From locksmith to star mason in Spain: The Moroccan who earns 10,000 euros net per month

The foreign population settled in Spain has crossed the 10 million inhabitant mark, driven by a Moroccan community that is approaching 1 million individuals. It is in this quest for a better life that Abdelilah crossed the strait, convinced by his brother who has been present on the spot since 1988, leaving behind his initial profession, as reported by Infobae.

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Arrived without papers, his situation was regularized by one of his first companies. Failing to appreciate the conditions of his original profession, he turned to the construction industry, an area he knew nothing about. "I started first as a mason, then I moved to another company [...] where I started to learn, little by little," he recalls.

His journey shows the strong dependence of Spanish construction on international labor, which accounted for more than 243,000 affiliates at the end of 2025. Before setting up on his own, Abdelilah multiplied overtime, working weekends and holidays. This determination allowed him to earn a monthly salary ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 euros.

In 2006, after more than a decade as an employee, the craftsman made the choice of independence. This new status offers him greater freedom but comes with operational challenges. He notably confesses to having difficulties in recruiting reliable personnel, relying mainly on a small network of architects who call on him with full confidence for the quality of his services.

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While the average salary of a mason is around 1,700 euros gross in the country, renovation sites prove to be particularly lucrative for a qualified entrepreneur. "Sometimes you can withdraw 8,000 or 9,000 euros, and even 10,000 euros net per month," says Abdelilah. Limited by the lack of trusted collaborators, he nevertheless restricts the number of his construction sites, ensuring he earns enough to live without seeking absolute wealth.