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Portugal’s Pay Gaps Vary Sharply by Region, Sector and Role

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Portugal’s Pay Gaps Vary Sharply by Region, Sector and Role
O Jornal Económico
While Lisbon and Setúbal match the national average, Porto and Maia sit at 92% of it and the autonomous regions at 80%. The life‑science sector outperforms the market, whereas technology and retail lag behind.

📌 Key Highlights & Context

  • Lisbon and Setúbal align closely with the national pay benchmark.
  • Life‑science jobs earn 13% higher base salaries and 17% higher total compensation.
  • Financial services see a modest 2% base increase but 18% higher annual incentives, boosting total pay by 9%.

Regional Pay Disparities

The 2026 WTW “Compensation and Benefits – Portugal” report reveals a clear gradient in total remuneration across the country. Lisbon and Setúbal sit at roughly 100% of the national reference, while Porto and Maia are at 92%, Braga and Viana do Castelo at 90%, the Centre and South around 86%, and the Autonomous Regions at 80%.

Sector‑Specific Compensation

When comparing equivalent roles, sectoral differences become evident. The pharmaceutical and life‑science sector leads with a 13% premium on base salary and a 17% premium on total compensation. Financial services show a modest 2% base uplift, but annual incentives are 18% higher, resulting in a 9% boost in total pay. Technology, media‑gaming and retail lag slightly, with total compensation 3% and 1% below market respectively.

WTW stresses that these figures reflect observed differentials in the sample and do not imply an automatic salary reduction for the same role outside Lisbon. Companies are encouraged to use reliable, comparable data to invest where it best supports strategy, talent and performance.

Sources

Função, carreira, região e setor diferenciam a remuneração em Portugal, revela estudo da WTW