Where to move in Europe if you work in MedTech in 2026

9 February 2026

If you’re in MedTech and thinking about relocating within Europe, the main factors are salary, career progression, and lifestyle. Some countries offer all three, others require trade-offs. Here’s a snapshot of Europe’s MedTech clusters, including salaries, growth opportunities, soft benefits, and standout startups.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is the choice if you want top-tier pay and global exposure. Senior regulatory, quality, and technical roles often reach €110k–€150k+, roughly 20–40% above typical EU levels.

Basel, Zurich, and Geneva are the main hubs. Alongside giants like Roche and Novartis, startups like MindMaze, focusing on digital neuro-therapeutics, provide opportunities to work on cutting-edge devices with global impact.

Expect a polished, outdoorsy lifestyle: alpine skiing, summer hikes, and pristine city centres. Career paths are well-defined, with specialists often progressing into regional or global leadership roles.

GERMANY

Germany has the largest MedTech market in Europe, with salaries for experienced engineers, software specialists, and regulatory professionals at €60k–€100k+, 20–40% higher than Southern/Eastern Europe.

Berlin and Munich attract both established players like Siemens Healthineers and dynamic startups such as LaraLab, recently acquired by Abbott.

Berlin is multicultural and vibrant, full of arts, nightlife, and cycling paths; Munich offers beer gardens, lakes, and quick Alpine escapes. Germany’s public transport and forests make weekend trips easy.

NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands punches above its weight in imaging, connected care, and digital health, with mid–senior professionals earning €55k–€90k.

Startups like Onera Health, specialising in sleep diagnostics, provide excellent exposure for regulatory, engineering, and product professionals. Amsterdam combines canals, cafés, and a vibrant expat scene, while Eindhoven is quieter and more tech-focused.

Cycling is everywhere, easy access to beaches and national parks, and a culture valuing balance and flexibility. Cross-functional progression is common – you can move from technical work into product, digital, or commercial roles early.

IRELAND

Ireland is a hub for US medtech operations, with mid-career salaries at €50k–€80k and leadership roles at €80k–€110k+, often 10–25% above continental averages.

Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Limerick are the main hubs. Medtronic, Baxter, and Siemens Healthineers run major European operations here.

Rugged coastlines, surfing, hiking, and a lively pub culture. Dublin is busy and corporate, while Galway, Cork, and Limerick offer a smaller-city vibe. Ireland is ideal for hands-on experience in manufacturing, regulatory, and site operations, with clear paths into EMEA leadership roles.

UNITED KINGDOM

The UK has a strong medtech startup ecosystem, particularly in London, Oxford, Cambridge, and the M4 corridor. Salaries range £58k–£80k, with London paying 10–20% more.

Startups like CMR Surgical, a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, have raised over $1B for their Versius system. Kheiron Medical uses AI to improve breast cancer screening accuracy, Flo Health reached unicorn status in 2024, and Huma develops remote patient monitoring platforms valued over $1B. These companies give senior hires hands-on exposure to product, clinical, and regulatory strategy, often with global reach.

London buzzes with energy; Oxford and Cambridge carry historic charm and research depth. Quick trips to national parks and the Scottish Highlands make for a balanced, active lifestyle.

NORDICS

Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway combine a high quality of life with medtech innovation. Salaries are competitive with Germany or the Netherlands and higher than Southern Europe.

Startups like Oura Health (Finland), valued at $11B, and Neko Health (Sweden), valued at $1.8B, lead in wearables and preventive diagnostics. Stockholm, Gothenburg, Copenhagen, and Helsinki host strong MedTech clusters.

Lakes, forests, skiing, cycling, sailing, and sauna culture. The work culture is consensus-driven with flexibility and balance. Progression is often via technical expertise into product or innovation leadership, ideal for those wanting autonomy and impact in cutting-edge MedTech.

FRANCE

Mid-career salaries in France are €50k–€85k. Startups like inHEART, providing AI-powered 3D cardiac imaging, Ganymed Robotics, developing intelligent surgical assistants, and DentalMonitoring, France’s first MedTech unicorn in dentistry, are growing fast and offering hands-on senior roles.

Paris and Lyon are the main hubs. Café culture, museums, and easy weekend trips to the Alps or Mediterranean. French culture emphasises social life, long meals, and holidays, letting professionals enjoy a rich lifestyle alongside career growth.

SPAIN AND ITALY

Spain and Italy host a significant part of Europe’s MedTech market, with mid-career salaries of €45k–€75k. Barcelona and Madrid focus on digital health and imaging, Milan on implants and industrial MedTech.

Startups like MMI (Medical Micro instruments) (Italy), which develops surgical robotics, have raised over €220M in funding, giving senior hires early responsibility in product, regulatory, and clinical leadership.

Sun, beaches, mountains, historic city centres, and strong food culture. These countries appeal to professionals looking to blend career growth with vibrant, outdoor lifestyles, from skiing in the Alps to sailing along the Mediterranean.

SALARY SNAPSHOT (2026)

Switzerland: 20–40% higher than EU average
Germany, Netherlands, Nordics, UK: 10–25% higher
France, Spain, Italy: 10–30% lower, balanced by lifestyle

CONCLUSION

Europe’s MedTech map offers something for every ambition. Switzerland rewards precision and leadership; Germany and the UK blend corporate and startup energy; the Netherlands and Nordics deliver innovation with structure; Ireland provides a gateway to global roles; and Southern Europe brings career satisfaction with an unmatched lifestyle.

Whether you pursue advancement, balance, or adventure, Europe’s MedTech landscape in 2026 is rich with opportunity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Lyons is a Recruitment Consultant at Aspire Life Sciences. He specialises in bridging the gap between talented professionals and leading companies within the MedTech sector. With a focus on the nuances of Medical Device Regulation (MDR), he brings a strategic approach to recruitment.

If you’re looking for a new career opportunity or seeking the right addition to your team, contact taylor.lyons@aspirerecruitmentgroup.com.