In a constantly changing job market, changing professional areas can be more than a matter of vocation: it can also be a financial opportunity. A new study by Michael Page, a company specialized in employment and the labor market, shows that there are sectors and professions in Portugal where salaries reach values that rival those in other European countries. Strategic and technical functions continue to be the most valued, but hybrid talent, which combines human and digital skills, is now in the spotlight.
According to the publication, the Portuguese market continues to resist economic instability, but is becoming more selective. Companies are looking for professionals with multidisciplinary profiles, capable of understanding technology, interpreting data and leading teams. This combination is being paid for in gold.
The functions that lead the top salary
Among the highest paid professions are management and management positions. A Financial Director can earn up to 160 thousand euros annually, followed by a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), with 140 thousand euros, and those responsible for shared services centers (SSC/GBS), who reach similar amounts.
According to a study by Michael Page, in the industrial and energy sector a General Director receives up to 170 thousand euros per year, while in the hotel sector the top salary is around 105 thousand euros for a Hotel Director in Lisbon. In healthcare & life sciences, a Business Unit Manager can earn up to 150 thousand euros per year, and in luxury retail, a Store Manager in Lisbon earns 80 thousand euros.
In the legal sector, a Senior Lawyer earns more than 84 thousand euros per year, and an Associate with between four and seven years of post-aggregation experience earns around 42 thousand euros. In human resources, remuneration varies between 35 thousand and 120 thousand euros per year, depending on the size and sector of the company.
Technology, banking and health among the most profitable areas
The banking sector is one of the most prominent, with functions linked to risk, compliance and internal control among the most sought after. Technical profiles such as Data Analysts, Business Analysts and Project Managers are being highly valued due to technological modernization and the adoption of automation tools.
In the area of information technologies, demand continues to rise, but salary dissatisfaction is also evident. Still, a Chief Information Officer (CIO) can receive up to 120 thousand euros per year, and an IT Manager, 100 thousand euros. According to Michael Page, more than half of professionals in the sector believe they are underpaid given their specialization.
The future involves the combination of technology and purpose
Artificial intelligence is changing the job market at an unprecedented pace. According to Michael Page, companies are now looking for profiles capable of combining technology, empathy and strategic vision. The ability to lead people, communicate and adapt to change has become one of the factors most valued by recruiters.
Álvaro Fernández, general director of Michael Page, highlights that “professionals are no longer just looking for a good salary, but also flexibility, purpose and development opportunities”. According to the same person, talent retention policies are becoming a priority, in a context in which 62% of workers value the balance between personal and professional life more than income.
Changing areas could be the best investment
With a presence in 37 countries and more than 40 years of experience, we expect next year to bring a silent transformation in the Portuguese labor market. Sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, digital marketing and energy will continue to lead in opportunities and compensation.
If you are considering changing areas, the study leaves a clear message: investing in professional retraining has never been so profitable. The salary may be the first attraction, but the true value is in choosing a career with a future and purpose.
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