While Europe is known for attracting highly skilled professionals, there’s also a growing demand for unskilled or low-skilled workers across various sectors. Aging populations, labor shortages, and economic recovery efforts have opened up thousands of opportunities in industries where formal education or specialized training isn’t a must—but reliability, physical ability, and willingness to work are highly valued.
If you’re seeking work opportunities in Europe without a university degree or advanced skills, here are the Top 5 in-demand unskilled jobs in Europe for 2024.
🔧 1. Warehouse and Logistics Workers
Why in demand:
With the boom of e-commerce and online retail across Europe, companies like Amazon, DHL, and local delivery services need thousands of workers to handle sorting, packaging, and shipping.
Common roles:
- Pickers/Packers
- Forklift Operators
- Delivery Helpers
Countries hiring:
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Poland 🇵🇱
- France 🇫🇷
Average Pay:
€10–€14 per hour (varies by country)
🧹 2. Cleaning and Housekeeping Staff
Why in demand:
Hotels, hospitals, offices, and public institutions consistently need cleaners and janitorial staff. The tourism sector’s recovery in countries like Spain and Italy has increased the demand further.
Common roles:
- Office Cleaners
- Hotel Housekeepers
- Hospital Sanitation Workers
Countries hiring:
- Spain 🇪🇸
- Italy 🇮🇹
- Austria 🇦🇹
- Germany 🇩🇪
Average Pay:
€9–€13 per hour
🛠 3. Construction Laborers
Why in demand:
Large infrastructure and housing projects are underway across Europe, and there’s a shortage of workers for physically demanding, entry-level roles in the construction sector.
Common roles:
- General Construction Helpers
- Site Cleaners
- Material Movers
Countries hiring:
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Sweden 🇸🇪
- Norway 🇳🇴
- Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Average Pay:
€12–€18 per hour
👵 4. Care Assistants and Support Workers (Non-Medical)
Why in demand:
Europe’s aging population is leading to a surge in demand for elder care, especially in home care settings and retirement homes—even for roles that don’t require medical training.
Common roles:
- Elderly Companions
- Home Helpers
- Disability Support Workers
Countries hiring:
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Finland 🇫🇮
- Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Ireland 🇮🇪
Average Pay:
€10–€16 per hour
🌾 5. Agricultural and Seasonal Farm Workers
Why in demand:
Seasonal agriculture—such as fruit/vegetable picking and greenhouse labor—relies heavily on migrant and foreign workers. Due to local labor shortages, many farms across Europe are actively recruiting from abroad.
Common roles:
- Fruit/Vegetable Pickers
- Greenhouse Workers
- Packaging Assistants
Countries hiring:
- Spain 🇪🇸
- Portugal 🇵🇹
- Italy 🇮🇹
- France 🇫🇷
Average Pay:
€8–€12 per hour (includes housing/meals in some cases)
🌍 Final Thoughts
Contrary to common belief, Europe has many legal pathways for unskilled workers, especially through seasonal work programs, labor shortage quotas, and bilateral agreements with countries in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
If you’re hardworking, adaptable, and open to relocation, you can find a secure job with decent pay and benefits—even without formal education.
📝 Pro Tip:
Check the official immigration websites of countries like Germany (Make It in Germany) or Portugal’s IEFP for updated job openings and work visa programs for unskilled workers.