Are you fluent in English with excellent communication skills, and would love to work in Athens, Greece? This article right here will tell you all you need to know about English-speaking jobs in Athens, Greece.
Living in Athens, Greece
The city of Athens has a unique setting that combines mountain hikes and crystal-clear swims in the sea. Rich in history and culture, with some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Acropolis, the Greek capital is recommended for those looking to launch an international career in a lively city in Europe. It is well connected to the Greek Islands and all major international destinations, and by offering delicious Greek cuisine, a warm Mediterranean climate, and an affordable cost of living, Athens is considered by many, as the perfect location to live.
Working in Athens
Greece’s work culture is well known for its modern and employee-friendly approach. Athens is an excellent work location for English-speaking job seekers, as many opportunities are available in companies across different industries that are expanding to new markets and looking for international expertise. Nevertheless, the city has a rich history of innovation, and investments have been made to support the growth of the tech startup scene that is booming in recent years. In fact, over the last 3 years, 54% of the Greek startup founders have established their startup.
Is Athens Greece English-friendly?
Although the official language in Greece and Athens is Greek, English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn’t experience any problems when visiting the city. English is very widely spoken in Greece, especially in the most touristy parts of the city.
Criteria for Getting a Job in Athens, Greece
To be able to work in Greece, all candidates must have a European passport or residence and work permit in Greece.
- European
European candidates need to have a birth certificate that includes the father’s and mother’s family names (it’s not necessary to be in English, it could also be in their native language). With this document, they can get their tax & social security number (AFM & AMKA) with the support of the hiring company. - Non-European
At this moment, Randstad Greece can not support non-European candidates as our clients do not offer Visa support. In case they are already located in Greece, they need to have an active residence and work permit.
Wages and Tax
Working in Greece provides you with 14 wages a year. The minimum wage in relocating jobs is 1000-1600 euros depending on the language. Language jobs in Greece are one of the highest-paid jobs. Additionally, you should bear in mind that the combined cost of tax and health insurance amounts to about 300 euros per month.
SEE ALSO: How Can a Foreign Student Find a Job in Greece?
Cost of Living in Greece
The cost of living in Greece is generally lower compared to many other Western European countries, but it can still vary based on location and individual lifestyle. In major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, the cost of living is typically higher than in more rural areas. Here are some approximate monthly costs for various expenses in Greece:
● Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center): €400 – €600
● Groceries: €150 – €250
● Dining out: €10 – €25 per meal
● Public transportation: €27 (1 month bus/metro/tram ticket)
● Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): €80 – €120
English Speaking Jobs in Athens, Greece
As an English speaker in Greece, you can find opportunities in various sectors. Here are some jobs you can keep in mind:
1. English Language Teacher
Teaching one’s native language is a popular choice for foreigners in Greece, as numerous private educational organizations teach languages from around the world. English teachers are in high demand in Greece. So, they can find opportunities in private language schools or by offering private tutoring services.
Actually, many language schools prefer hiring native English speakers or individuals with internationally recognized teaching qualifications such as TEFL or CELTA. Therefore, foreigners can step into this linguistic journey and share their native tongues through teaching. Unfortunately, teaching jobs in Greece are generally not considered highly paid compared to other professions. Depending on the experience, the average hourly wage for a teacher in a language school is €7 to €10, and for a private tutor, it’s €10 to €20.
Below you can view some sources to find a job as an English teacher:
- British Council Greece
- GoStudent
- Idietera
- TeacherFinder
- Siountri School – World of Languages
- Real Education
2. Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Greece is an ideal tourist destination. Actually, it attracts travelers from all corners of the world, creating a surge in demand for English-speaking professionals in the hospitality industry. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants eagerly seek staff proficient in English to cater to the needs of their diverse international clientele.
You can find jobs like seasoned hotel managers, chefs, waiters, tour guides, travel agents, or cabin crew. There are many opportunities for those looking to venture into this vibrant sector. So, if you have a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences, the realm of hospitality is a gateway to enter Greece’s thriving job market.
Salaries in the tourism industry in Greece can vary widely. Some factors are the job role, the level of experience, the location, and the type of establishment (luxury hotel, small inn, etc.). Here are some rough estimates for the average salaries of different roles in the Greek tourism industry:
● Seasoned Hotel Managers: €1,500 to €3,500 per month
● Chefs: €1,200 to €2,000 per month
● Waiters: €700 to €1,200 per month (plus tips based on the customers)
● Tour Guides: €30 to €70 per tour
● Cabin Crew: €1000 to €1,600 per month
Below you can find some popular hotel chains and job search websites that look for seasonal workers:
3. Customer Support
Mastering the art of communication, both spoken and written is the key to unlocking a position in customer support. Fluency in additional languages might just be the secret sauce to stand out among the competition. Therefore, English speakers find themselves in high demand. This is because call centers and customer service roles in multinational companies eagerly welcome them into their dynamic teams. Embrace the challenge and polish your language skills. Whether you have a passion for hospitality or a tech-savvy flair, Greece invites you to leave your mark on the world of customer service.
The average annual salary for entry-level customer support representatives in Greece could range from €12,000 to €20,000.
SEE ALSO: What Are In-Demand Jobs In Greece For Foreigners
4. Digital Marketing and Content Creation
In the fast-paced digital landscape, your talents in digital marketing, content creation, or graphic design open doors to a lot of possibilities. Companies in Greece, as well as international enterprises, seek creative minds to craft captivating English content for their online presence. If you enjoy writing stories or are good at social media, there are many chances in this field. Join the digital world and let your creativity shine as you create engaging campaigns and build important online experiences. What’s more, you can use your English to make a mark in today’s communication and marketing world.
The average salary for jobs in digital marketing, content creation, and graphic design in Greece can be around €12,000 to €25,000 per year.
Here are presented some digital marketing agencies and job search websites where you’ll discover opportunities in this field:
- PROWEB Digital Agency
- SOUL Creative Agency
- Wizard – Digital Agency Greece
- Wedia Digital Marketing Agency
5. IT and Tech Jobs
Even though Greece has been marked by economic challenges, the country has recently witnessed a technological awakening. E-commerce, mobile app development, and electronic transactions have begun to thrive. As a result, it paved the way for a need for technology-related professions. Remarkably, this growing industry warmly welcomes foreigners, offering equal opportunities alongside locals. Often without the requirement of Greek language proficiency.
In various sectors like IT, telecommunications, and software development, technical support jobs have become a gateway to career growth. So, English speakers can find good opportunities in technology companies and startups across Greek cities and islands. Let your technical skills and experience become the guiding force behind innovation and progress.
The average salaries for IT and tech jobs in Greece are based on factors such as the specific role, level of experience, industry, and the size of the company. Here are some approximate salary ranges for various IT and tech roles in Greece:
● Software Developer: €15,000 to €55,000 per year
● Data Scientist: €20,000 to €60,000 per year
● Network/Systems Administrator: €15,000 to €55,000 per year
● Cybersecurity Specialist: €20,000 to €60,000 per year
Find some companies and job search engines that offer such positions at the links below:
6. Finance and Business
Within multinational corporations, an array of exciting opportunities awaits English-speaking professionals like you. Whether your expertise lies in finance, sales, or business development, your fluency in English becomes your ticket to a rewarding career. Take the chance to collaborate with global minds and drive business growth on a global scale. Let your proficiency in the language of commerce open doors to prestigious positions in Greece’s economic landscape.
The average salaries for jobs in finance, sales, and business development can depend on factors such as role, level of experience, industry, and the company’s size:
● Finance: €20,000 to €80,000 per year
● Sales: €12,000 to €55,000 per year
● Business Development: €15,000 to €60,000 per year
In this list, you’ll find various companies and job search platforms that advertise these job positions:
7. International Organizations
There are a lot of NGOs and international organizations seeking skilled individuals to take on roles in project management, research, and administration. Uniting forces with these dynamic organizations, you can contribute to meaningful initiatives and make a difference on an international scale. Moreover, your fluency in English becomes a bridge connecting diverse minds, opening the doors for collaborative and impactful endeavors.
Salaries for international organization employees might range from €20,000 to €50,000 per year, depending on the role and the organization’s structure.
Some examples of international organizations in Greece:
- Greek Forum of Refugees
- Amnesty International – Greek Section
- ActionAid Hellas
- ELIX Conservation Volunteers Greece
8. English-speaking Nanny or Au Pair
If your heart is warmed by the laughter of children and the joy of nurturing young minds, this option might be your calling. Embrace a path that blends your love for kids with a touch of domestic flair and become a nanny or au pair. You’ll discover a range of opportunities, from living full-time in the family’s home to flexible arrangements that suit your lifestyle. While some families seek bilingual caregivers, rest assured that many cherish native English speakers.
The average salary for English-speaking nannies in Greece can vary based on the nanny’s qualifications, responsibilities, and working hours. Live-in nannies could earn from €600 to €1,500, while live-out nannies could earn from €600 to €1,200.
Discover nanny and au pair job opportunities on these platforms related to childcare:
Conclusion
Indeed, with its welcoming and amiable people, delicious cuisine, and pleasant Mediterranean climate, Athens, Greece seamlessly blends attractive features. Also, as a member of the EU and the Schengen region, Greece has simplified the process for global travelers to explore its charm. It’s no wonder that this captivating country has the power to persuade anyone to extend their visit or even think about living here permanently.
