Working in Portugal: Economic Insights

    Before relocating or applying for jobs in Portugal, consider these key economic factors:

    Economic Indicator Value Comparison to U.S.
    Average Monthly Salary 1.147,84 USD 25% of U.S. average (significantly lower)
    Purchasing Power 61.8 moderate compared to U.S. (100)

    With 61.8 purchasing power, salaries in Portugal provide adequate but budget-conscious lifestyles. The average monthly salary of 1.147,84 USD is particularly attractive in the Agriculture sector.

    Top Industries & Job Opportunities in PT

    Portugal's thriving job market spans these key sectors:

    Leading Industry Agriculture (growing at 5% annually)
    Emerging Sector Textiles, Manufacturing (25% of workforce)
    Service Sector Tourism, Services (60% of GDP)
    Major Employers EDP, Galp Energia, Jerónimo Martins (hiring year-round)

    Job seekers should focus on Agriculture for the most opportunities, while Textiles, Manufacturing offers growth potential. Major companies like EDP, Galp Energia, Jerónimo Martins frequently post openings for skilled professionals.


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    Data Sources & Methodology

    The statistical data (Population, Employment, Economic Indicators) used in this guide is compiled from the following authoritative sources:

    Disclaimer: Data Volatility Note

    We strive to update all statistics and figures annually. However, due to the nature of global economics, data like employment rates, exchange values, and average salaries can change rapidly due to political events, economic shifts, or unforeseen crises. Always verify critical figures with local governmental or financial institutions before making major decisions.

    CityJobs bridges the gap between job seekers and employers in Portugal, creating a more accessible and inclusive job market for all.


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    Working in Portugal - FAQs

    1. What's the employment situation in Portugal?

    With a population of 10,196,707 and an employment rate of 55.9%, Portugal offers a growing job market. The unemployment rate currently stands at 5.9%.

    2. Which are the top companies in Portugal?

    The leading employers in Portugal include EDP, Galp Energia, Jerónimo Martins. These companies offer diverse opportunities across multiple sectors.

    3. How far does salary go in Portugal?

    The purchasing power ratio in Portugal is 61.8, meaning cost of living should be carefully considered when evaluating job offers.

    4. How can I find jobs in Portugal?

    Search our listings filtered for Portugal. Focus on industries where EDP, Galp Energia, Jerónimo Martins are active, and consider that the 55.9% employment rate suggests moderate competition for positions.

    5. What should I know about working in Portugal?

    With EDP, Galp Energia, Jerónimo Martins as major employers, the job market tends to favor Textiles, Manufacturing and Tourism, Services.

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    Top Cities and Companies across Portugal


    Braga (193.349 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Braga: Primavera BSS, DST Group, Iberomoldes, Barbot, Bosch Car Multimedia, Cachapuz, Trofa Saúde, Braval,...

    Coimbra (143.396 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Coimbra: Critical Software, Bluepharma, ISA Intelligent Sensing Anywhere, Feedzai, Biocant, CRITICAL Manufact...

    Évora (56.800 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Évora: Embraer, Universidade de Évora, Tyco Electronics, Solaqua, Mecachrome Aeronáutica, Impetus, Aerome...

    Faro (60.450 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Faro: UAlg, Faro Airport, Algarve Biomedical Center, Hospital Particular do Algarve, Docapesca, Grupo HPA ...

    Funchal (111.892 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Funchal: Blandy’s Wine Lodge, Madeira Tourism, SDM – Madeira Free Trade Zone

    Leiria (126.879 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Leiria: Montepio, Politejo, Monteiro, Martifer, TMG Automotive, Cinca, CEI, Sonae, Grupo Lena, Grupo Alves B...

    Lisbon (504.718 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Lisbon: EDP, Galp Energia, Jerónimo Martins, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Banco Comercial Português, Altice ...

    Porto (214.349 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Porto: Sonae, Efacec, Bial, Unilabs, Portucel Soporcel, Lactogal, Super Bock Group, Frulact, Colep, Barbot

    Setúbal (123.519 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Setúbal: Autoeuropa, Lisnave, Mitrena, Sovena Group, Sapec, E.T.E. Group, Sonae, Secil, Caixa Geral de Depós...

    Viseu (99.300 inhabitants)

    Job opportunities in Viseu: Corticeira Amorim, Farfetch, Montepio, Martifer, Grupo Visabeira, PSA Retail, CGD, Fnac, Decathlon, ...

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