In recent years, more and more people have embarked on preparing for competitive public service exams, seeking a stable jobgood hours and a decent salary This contrasts sharply with the uncertainty in the private sector. It's no coincidence: in Spain, there are already more than three million civil servants who have gone through a demanding selection process, but who now enjoy job security that is unthinkable in many companies.
Although it is often said that being a civil servant is not the path to becoming a millionaire, the truth is that There are competitive exams with salaries well above the average.And some even offer high salaries without requiring a university degree. Furthermore, there are sectors where the relationship between exam difficulty, number of positions, and pay is very attractive for those looking to pursue a career in public service.
Overview: stability versus precariousness
In a context where many young people are stuck with temporary contracts and low wages, The civil service has become a job havenThe combination of stability, reasonable hours, regulated holidays and the possibility of work-life balance means that each public job posting attracts thousands of applicants.
Yes, Passing a competitive exam is no walk in the park.You have to dedicate many hours to studying, be well-organized, give up plans, and accept that, even with a lot of effort, you might not get the job on the first try. Even so, the general feeling is that it's "worth it" because, once you get it, the position is for life with a fixed salary that is reviewed periodically.
The Government itself has been announcing this in recent years significant increases in public sector job openingsWith plans to open many more positions across various government agencies, this opens the door to greater opportunities, especially for those who have been studying for some time or those considering taking the plunge and don't want to put all their eggs in one basket.
To navigate this sea of āāoptions, various specialized websites and instructors have compiled lists of These are the highest-paying competitive exams and also among the easiest in relation to their salary.It's important to understand that "easier" doesn't mean "free," but rather that, compared to others, they can represent a more reasonable investment of time and effort for the salary they offer.
The ākingā of the highest-paying civil service exams: air traffic controller
Within the range of competitive exams, there is one that many experts point to without hesitation as the one that He takes the crown in terms of salary: that of air traffic controller. Experienced trainers, such as Sonia PĆ©rez (from the Supera academy), agree that it is one of the great unknowns to the general public, but with spectacular economic conditions.
The most striking thing is that does not require a college degreeMany people think a degree is necessary, but in reality, a high school diploma or equivalent qualification is sufficient to apply. This dispels the myth that the best salaries in the public sector are reserved solely for university graduates.
As for the pay, the figures are hard to match: we're talking about Monthly salaries ranging between 6.000 and 8.000 euros grossThese salaries are supplemented by additional payments based on location, seniority, and work schedule. In other words, it's an extremely high salary compared not only to other competitive public service exams but also to the vast majority of jobs in the Spanish labor market.
Obviously, the selection process is not exactly simple. The path to becoming an air traffic controller includes several very specific phasesFirst, there is a selection process that includes psychometric tests, aptitude tests, and a high level of English. Afterwards, those who pass this initial screening undergo intensive theoretical training, along with air traffic control simulators in environments that replicate the operational realities of airports.
The final stage is already taking place in a real control tower, with supervised practiceIf the student successfully completes this practical phase, they obtain the official air traffic controller license issued by the Spanish State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). It is a demanding path, but the ultimate reward in terms of salary and job security is among the most attractive in the public sector.
Other highly paid competitive exams that don't require a degree.
Beyond the extraordinary case of the air traffic controllers, there are several other opposition groups. Attractive salaries for those who only have a high school diploma or even a secondary school diploma. Several of them combine periodic calls for applications and salaries that far exceed the minimum wage and the average of many private sector jobs.
A clear example is that of the Prison OfficersA high school diploma is usually sufficient to access this position, and the competitive examination is considered relatively accessible, although highly competitive due to the large number of candidates. Gross annual salaries typically range between ā¬25.000 and ā¬30.000, a figure that can be increased with location or shift work allowances.
Also noteworthy are the squares of Procedural ProcessingWithin the Justice Administration, the academic requirement is usually a high school diploma. Annual salaries, depending on the court and the region, range approximately between 23.000 and 30.000 euros gross, to which bonuses for on-call duty or other specific circumstances may be added.
In the area of āāsecurity and public order, the National Police at the Basic Scale It's another well-paid civil service exam for those with a high school diploma. The gross salary is around ā¬25.000 per year, not including bonuses for location or specialization. It's a highly sought-after position, with demanding physical tests and a thorough selection process, but it guarantees a solid professional career.
Within the tax area, the position of Tax Agent It can also be done with a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. This is a technical body that collaborates in verifying tax data, collection activities, and combating tax fraud. Annual salaries typically range from ā¬21.000 to ā¬24.000 gross in the first few years, with the possibility of internal promotion to higher levels.
If we lower the academic requirement to the ESOstriking options appear, such as the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) or the body of Judicial aidwhere the monthly salary can range from 1.500 to 2.500 euros gross, depending on location, seniority, and bonuses. Also the State Administrative Assistants They fit this profile, with monthly salaries that, initially, are approximately between 1.000 and 1.400 euros gross.
C1 competitive exams: the highest paying with a high school diploma or vocational training
When we talk about the Highest paying civil service positions with a high school diplomaIt is essential to mention group C1. This group includes positions that require, at a minimum, a high school diploma or a vocational training qualification. They offer better conditions than group C2 (secondary school) and, of course, their academic requirements are lower than those of group A (university graduates).
C1 positions usually involve administrative or technical responsibilities of some importanceas well as higher salaries and good opportunities for internal promotion to A2 or even A1 levels with the appropriate qualifications. Among the most attractive positions in the C1 group, several stand out for their balance between salary, working conditions, and number of openings.
The opposition of Procedural and Administrative Management (Justice) is one of the most highly regarded positions. Its duties include managing court files, processing cases, and providing direct support to the judge or magistrate. The gross annual salary typically ranges between ā¬26.000 and ā¬33.000, depending on the location, the type of court, and any additional payments for on-call duty or other services.
Another big favorite is the one Public Treasury Agent Group C1 (sometimes differentiated from the C2 scale by functions and specialization) is used by these professionals to participate in tax audits, assist the Tax Inspectorate, and combat fraud. Their gross annual salary is typically between ā¬24.000 and ā¬29.000, with the advantage of fairly stable working hours and increasing prestige within the Administration.
The State Administrators They also belong to the C1 group and represent a broad entry point into the General State Administration (AGE). Their main tasks include document processing, citizen services, and support for the internal management of ministries and public bodies. The gross annual salary is usually between ā¬23.000 and ā¬28.000, with a wide range of postings throughout Spain.
In the area of āāsecurity, the Local or Autonomous Police (Depending on the autonomous community) it also offers positions within group C1 with particularly competitive salaries. With supplements for hazardous work, night shifts, or shift work, gross annual salaries can easily reach between ā¬25.000 and ā¬35.000, and even more in certain municipalities with high pay.
Finally, the Prison Officers They are also considered among the best C1 positions in terms of salary. Their duties combine internal security, support for social reintegration programs, and monitoring of prison modules. Salaries typically range from ā¬24.000 to ā¬32.000 gross per year, with bonuses associated with specific shifts and locations.
Groups of candidates for competitive exams and the highest-paying jobs with a high school diploma
To clarify the map of competitive examinations, it is worth remembering how they are classify the civil service bodies In Spain, according to qualification requirements. In summary, the following groups can be distinguished:
- Group ARequires a university degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent). It is subdivided into A1 and A2 according to the level of responsibility.
- Group B: Requires Higher Technician Vocational Training qualifications.
- Group C1: At a minimum, it requires a high school diploma or a vocational training certificate (FP de Grado Medio).
- Group C2: Access is granted with the Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) qualification.
- Group E or Professional GroupsThey do not require any specific academic qualifications beyond the basic requirements.
Within subgroup C1, various sources agree that some of the highest paid bodies Those with a high school diploma include the National Police, Local Police, Civil Guard, and Prison Service. Although some of these competitive exams may fall into different categories depending on the specific regulations, in practice they are considered very attractive options for people with this level of education.
In the case of the National PoliceIn addition to the high school diploma requirement, a minimum height of 1,65 m for men and 1,60 m for women was traditionally required, although these limitations are being phased out to avoid discrimination. The base monthly salary is around ā¬1.770 gross, plus allowances for location, specialization, and seniority bonuses.
La Local police The requirements are similar in terms of education and physical fitness, although each city council may introduce nuances in the application guidelines. The base salary is approximately ā¬1.925 gross per month, which can be significantly increased with various bonuses, especially in large cities.
In the case of the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil)The typical age range for applicants is between 18 and 40 years old, with minimum height requirements of around 160 cm for men and 155 cm for women, according to current regulations. The starting minimum salary is usually around ā¬1.556 gross per month, not including allowances for location, residence, or specialization.
As for the Penitentiary InstitutionsAccess is open to applicants from the age of 16, although it is more common for candidates to be older. One of the major advantages of this profession is the shift system: employees typically work two long days (for example, 14 hours) followed by several days off, offering excellent work-life balance. The base salary is around ā¬1.850 gross per month, with various supplements depending on the center's classification and the specific position.
āEasierā and well-paid competitive exams: good effort-salary ratio
Some specialized websites, such as Opositatest, have attempted to identify those competitive examinations that can be considered more affordable in proportion to salary that they offer. It is worth emphasizing that no competitive exam is easy in absolute terms, but there are some with more manageable syllabi, moderate academic requirements, and more than decent salaries.
One of the classic examples are the Prison OfficersThese courses, already mentioned, require a high school diploma, have a broad but manageable syllabus for those who are well-organized, and offer annual salaries of around ā¬25.000 to ā¬30.000 gross. Furthermore, their unique schedules (long shifts but with many days off) are attractive to many candidates.
The opposition of Procedural Processing This position also appears on these lists. The work takes place in courts and tribunals, with tasks such as preparing rulings, notifications, and providing support. A high school diploma is sufficient, and the salary ranges from ā¬23.000 to ā¬30.000 gross per year, with the possibility of additional payments depending on the location.
Within the scope of the State Security Forces and Corps, both the National Police and Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) They are often cited as physically demanding competitive exams, but with manageable syllabi for those who study diligently. In the Civil Guard, for example, with a high school diploma (ESO) one can access a position with a salary of around 1.800-2.500 euros gross per month, depending on the different pay components.
The body of Judicial aidThis program, which also falls under the Justice sector, requires only a secondary school diploma and offers salaries of ā¬1.500 to ā¬2.000 gross per month. It is considered an excellent entry point into the Justice Administration, with auxiliary support functions for judges, lawyers, and senior civil servants.
On the other hand, the position of State Administrative AssistantWithin the C2 group, this position stands out for its very low entry requirements: only a secondary school diploma (ESO) is needed. The syllabus is relatively short compared to other processes: approximately 28 units divided into blocks of administrative activity, office automation, and public organization. The starting salary ranges from ā¬18.200 to ā¬22.400 gross per year, paid in 14 installments, which translates to roughly ā¬1.000 to ā¬1.400 gross per month.
Even outside the strict realm of traditional competitive examinations, there are very similar selection processes, such as that of Post Office (Group IV)Although not technically considered a competitive examination in the strictest sense, it shares many characteristics: a fixed syllabus, multiple-choice exams, and scoring criteria. Salaries for these positions typically range between ā¬1.300 and ā¬1.500 gross per month, which is quite attractive compared to equivalent jobs in the private sector.
Notable C2 level competitive exams: good career paths with a high school diploma
For those who only have the ESO as an academic qualificationThere are also very strong alternatives in terms of stability and salary. Among the best options in the C2 group, several training centers highlight two in particular for their balance between difficulty, preparation time, and salary.
On one side there is the opposition of State Administrative AssistantAs mentioned earlier, this exam is in high demand among candidates. Its advantages are clear: minimal academic requirements, a relatively short syllabus, and frequent exam sessions with thousands of openings, which increases the chances of success with good preparation.
The syllabus, consisting of 28 topics, is usually divided into two blocks: one focused on the administrative activity and office automationand another on the organization of the public sector, the Constitution, the structure of the State, and the European Union. These are highly cross-cutting topics that can also serve as a foundation for preparing for other higher-level competitive examinations in the future.
The other big bet for C2 is the body of Judicial aidThis course is also accessible with a secondary school diploma. This body performs administrative support functions in courts and tribunals, from basic document processing to filing, notifications, and assistance in legal proceedings. The syllabus comprises approximately 31 topics, focusing on the organization of the State, the structure of the judiciary, and basic concepts of procedural law.
Regarding remuneration, recent data indicates that the salary of a Judicial Assistant falls within a certain range. between 18.500 and 22.000 euros gross per yearThe salary is also paid in 14 installments, depending on the autonomous community and seniority. If any location-based allowances are included, the result is a very respectable salary for a competitive exam that is accessible with mandatory education.
General requirements and how to choose the right opposition
Beyond salary, when deciding on a competitive exam, it is important to consider Several key factors: personal interests, skills, lifestyle, and job postingsAn office job with fixed hours is not the same as a job with night shifts, nor is a legal subject matter the same as a more technical one.
Generally speaking, to apply for a position in group C1, you need to have High school diploma, intermediate vocational training or equivalent qualificationApplicants must also be over 16 years of age (and not have reached retirement age), have Spanish nationality or nationality of a member state of the European Union, and possess the necessary functional capacity to perform the tasks of the position.
Furthermore, it is essential not having been dismissed through disciplinary proceedings from the service of any public administration nor be disqualified from holding public office. From there, each specific call for applications may add additional requirements: physical tests, driving licenses, absence of a criminal record, etc.
When choosing, it's worth analyzing whether you prefer a more administrative, more legal, security-related job, or one involving direct contact with citizensIt is also important to consider the location of the destinations: some bodies, such as those of the General State Administration, offer destinations throughout Spain, while others have a more local or regional scope.
Another key point is the frequency of callsThe more frequently competitive examinations are held and the more positions are offered, the greater the chances of securing a position over time. Added to this is the consideration of work schedules and work-life balance: Justice and General State Administration positions tend to have fairly stable schedules, while security forces or prison officers work in shifts, with the advantages and disadvantages that this entails.
In short, the highest-paying civil service exams in Spain cover a very wide range of profiles, from those with only a secondary school diploma to those with a high school diploma or vocational training. Positions in fields such as air traffic controller, procedural management, tax agents, police officers, Civil Guard, prison officers, judicial support staff, and administrative assistants offer... a very interesting combination of salary, stability and career advancement for those who are willing to invest time, effort and perseverance in preparing for their position.
