Fès: Spiritual Capital and Developing Industrial Hub

Fès is Morocco's third-largest city by population and has a unique historical and cultural heritage (the Fès medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). But beyond its role as a spiritual capital, Fès is transforming in 2026 into a dynamic economic hub thanks to Fès Shore (offshoring), industrial zones and university development. The cost of living there is very attractive, which is attracting more and more companies and young graduates.

The Sectors Hiring in Fès

1. Offshoring and Call Centers

Fès Shore has become Morocco's 3rd offshoring hub after Casablanca and Rabat. Call centers and service companies are setting up there to benefit from a qualified workforce at lower cost.

  • Positions sought: call center agent, supervisor, trainer, developer, technical support
  • Salaries: 4 000 – 12 000 MAD
  • Companies: Webhelp, Teleperformance, Intelcia, local BPO centers

2. Textile and Leather Industry

Fès has historically been a center for textiles and leatherworking (the famous tanneries). The industry is modernizing with garment factories for export.

  • Positions sought: production manager, pattern maker, quality manager, qualified seamstress, export sales representative
  • Salaries: 3 500 – 15 000 MAD

3. Agri-Food

The Fès-Meknès region is rich in agriculture (olives, cereals, fruit). Processing and packaging units are located there.

  • Positions sought: production technician, quality engineer, logistics manager, operator
  • Salaries: 4 000 – 16 000 MAD
  • Companies: Aïcha (canned goods), Les Huileries de Fès, SIOF, flour mills

4. Education and Training

Fès is home to Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University (the largest in Morocco by enrollment), Al Quaraouiyine University (the oldest in the world) and many private institutions.

  • Positions sought: teacher, trainer, academic director, university administrator
  • Salaries: 6 000 – 20 000 MAD

5. Crafts and the Creative Economy

Fès crafts (zellige, brassware, embroidery, leather) are increasingly exported. The sector is becoming more professional with e-commerce and contemporary design.

  • Positions sought: qualified artisan, product designer, e-commerce manager, craft export specialist
  • Salaries: 3 000 – 12 000 MAD (independent artisans: varies depending on orders)

6. Retail and Services

Urban development (new city of Fès, shopping centers) is creating jobs in retail and services.

  • Positions sought: salesperson, store manager, sales representative, real estate agent
  • Salaries: 3 500 – 10 000 MAD

7. Cultural Tourism

The Fès medina attracts tourists from around the world. Riads, restaurants and cultural tours are hiring.

  • Positions sought: tour guide, receptionist, chef, concierge
  • Salaries: 3 500 – 12 000 MAD

Average Salaries in Fès

Fès offers salaries 25-35% lower than Casablanca, offset by a very low cost of living:

  • Senior manager: 12 000 – 30 000 MAD
  • Middle manager: 7 000 – 15 000 MAD
  • Technician: 4 000 – 8 000 MAD
  • Employee: 3 000 – 5 000 MAD

Cost of living: rent 1 500 – 3 500 MAD for a good apartment. The salary-to-cost-of-living ratio is often better than in Casablanca.

Employment Zones

  • Fès Shore (Immouzzer road): offshoring, IT, services
  • Sidi Brahim Industrial Zone: textiles, leather, agri-food
  • Ain Nokbi Industrial Zone: various industries
  • Dokkarat Industrial Zone: mechanical engineering, construction, materials
  • Medina: crafts, tourism, traditional retail
  • New City: shops, services, banks, government offices
  • Meknès Road: logistics, distribution

Fès's Advantages for Job Seekers

  • Very low cost of living: real purchasing power is often higher than in Casablanca
  • Less competition: fewer candidates for qualified positions than in Casa
  • Proximity to Meknès: doubles the employment pool within 30 min
  • Rich cultural life: Festival of Sacred Music, exceptional heritage
  • Dense university network: internships and recruitment made easier

Tips for Landing a Job in Fès

  • Offshoring hires continuously: apply even without experience if you are fluent in French
  • Factory internships often lead to permanent contracts in local industry
  • Highlight your French-Arabic bilingualism, and add Spanish if possible
  • Networking matters enormously in Fès: family, friends, university alumni
  • Register with ANAPEC Fès for local job offers and free training
  • Consider modernized crafts: e-commerce opens up new prospects
  • Check Jawb.ma with the Fès filter for updated job offers

Outlook

Fès is developing with the Fès Smart City program, the extension of Fès Shore phase 2, and investments in sustainable cultural tourism. The city is betting on the knowledge economy and craft innovation to attract new investors.

Conclusion

Fès offers a growing job market with an excellent quality-of-life-to-cost-of-living ratio. Offshoring, industry and modernized crafts are creating opportunities for all profiles. It is an ideal city to start your career or settle down with good purchasing power. Find job offers in Fès on Jawb.ma.