AI Engineer Jobs in Barcelona
Your 2026 Guide.

AI engineer salaries in Barcelona range from 45,000-70,000 EUR for mid-level roles to 80,000-120,000 EUR for senior positions. Staff and principal engineers at top companies like Amazon or King can exceed 130,000 EUR with equity. While lower than Northern Europe, the cost of living advantage and quality of life often balance out. International companies and well-funded startups pay at the higher end of these ranges.

Not necessarily. Many tech companies in the 22@ district operate in English, especially international firms like Amazon, King (Activision), Typeform, and Glovo. Startups with international funding are typically English-first. However, Spanish opens more doors and helps with daily life. Catalan is rarely required for tech roles but shows cultural investment. Focus on English-friendly companies initially, then expand as you settle.

Key AI employers in Barcelona include: Amazon (AWS and Alexa AI teams), King (Activision Blizzard gaming AI), Typeform (conversational AI), Glovo (delivery optimization ML), Travelperk (travel tech AI), HP (computer vision), and numerous AI startups in the 22@ innovation district. The Pier07 tech hub and Barcelona Tech City ecosystem also host many growing AI companies. International companies generally offer higher salaries and English-first environments.

For non-EU citizens, the main options are: 1) Highly Qualified Professional visa (sponsored by employer), 2) Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning 2x minimum wage), 3) EU Blue Card (fast-track for high-skilled workers), 4) Entrepreneur visa (if starting an AI company). The Digital Nomad Visa is popular for initial relocation, allowing you to job search locally. Processing takes 3-6 months, so start early. EU citizens can work immediately.

Most Barcelona tech companies have embraced hybrid models post-2024. Typical setups are 2-3 days in office, often in the 22@ district or Poblenou area. Fully remote roles exist but are less common for AI positions due to collaboration needs. Some companies offer 'office-optional' policies. International companies like Amazon tend to have stricter in-office requirements. Startups are generally more flexible.

Barcelona offers excellent value compared to other European tech hubs. Rent in good areas runs 1,200-2,000 EUR/month for a 1-2 bedroom apartment. The Eixample, Gracia, and Poblenou neighborhoods are popular with tech workers. Combined with lower taxes than Northern Europe (for the first years via Beckham Law), a 70K salary in Barcelona often provides better quality of life than 100K in London or Amsterdam. Factor in 300+ sunny days, beach access, and excellent food.

Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.

Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.

You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.

Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.

Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.

Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.