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Home›Jobs in Demand in Europe: 221 Professions (2025)

Jobs in Demand in Europe: 221 Professions (2025)

Which jobs can get you hired in Europe? Every year, the public employment services of EU and EEA countries report which occupations they find hard to fill (a shortage) and which have more job seekers than jobs (a surplus). The European Labour Authority publishes these lists in the EURES report on labour shortages and surpluses. Below are the 221 professions that at least 5 countries reported as in shortage in the 2025 report, including specialist doctors (22 countries).

Each profession page shows the countries that need it, average pay for that occupation group in each country (Eurostat), rent in the capital, what the job involves (ILO definitions) and where to search for vacancies. Every profession page also shows the newest real job ads from the official public employment services of Germany and Sweden, updated daily, plus a link to all EU vacancies on EURES.

221professions in demand in Europe
Dailylive job ads from the official job services of Germany and Sweden
28European countries reporting shortages in the EURES 2025 table
22countries short of specialist medical practitioners, the top job

The 15 jobs most in demand across Europe

Specialist Medical Practitioners22 countries short · 22,793 open ads Welders and Flame Cutters22 countries short · 11,132 open ads Building and Related Electricians21 countries short · 15,437 open ads Nursing Professionals20 countries short · 25,133 open ads Plumbers and Pipe Fitters20 countries short · 6,352 open ads Bus and Tram Drivers19 countries short · 1,278 open ads Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers19 countries short · 9,658 open ads Sheet Metal Workers19 countries short · 4,512 open ads Health Care Assistants18 countries short · 7,315 open ads Butchers, Fishmongers and Related Food Preparers17 countries short · 5,097 open ads Cooks17 countries short · 10,129 open ads Electrical Mechanics and Fitters17 countries short · 16,182 open ads Structural Metal Preparers and Erectors17 countries short · 11,906 open ads Agricultural and Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Repairers16 countries short · 3,238 open ads Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics16 countries short · 2,197 open ads

All 221 professions by occupation group

Armed forces occupations (2)Managers (8)Professionals (42)Technicians and associate professionals (35)Clerical support workers (12)Service and sales workers (21)Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers (8)Craft and related trades workers (44)Plant and machine operators and assemblers (29)Workers in elementary occupations (20)

Armed forces occupations

Armed Forces Occupations, Other Ranks7 countries short · 270 open ads Non-commissioned Armed Forces Officers5 countries short · 35 open ads

Managers

Construction Managers7 countries short · 6,550 open ads Information and Communications Technology Service Managers7 countries short · 426 open ads Restaurant Managers7 countries short · 566 open ads Health Service Managers6 countries short · 5,462 open ads Research and Development Managers6 countries short · 114 open ads Child Care Service Managers5 countries short · 1,177 open ads Hotel Managers5 countries short · 21 open ads Manufacturing Managers5 countries short · 424 open ads

Professionals

Specialist Medical Practitioners22 countries short · 22,793 open ads Nursing Professionals20 countries short · 25,133 open ads Electrical Engineers16 countries short · 1,037 open ads Physiotherapists15 countries short · 7,417 open ads Civil Engineers14 countries short · 3,655 open ads Dentists13 countries short · 1,414 open ads Early Childhood Educators13 countries short · 13,281 open ads Pharmacists13 countries short · 768 open ads Software Developers13 countries short · 4,561 open ads Accountants12 countries short · 4,917 open ads Secondary Education Teachers12 countries short · 306 open ads Special Needs Teachers12 countries short · 503 open ads Audiologists and Speech Therapists11 countries short · 1,479 open ads Electronics Engineers11 countries short · 397 open ads Psychologists11 countries short · 1,556 open ads Veterinarians11 countries short · 557 open ads Vocational Education Teachers11 countries short · 95 open ads Applications Programmers10 countries short · 1,488 open ads Database and Network Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified10 countries short · 6,541 open ads Health Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified10 countries short · 4,379 open ads Industrial and Production Engineers10 countries short · 2,341 open ads Mechanical Engineers10 countries short · 603 open ads Software and Applications Developers and Analysts Not Elsewhere Classified10 countries short · 308 open ads Systems Administrators10 countries short · 3,510 open ads Systems Analysts10 countries short · 1,502 open ads Environmental and Occupational Health and Hygiene Professionals9 countries short · 1,580 open ads Optometrists and Ophthalmic Opticians9 countries short · 216 open ads Cartographers and Surveyors8 countries short · 367 open ads Database Designers and Administrators8 countries short · 1,415 open ads Engineering Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified8 countries short · 27,632 open ads Other Language Teachers8 countries short · 162 open ads Primary School Teachers8 countries short · 886 open ads Telecommunications Engineers8 countries short · 1,311 open ads Computer Network Professionals7 countries short · 769 open ads Midwifery Professionals7 countries short · 216 open ads Technical and Medical Sales Professionals (excluding ICT)7 countries short · 1,374 open ads Web and Multimedia Developers6 countries short · 1,240 open ads Chemical Engineers5 countries short · 130 open ads Chemists5 countries short · 292 open ads Information and Communications Technology Sales Professionals5 countries short · 4,295 open ads Information Technology Trainers5 countries short · 118 open ads Management and Organization Analysts5 countries short · 987 open ads

Technicians and associate professionals

Chefs16 countries short · 1,215 open ads Electrical Engineering Technicians14 countries short · 4,991 open ads Electronics Engineering Technicians12 countries short · 2,208 open ads Civil Engineering Technicians11 countries short · 2,108 open ads Construction Supervisors10 countries short · 2,323 open ads Mechanical Engineering Technicians10 countries short · 1,221 open ads Ambulance Workers8 countries short · 771 open ads Dental Assistants and Therapists8 countries short · 5,356 open ads Medical and Pathology Laboratory Technicians8 countries short · 212 open ads Police Inspectors and Detectives8 countries short · 5 open ads Manufacturing Supervisors7 countries short · 3,904 open ads Medical Assistants7 countries short · 7,764 open ads Accounting Associate Professionals6 countries short · 7,500 open ads Commercial Sales Representatives6 countries short · 4,230 open ads Dispensing Opticians6 countries short · 1,692 open ads Draughtspersons6 countries short · 1,445 open ads Information and Communications Technology Operations Technicians6 countries short · 206 open ads Information and Communications Technology User Support Technicians6 countries short · 6,516 open ads Insurance Representatives6 countries short · 32 open ads Medical and Dental Prosthetic Technicians6 countries short · 1,379 open ads Medical Secretaries6 countries short · 332 open ads Metal Production Process Controllers6 countries short · 107 open ads Physiotherapy Technicians and Assistants6 countries short · 1,675 open ads Power Production Plant Operators6 countries short · 127 open ads Ships' Engineers6 countries short · 88 open ads Social Work Associate Professionals6 countries short · 2,188 open ads Telecommunications Engineering Technicians6 countries short · 570 open ads Buyers5 countries short · 3,796 open ads Chemical and Physical Science Technicians5 countries short · 1,219 open ads Clearing and Forwarding Agents5 countries short · 4,260 open ads Computer Network and Systems Technicians5 countries short · 204 open ads Credit and Loans Officers5 countries short · 415 open ads Health Associate Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified5 countries short · 1,420 open ads Pharmaceutical Technicians and Assistants5 countries short · 898 open ads Process Control Technicians Not Elsewhere Classified5 countries short · 471 open ads

Clerical support workers

Hotel Receptionists11 countries short · 327 open ads Stock Clerks7 countries short · 19,568 open ads Payroll Clerks6 countries short · 1,015 open ads Production Clerks6 countries short · 1,072 open ads Statistical, Finance and Insurance Clerks6 countries short · 813 open ads Transport Clerks6 countries short · 3,350 open ads Bank Tellers and Related Clerks5 countries short · 2,885 open ads Bookmakers, Croupiers and Related Gaming Workers5 countries short · 32 open ads Contact Centre Information Clerks5 countries short · 617 open ads Inquiry Clerks5 countries short · 12,106 open ads Survey and Market Research Interviewers5 countries short · 30 open ads Travel Consultants and Clerks5 countries short · 417 open ads

Service and sales workers

Health Care Assistants18 countries short · 7,315 open ads Cooks17 countries short · 10,129 open ads Waiters14 countries short · 3,173 open ads Bartenders13 countries short · 523 open ads Home-based Personal Care Workers12 countries short · 6,753 open ads Fire Fighters10 countries short · 89 open ads Shop Sales Assistants9 countries short · 55,181 open ads Driving Instructors8 countries short · 503 open ads Food Service Counter Attendants8 countries short · 2,829 open ads Hairdressers8 countries short · 3,642 open ads Door-to-door Salespersons7 countries short · 454 open ads Police Officers7 countries short · 5 open ads Security Guards7 countries short · 4,113 open ads Service Station Attendants7 countries short · 1,461 open ads Beauticians and Related Workers6 countries short · 884 open ads Cashiers and Ticket Clerks6 countries short · 5,903 open ads Child Care Workers6 countries short · 2,791 open ads Contact Centre Salespersons6 countries short · 369 open ads Personal Care Workers in Health Services Not Elsewhere Classified6 countries short · 4,297 open ads Cleaning and Housekeeping Supervisors in Offices, Hotels and Other Establishments5 countries short · 244 open ads Personal Services Workers Not Elsewhere Classified5 countries short · 3,015 open ads

Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers

Forestry and Related Workers11 countries short · 660 open ads Livestock and Dairy Producers10 countries short · 376 open ads Gardeners, Horticultural and Nursery Growers9 countries short · 4,983 open ads Tree and Shrub Crop Growers9 countries short · 63 open ads Field Crop and Vegetable Growers8 countries short · 121 open ads Poultry Producers8 countries short · 199 open ads Mixed Crop Growers6 countries short · 1,675 open ads Mixed Crop and Animal Producers5 countries short · 1,671 open ads

Craft and related trades workers

Welders and Flame Cutters22 countries short · 11,132 open ads Building and Related Electricians21 countries short · 15,437 open ads Plumbers and Pipe Fitters20 countries short · 6,352 open ads Sheet Metal Workers19 countries short · 4,512 open ads Butchers, Fishmongers and Related Food Preparers17 countries short · 5,097 open ads Electrical Mechanics and Fitters17 countries short · 16,182 open ads Structural Metal Preparers and Erectors17 countries short · 11,906 open ads Agricultural and Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Repairers16 countries short · 3,238 open ads Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics16 countries short · 2,197 open ads Carpenters and Joiners16 countries short · 3,700 open ads Motor Vehicle Mechanics and Repairers16 countries short · 15,889 open ads Floor Layers and Tile Setters15 countries short · 1,294 open ads Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators15 countries short · 13,485 open ads Roofers15 countries short · 3,625 open ads Bakers, Pastry-cooks and Confectionery Makers14 countries short · 1,927 open ads Concrete Placers, Concrete Finishers and Related Workers14 countries short · 1,167 open ads Electrical Line Installers and Repairers14 countries short · 135 open ads Insulation Workers14 countries short · 364 open ads Spray Painters and Varnishers14 countries short · 11,503 open ads Bricklayers and Related Workers13 countries short · 4,736 open ads Electronics Mechanics and Servicers12 countries short · 5,334 open ads Toolmakers and Related Workers12 countries short · 2,675 open ads Building Frame and Related Trades Workers Not Elsewhere Classified11 countries short · 1,116 open ads Cabinet-makers and Related Workers11 countries short · 9,536 open ads Plasterers11 countries short · 1,150 open ads Woodworking Machine Tool Setters and Operators11 countries short · 843 open ads Aircraft Engine Mechanics and Repairers9 countries short · 631 open ads Sewing, Embroidery and Related Workers8 countries short · 397 open ads Stonemasons, Stone Cutters, Splitters and Carvers8 countries short · 407 open ads Upholsterers and Related Workers8 countries short · 259 open ads Building Structure Cleaners7 countries short · 239 open ads Dairy Products Makers7 countries short · 133 open ads House Builders7 countries short · 1,676 open ads Metal Moulders and Coremakers7 countries short · 66 open ads Shoemakers and Related Workers7 countries short · 101 open ads Bicycle and Related Repairers6 countries short · 1,364 open ads Information and Communications Technology Installers and Servicers6 countries short · 810 open ads Metal Polishers, Wheel Grinders and Tool Sharpeners6 countries short · 1,131 open ads Print Finishing and Binding Workers6 countries short · 188 open ads Craft and Related Workers not Elsewhere Classified5 countries short · 1,903 open ads Garment and Related Patternmakers and Cutters5 countries short · 44 open ads Glaziers5 countries short · 1,297 open ads Pelt Dressers, Tanners and Fellmongers5 countries short · 12 open ads Wood Treaters5 countries short · 148 open ads

Plant and machine operators and assemblers

Bus and Tram Drivers19 countries short · 1,278 open ads Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers19 countries short · 9,658 open ads Earthmoving and Related Plant Operators14 countries short · 2,044 open ads Crane, hoist and related plant operators13 countries short · 1,180 open ads Food and Related Products Machine Operators12 countries short · 410 open ads Mechanical Machinery Assemblers12 countries short · 7,823 open ads Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers11 countries short · 1,465 open ads Metal Finishing, Plating and Coating Machine Operators11 countries short · 632 open ads Plastic Products Machine Operators11 countries short · 2,065 open ads Cement, Stone and Other Mineral Products Machine Operators9 countries short · 37 open ads Lifting Truck Operators9 countries short · 10,990 open ads Locomotive Engine Drivers9 countries short · 458 open ads Metal Processing Plant Operators9 countries short · 44 open ads Sewing Machine Operators9 countries short · 83 open ads Chemical Products Plant and Machine Operators8 countries short · 1,197 open ads Rubber Products Machine Operators8 countries short · 341 open ads Wood Processing Plant Operators8 countries short · 250 open ads Assemblers Not Elsewhere Classified7 countries short · 1,788 open ads Bleaching, Dyeing and Fabric Cleaning Machine Operators7 countries short · 49 open ads Car, Taxi and Van Drivers7 countries short · 965 open ads Fibre Preparing, Spinning and Winding Machine Operators7 countries short · 125 open ads Glass and Ceramics Plant Operators7 countries short · 140 open ads Laundry Machine Operators7 countries short · 685 open ads Pulp and Papermaking Plant Operators6 countries short · 31 open ads Textile, Fur and Leather Products Machine Operators Not Elsewhere Classified6 countries short · 29 open ads Railway Brake, Signal and Switch Operators5 countries short · 142 open ads Ships' Deck Crews and Related Workers5 countries short · 30 open ads Weaving and Knitting Machine Operators5 countries short · 85 open ads Well Drillers and Borers and Related Workers5 countries short · 100 open ads

Workers in elementary occupations

Fast Food Preparers14 countries short · 814 open ads Crop Farm Labourers12 countries short · 17 open ads Kitchen Helpers12 countries short · 3,152 open ads Building Construction Labourers11 countries short · 1,864 open ads Cleaners and Helpers in Offices, Hotels and Other Establishments11 countries short · 12,859 open ads Civil Engineering Labourers9 countries short · 2,524 open ads Garbage and Recycling Collectors9 countries short · 341 open ads Livestock Farm Labourers9 countries short · 59 open ads Mixed Crop and Livestock Farm Labourers8 countries short · 716 open ads Other Cleaning Workers8 countries short · 12,049 open ads Vehicle Cleaners8 countries short · 726 open ads Garden and Horticultural Labourers7 countries short · 224 open ads Domestic Cleaners and Helpers6 countries short · 3,698 open ads Drivers of Animal-drawn Vehicles and Machinery6 countries short · 4 open ads Forestry Labourers6 countries short · 11 open ads Window Cleaners6 countries short · 858 open ads Hand Launderers and Pressers5 countries short · 113 open ads Hand Packers5 countries short · 1,296 open ads Messengers, Package Deliverers and Luggage Porters5 countries short · 324 open ads Mining and Quarrying Labourers5 countries short · 117 open ads

How to read this list

  • A shortage means the national employment service found this job hard to fill in 2025. It does not guarantee a job offer, a visa or a particular salary.
  • Some countries report a shortage and a surplus for the same job. This usually means demand differs between regions.
  • Pay figures are averages for the whole occupation group (for example, all professionals), not for a single job title.
  • Many jobs, especially in health care and teaching, are regulated: your qualification may need to be recognised before you can work.

Planning a move? Compare the salary needed to live in each capital, see how far a monthly budget goes, or check visa income requirements. How the data is collected is explained in our methodology.

Working in the UK

71 of these professions also show official UK pay (ONS) and UK Skilled Worker visa rules (GOV.UK). See all of them in one table: UK Skilled Worker visa going rate and eligibility by job.

Coming next: Canada, Australia and the Gulf states.