Working in Thessaloniki is one of the best-kept secrets for finding a job abroad in Europe. As Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki has a growing job market – and there is a clear demand for English speakers, particularly in customer service, tech and sales. If you want to experience Greece without the intensity of Athens, Thessaloniki is the natural alternative.
Working in Thessaloniki is especially popular among those who want a more relaxed pace of life while still having real career opportunities. Want a broader picture? Read our guide on working in Greece. But if Thessaloniki is calling your name, here is everything you need to know.
Many international companies have set up operations in Thessaloniki, drawn by lower costs and a highly educated local workforce. That means you can often find work without extensive experience, as long as you speak good English. Salaries are lower than in Western Europe, but so are the rent and everyday costs. With a vibrant food scene, rich history and easy access to both mountains and sea, it is easy to understand why more and more people are choosing Thessaloniki.
Where to find jobs in Thessaloniki?
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second most important city for recruitment, after Athens. Many offices are located in the city centre and in business areas around the waterfront and Kalamaria. If you are searching from abroad, this is where you should focus – the opportunities are here.
Most jobs are with international companies handling customer service, sales and technical support for Europe. The work environment is often international and English is used daily. Many employers are experienced in hiring people from other countries, making the process straightforward.
Companies in Thessaloniki also recruit on a rolling basis, so there is no need to wait for the right season. With the right language skills and a willingness to relocate, you can often secure a job within a few weeks.
Common jobs for English speakers in Thessaloniki
- Customer service via phone, email or chat
- Content moderation for social media
- Sales and account management
- Technical support
- IT roles
- Backoffice and administration
In customer service, previous experience is rarely required. If you have a background in IT, sales or finance, there are often better positions available with higher salaries and more responsibility.
Salary in Thessaloniki
Salaries in Thessaloniki are lower than in Western Europe, but they are competitive within Greece. Since the cost of living is also lower, most people manage well financially.
Average salaries:
- Customer service: €1.000–€1.400
- Content moderation: €1.000–€1.300
- Sales: €1.200–€2.000+ (incl. bonus)
- IT / tech: €1.800–€3.500+
- Backoffice: €1.100–€1.600
Many employers also offer a welcome package including a bonus, paid training and sometimes temporary accommodation during the first weeks.
How quickly can you find a job in Thessaloniki?
One of the biggest advantages of working in Thessaloniki is how fast the hiring process moves compared to many other countries. In many cases, the entire process – from application to job offer – takes just a few days to a couple of weeks.
Interviews are usually conducted online, so you can have a job lined up before you even move. Some employers also help with flights and accommodation, making the transition even smoother.
How quickly you find work depends mainly on:
- which languages you speak
- how flexible you are
- whether you are open to an entry-level position to start with
For many people, Thessaloniki is one of the easiest cities in Europe to land their first job abroad.
What is it like to live in Thessaloniki?
Daily life in Thessaloniki is a pleasant surprise for most newcomers. The city is famously known for its food culture – locals are proud of their cuisine and eating out is a big part of social life. The pace is more relaxed than Athens, but there is still plenty going on.
You will have a life with more freedom, a strong social scene and a climate that allows you to be outdoors for most of the year. It is common to meet friends late in the evening, spend weekends at the beach or in the mountains, and generally live at a slower, more enjoyable pace than back home.
Thessaloniki is a university city, which means it has a young, international energy. The nightlife is lively, the coffee culture is serious, and the waterfront promenade is the social heart of the city.
Housing in Thessaloniki
Rents are very affordable compared to most European cities, and even lower than in Athens.
- Own apartment: €400–€750 / month
- Shared housing: €250–€500 / month
Popular areas among foreign workers are Kentro (city centre, close to everything), Kalamaria (coastal and residential), Ano Poli (historic upper town, charming but hilly) and Toumba (local neighbourhood, good value).
Many employers offer temporary accommodation when you first arrive, giving you time to find something permanent at your own pace.
Practical information
As an EU citizen you do not need a work permit. You will however need to sort out a few things when you arrive:
- Greek tax number (AFM)
- Registered address
- Local bank account
For more information on taxes and registration, visit the Greek tax authority’s website: https://www.aade.gr
Official information about moving and working in Greece: https://migration.gov.gr and https://www.gov.gr
Working conditions typically follow EU standards – around 40 hours per week and at least 20 days of holiday per year. Taxes and contributions are deducted directly from your salary, and most employers will guide you through the whole process.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Relatively easy to find work, even without long experience
- Warm climate and active outdoor life
- Lower cost of living than most of Western Europe
- Many employers offer relocation packages
- More relaxed lifestyle than Athens
Cons
- Salary is lower than in Western Europe
- Fewer job opportunities than Athens
- Bureaucracy takes time – expect queues and paperwork
- Some jobs, especially in customer service, can become repetitive over time
Cities and regions in Greece with job opportunities
Thessaloniki is a great choice, but there are other cities in Greece worth knowing about.
FAQ – working in Thessaloniki
Is Thessaloniki a good place to work abroad? Yes, especially if you want a more relaxed lifestyle than Athens while still having real job opportunities.
Do you need to speak Greek? No, English is enough for most jobs.
Is it easy to find work in Thessaloniki? Yes, particularly in customer service, sales and tech.
Is Thessaloniki expensive? No, it is one of the most affordable cities in Europe.
Is Thessaloniki the right choice for you?
If you are thinking about working abroad and want a city that combines real job opportunities with a high quality of life, Thessaloniki is hard to beat. The combination of career prospects, affordable living and an incredible food and social scene makes it a natural choice for those who want more than just a job.
Want to compare more destinations? Read more about working abroad. Ready to take the next step? See all jobs in Greece.