Most Common Jobs in France in 2023

Do you wonder what jobs people usually have in France? With its incredible cityscape and romantic backdrop, it seems like working in France is a dream come true. But what jobs are people doing there?

The top most common jobs in France are:  

• Photographer
• Architect
• Cook
• Veterinarian
• Doctor
• Surgeon
• Journalist
• Stylist
• Florist
• Travel agent

The economy of France is the world’s seventh-largest as of 2022. It’s led by export, manufacturing, and services. Don’t forget about tourism – it plays one of the most significant roles in France.

Yet, considering France is a developed economy, jobs here are highly competitive. The business services and labor sectors have shown steady growth in recent years.

Jobs that are focused on the arts are also very common in France. The list below will be handy if you want a career in this European country. We listed what you need to know about each job, including salary expectations.

1. Photographer

Photographers in France can pursue different career paths. For example, you can focus on weddings, sports, portraits, or news photography.

There are also many opportunities to become a photographer assistant, photo editor, photojournalist, or even a photo reporter.

If you’re a photographer who wants to pursue a career in Paris, you can set your sights on some big cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. 

How to become a photographer?

To become a photographer in France, appropriate education in photography isn’t needed but will be appreciated by clients.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in photography, communication, or media, you may pursue a Master’s degree. Photographers in France aren’t required to take an exam to become professionals. 

The most important thing to consider if you want to be a photographer in France is to build your portfolio. You can also become a member of professional organizations.

• Average base salary: €44,301 a year
• Skills needed: communication skills, artistic skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently and with a team.

2. Architect

Architects are responsible for the design of buildings. This job is extremely essential for urban areas since it’s integral in building and renovating homes, buildings, parks, roads, bridges, and other structures.

There are many different types of architects. In France, most professionals in this field become high-rise, urban, or even interior architects.

How to become an architect:

To become an architect in France, you’ll need a license to work as an architect. You must earn a degree in architecture and pass the national exam to receive your permission. 

• Average base salary: €58,400 a year
• Skills needed: Design knowledge, attention to detail, verbal communication, analytical thinking, initiative, thinking, and reasoning skills.

3. Cook

Because French cuisine is so exquisite, it’s no wonder that so many people are interested in becoming cooks. This job entails preparing delectable food and desserts.

Through this job, you’ll be able to work in restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other food-related companies.

How to become a cook:

In France, you don’t need a degree to become a cook. However, many restaurants require you to earn a certificate awarded after completing a cooking program or course.

The more experience and education you have, the more opportunities you’ll have to move up the career ladder.

• Average base salary: €25,400 a year
• Skills needed: culinary skills, attention to detail, communication, time management, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

4. Veterinarian

If you’re an animal lover, there’s an excellent chance that you’ll want to become a veterinarian in France.

Veterinarians in this country are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in pets and farm animals. They can also conduct research and experiments to find out more information on animals.

How to become a veterinarian:

To become a veterinarian in France, you’ll need to earn a degree in veterinary medicine. Many different schools offer this program. After completing your degree and going through an internship, you must pass an exam to receive your license.

• Average base salary: €58,400 a year
• Skills needed: compassion, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, scientific aptitude, organizational skills, and animal handling skills.

5. Doctor

If you’re interested in helping people, you should consider becoming a doctor in France. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating medical conditions. They are also in charge of following up with patients after their treatment.

As a medical doctor, you can take on many different roles. For example, you can become a primary care physician, geriatrician, cardiologist, neurologist, or surgeon.

How to become a doctor:

Becoming a medical doctor in France takes roughly ten years of education. The first step is to earn an undergraduate degree.

From here, you’ll be required to complete your medical training and education at a medical school. After this training, you must intern at a hospital or clinic and then take an exam to become a doctor.

• Average base salary: €116,000 a year
• Skills needed: Teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, professionalism, communication skills, emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and decision-making.

6. Landscape gardener

As a landscape gardener, your job is to create beautiful outdoor designs. You can work in public parks or even private gardens.

How to become a landscape gardener:

Landscape gardeners in France aren’t required to have a degree. However, many employers prefer hiring landscape gardeners educated at a Horticultural and Landscaping School. Having a background in agriculture also helps.

• Average base salary: €24,673 a year
• Skills needed: Manual skills, ability to cope with physically demanding tasks, organization skills, creativity, free from allergies to plants and chemicals.

7. Journalist

Journalists collect, analyze, and distribute news to the public. If you’re passionate about journalism, becoming a journalist in France is a great way to earn a living. 

You can build a career in different types of media. For example, you can work in newspapers, magazines, radio stations, or television.

How to become a journalist:

To become a journalist in France, you must earn a degree in journalism, communications, or any other related field.

Many schools offer this program, and you must complete all the necessary credits to get your degree.

• Average base salary: €52,700 a year
• Skills needed: verbal and written communication, digital literacy, research skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, persistence, logical reasoning, and investigative reporting.

8. Stylist

Stylists in France are responsible for choosing clothing, accessories, and makeup for their clients.

In some cases, they are also responsible for setting up photoshoots, selecting locations, and even planning special events.

Stylists in France often work in the fashion industry. However, some stylists work in other fields, including television, movies, and music.

How to become a stylist:

You don’t need a degree in fashion to become a stylist in France. However, some employers want to hire stylists with bachelor’s degrees in fashion. You can take a short course at a fashion school to learn styling techniques.

Experience in the industry is also appreciated, as well as having connections with designers.

• Average base salary: €40,800 a year
• Skills needed: Creativity, ability to meet deadlines, assertiveness, commercial awareness, knowledge of brands, and eye for detail.

9. Florist

Florists design and sell floral arrangements. They can work for a party planning company or a boutique or even create custom wedding and event orders.

This job is a great option if you want to work in a creative environment. It’s also a good way to meet lots of people since you’ll be working closely with your clients to achieve the set-up they want.

How to become a florist:

Formal certification isn’t a requirement to become a florist. However, many schools offer programs in floral design and/or floral arrangements that you can take advantage of. You can also get your training online.

• Average base salary: €36,729 a year
• Skills needed: customer service skills, telephone manners for giving details, ability to use shapes and colors creatively, number skills, stamina to work all day and carry heavy plants and vases, and interest in buying and selling.

10. Travel agent

If you love to travel, you can turn this passion into a rewarding career. This is especially true in France if you become a travel agent. In this position, you can organise international tours and trips within France.

In the end, it’s the most popular destination in the world, receiving about 85.7 million tourists each year.

Ultimately, through this job, you’ll be helping people create their perfect trip, whether nationally or abroad. You will help them choose destinations, hotels, restaurants, and travel-related activities. Travel agents can work for travel agencies, airlines, or hotels.

How to become a travel agent:

You don’t need a degree to become a travel agent in France. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in tourism or business.

Having experience working in the tourism industry also helps.

• Average base salary: €31,300 a year
• Skills needed: Customer service, verbal communication, active listening, administration, persuading skills, ability to market and sell products and services, and attention to detail.

Most common jobs in Paris

The list above shows some of the most popular jobs in France. By now, you may be wondering whether the same jobs are common in France’s capital city of Paris.

Here are the most common jobs you will come across in the French capital:

• Jobs in engineering, research, and IT as well as in research & development – 14,719 vacancies
• Artists in music, dance, and shows, including teachers – 11,731 vacancies
• General helpers, apprentices, and lower qualified kitchen workers – 10,628 vacancies
• Facility maintenance workers can choose among 10,415 open vacancies
• Home helpers and housekeepers – 8,267 jobs
• Servers in cafes and restaurants – 6,897 vacancies
• Sales associates – 6,114 jobs
• Workers in retail – 5,484 jobs

Each of the above jobs is in high demand in Paris. Since this industry has 14,719 positions, a background in engineering, research, IT, or R&D will help you make a livelihood in this great city.

Artists are also commonly found in the city. This includes performers, musicians, dancers, and even teachers. If you want to be an artist in Paris, good news awaits you because there are 11,731 vacancies in the location.

Artists are very common in Paris, mainly due to the many cultural and entertainment events being held throughout the year.

Helpers, apprentices, general kitchen workers (10,628 vacancies), and facility maintenance workers (10,415) are also common in Paris. Paris has many hotel chains and other businesses that need building maintenance help.