Are you thinking about moving to France for work after your studies? That’s a smart move! France isn’t just known for its rich culture and high quality of life, it also offers exciting job opportunities for young professionals. Each year, many international students choose to stay in France to build a successful career. The country has a strong job market in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, finance, and the automotive industry. These sectors are always looking for fresh talent and offer some of the best-paying entry-level and professional jobs in 2025.
But finding the right job with a good salary can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the country. It’s important to choose a job that not only pays well but also matches your skills and helps cover your living costs in France. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 10 highest-paying jobs in France, what they pay, and what qualifications or skills you’ll need to get started.
Table of contents
- List of Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in France
- 1. Surgeons and Doctors
- 2. Corporate Lawyers
- 3. IT Directors and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)
- 4. Investment Bankers and Financial Managers
- 5. Airline Pilots
- 6. Engineers (Petroleum, Nuclear, Software)
- 7. Marketing and Sales Directors
- 8. Data Scientists and AI Specialists
- 9. Pharmacists and Healthcare Managers
- 10. University Professors (STEM Fields)
- Popular Companies for Highest-Paying Jobs in France
- Tips to Find Highest-Paying Jobs in France
- FAQs
List of Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in France
If you want to earn well in France, it’s good to know which jobs pay the most. The highest-paying jobs in France are usually in areas like healthcare, law, technology, and finance. These jobs need special skills or training, but offer good salaries and chances to grow in your career.
1. Surgeons and Doctors
Doctors, especially surgeons and specialists, are some of the highest-paid professionals in France. These jobs require many years of hard study and training, so they can be challenging but very rewarding. Because they save lives and handle complex medical procedures, they earn high salaries in both hospitals and private clinics. The healthcare system in France is well-structured, offering these professionals stable jobs and good benefits.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 120,000 – EUR 200,000 |
| Common Specialisations | Neurosurgery, Cardiology, ENT |
| Education Required | MBBS + Specialisation + License |
| Sector | Public and Private Healthcare |
2. Corporate Lawyers
Corporate lawyers are among the highest-paying jobs in France, especially those who work in international business, mergers, and buying or selling companies. They know how to handle complicated legal rules, which makes them very important for big companies and law firms. Most of these lawyers work in Paris or other big cities, where their skills are needed for deals between countries and following the law.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 80,000 – EUR 180,000 |
| Key Areas | Corporate Law, M&A, Tax Law |
| Education Required | Law Degree + Bar Exam |
| Sector | Legal, Financial Services |
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3. IT Directors and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)
In today’s digital world, IT Directors and CTOs are very important for helping businesses grow, making them some of the highest-paying jobs in France. They manage all the technology in a company, including cybersecurity and new tech development. Since France is focusing on digital change and smart cities, these professionals earn good salaries and are in high demand in many industries.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 100,000 – EUR 160,000 |
| Key Responsibilities | IT Management, Cybersecurity, Innovation |
| Education Required | Master’s in IT / Computer Science |
| Sector | Technology, Finance, E-commerce |
4. Investment Bankers and Financial Managers
The finance sector consistently offers some of the highest-paying jobs in France, especially for investment bankers and financial managers. These roles are associated with managing large portfolios, risk assessment, and high-stakes transactions.Located primarily in Paris, the financial capital of France, bankers often receive performance bonuses in addition to base salaries.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 90,000 – EUR 150,000 |
| Key Roles | Investment Banking, Fund Management |
| Education Required | MBA / Finance Degree |
| Sector | Banking, Asset Management |
5. Airline Pilots
Airline pilots have some of the highest-paying jobs in France because flying commercial planes is a difficult and responsible job. Big companies like Air France and Airbus offer great opportunities for skilled pilots. Pilots’ salaries grow a lot with more experience, flight hours, and the type of aircraft they fly.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 80,000 – EUR 140,000 |
| License Required | CPL (Commercial Pilot License) |
| Career Progression | Co-pilot → Captain |
| Sector | Commercial Aviation |
6. Engineers (Petroleum, Nuclear, Software)
Engineering roles, especially in specialised fields, rank high among the highest-paying jobs in France. With a strong industrial base, France demands skilled engineers in energy, aerospace, and software development. Technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and innovation are key traits that drive high salaries in this sector.
| Engineering Field | Salary Range (EUR) |
| Petroleum Engineer | EUR 75,000 – EUR 130,000 |
| Nuclear Engineer | EUR 70,000 – EUR 110,000 |
| Software Engineer | EUR 50,000 – EUR 90,000 |
7. Marketing and Sales Directors
Marketing and sales professionals with leadership roles are rewarded with some of the highest-paying jobs in France, especially in luxury, automotive, and tech industries. These roles focus on driving business growth and managing brand strategies. High-performance bonuses and global exposure make these positions financially rewarding.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 70,000 – EUR 120,000 |
| Industries | Luxury, Tech, FMCG |
| Education Required | MBA / Business Degree |
| Bonus Opportunities | Performance-based |
8. Data Scientists and AI Specialists
With the growing importance of big data, data scientists and AI specialists play a vital role in many industries today. These roles are among the highest-paying jobs in France because they help companies make smart decisions using data and improve technology with artificial intelligence. The demand for these professionals is rising quickly, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, where data-driven solutions are essential for success.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 60,000 – EUR 110,000 |
| Required Skills | Python, ML, SQL, Data Visualisation |
| Education | Master’s in Data Science / AI |
| Sector | IT, Healthcare, Retail |
9. Pharmacists and Healthcare Managers
Pharmacists and healthcare managers have stable and well-paid careers within France’s healthcare system. They are considered among the highest-paying jobs in France, particularly when working in private pharmacies or large hospital groups. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, these jobs offer even more security and attractive career opportunities.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 60,000 – EUR 100,000 |
| Required Qualifications | Pharmacy Degree / Healthcare MBA |
| Common Workplaces | Clinics, Pharmacies, Hospitals |
| Sector | Public and Private Healthcare |
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10. University Professors (STEM Fields)
Teaching and research jobs, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), are also among the highest-paying jobs in France. Professors at top universities in France earn good salaries and have stable careers. Having advanced degrees, research publications, and international experience can help increase their earnings even more.
| Criteria | Details |
| Average Annual Salary | EUR 50,000 – EUR 95,000 |
| Specialisations | Engineering, Computer Science, Physics |
| Education Required | PhD + Teaching Experience |
| Sector | Education, Research Institutes |
Popular Companies for Highest-Paying Jobs in France
Many leading companies in France offer some of the best-paying career opportunities across different industries. Since the average salary in France is about EUR 39,000 a year, working at these top companies can mean earning well above that. Here are some of the best employers where professionals can find high-paying jobs.
| Company | Industry | High-Paying Roles |
| Carrefour | Retail | Store Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Finance Executive |
| IKEA | Furniture & Retail | Interior Designer, Store Manager, Logistics Manager |
| McDonald’s | Food & Beverage | Restaurant Manager, Operations Head, HR Manager |
| Auchan | Supermarket/Retail | Sales Manager, Warehouse Supervisor, Marketing Lead |
| Leclerc | Retail | Department Manager, Purchasing Manager, IT Specialist |
Tips to Find Highest-Paying Jobs in France
Finding one of the highest-paying jobs in France takes planning, research, and the right approach. Here are some helpful tips to get started:
- Focus on High-Demand Fields: Look for jobs in industries like healthcare, IT, law, and finance where salaries are generally higher.
- Improve Your Qualifications: Higher education, certifications, and language skills (especially French and English) can help you qualify for better-paying roles.
- Use Trusted Job Portals: Check reliable French job sites like APEC, Pôle Emploi, Indeed, and LinkedIn to find current openings.
- Consider Major Cities: Jobs in big cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille usually pay more due to higher demand and living costs.
- Apply to Multinational Companies: Large companies often offer better pay, benefits, and chances for growth compared to smaller firms.
- Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Keep learning about new technologies, tools, or changes in your field to stay competitive in the job market.
France has a strong job market with great opportunities for skilled workers in fields like healthcare, finance, engineering, and tech. Top jobs like doctors, engineers, pilots, and data experts pay well and offer good work-life balance, job security, and career growth. If you plan to work in France, choose the right field, build your skills, and keep up with job trends to land a rewarding and high-paying role.
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FAQs
Some of the top-paying jobs include surgeons, corporate lawyers, IT directors, investment bankers, and airline pilots.
The best jobs in Paris are typically in tech, finance, medicine, and luxury. Roles like tech executives, investment bankers, surgeons, and luxury brand managers offer high pay and strong career prospects, especially in Paris’s global business and fashion hubs.
Yes, positions like Chief Technology Officer (CTO), IT Director, and AI Specialist are well-paid and in demand.
Corporate lawyers can earn between EUR 80,000 to EUR 180,000 annually depending on experience and location.
Most high-paying jobs require advanced degrees, certifications, and relevant work experience.
Yes, especially those in STEM fields, with salaries ranging from EUR 50,000 to EUR 95,000 per year.
Yes, data science is growing fast in France and is one of the highest-paying tech careers.
Yes, healthcare roles like pharmacists, managers, and doctors offer job security and excellent pay.
A good salary in France varies by location and lifestyle, but generally, earning between EUR 3,000 to EUR 4,000 net per month is considered comfortable for a single person. This allows for decent housing, regular expenses, and some savings or leisure spending.
Use trusted platforms like LinkedIn, APEC, and Pôle Emploi, and apply directly to multinational companies.
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