Jobs & Employment in Greece

Jobs in Greece with the highest demand are those of the dirty kind. Despite high unemployment rates in other regions of Greece, jobs related to farming rely significantly on overseas workers. Farmers are largely dependent on immigrant labor to perform chores such as packing olives and gathering vegetables. It is estimated that about 10% of the population in Greece are foreign immigrants and a large percentage of these are employed in the agriculture sector often with manual work well below their education and qualification. The fisheries sector is also experiencing a similar situation.


The fact that labor-intensive jobs have to rely on immigrants shows that the Greeks shun jobs requiring intense physical labor. But this is a paradox as the prime contributors in Greece’s economy come from tourism, trade and service, which do not really require skill or education. In fact a university education is not really a ticket to a good employment in Greece. The job market for new university graduates is very competitive, even for those who have Masters degree, of which there are plenty in Greece. As a result, many graduates of Greek universities seek employment outside of Greece.

Non-Greeks who wish to hold jobs in Greece find that it is easier to find work for unskilled or uneducated laborers. If you really need to find work and stay in Greece, it is important that you do not get selective. But this desperation is what some employers feed on - giving laborers pays which are inappropriately low for their job.

Although many Greeks also speak English, knowing only the latter narrows your chances of an employment in Greece. This is especially true if you’re looking for companies that would sponsor your work permit. You may still have a job, though, even if you do not speak Greek but there may not be much advancement in your career afterwards.

One of the interesting jobs in Greece which do not require learning Greek is teaching English. Many EU and non-EU nationals find jobs as English teachers to high school students who wish to improve their English skills so they can get into the university, or they find themselves a private tutoring job. Although this job may not really see much advancement career-wise, it pays quite well and would enable you to live a comfortable life in Greece.

Although there is very small demand for educated workers, engineers, accountants and those in the IT sector may find it easier to find jobs than those who have science or humanities degrees. Non-Greeks who wish to work in the technical field may find job postings in Greek consulates in their own countries. Alternatively, you may be able to find Greek companies that would hire and sponsor you so you can get a working visa.

Generally, employment in Greece is not very promising to non-Greeks as compared to most of the EU countries. Although good jobs are available, they may have lower pay as compared to the same job in another European country or in America.