Italy is not only a classic tourist destination but also a hot spot for expatriates looking for a chance to work abroad. The country has a population of about 60 million people. 58% of the people eligible for work (ages 15-64) have a paid job. Of this population, 67% are men while 49% are women. Italy’s economy is one of the strongest and largest in the Eurozone. Working here is still an attractive prospect despite a crowded market for certain jobs and a few economic concerns. But, before making the big move, you must understand the labor market, economic climate, and salaries offered in Italy.
What is the average salary in Italy? The average monthly net salary in Italy is around €1,376, while the average hourly wage is €21/hour. It might, however, be a good idea to look at the salaries per region as it varies enormously. The highest salaries are found in the region of Lombardy at an average of €26,494 a year, while Calabria takes the bottom place at €14,341 a year. In terms of cities, the city of Milan offers the highest salaries while Vibo Valentia has the lowest.
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Being the eighth largest economy in the world, Italy offers several job opportunities for expats and locals alike. There are, however, huge disparities between the northern and southern regions of the country. The northern region is rich, heavily industrialized, developed, and houses several private companies, meaning there’s almost full employment. On the other hand, unemployment in southern Italy is as high as 29%. In this guide, I will cover all the essential information you need to know about working in Italy, including how to get a job as a foreigner, minimum and average salaries, popular job opportunities for expatriates, and the working culture in Italy. This is to ensure your integration into the Italian job market is as smooth as possible. Without further ado, let’s get started:
In this article you will find out:
How To Become An Expat
The Average Salary in Italy
We’ve already seen the national average salary, but salaries also differ drastically between professions. Here’s a list of common job titles in Italy, along with their annual average salaries in Euros:
- Accountant – 31,925
- Attorney – 66,351
- Cashier – 25,453
- Chef – 36,952
- CEO – 101,811
- CFO – 96,610
- Civil Engineer – 42,157
- Dentist – 104,765
- Engineer – 39,087
- General Manager – 76,005
- Internal Auditor – 48,010
- Nurse – 34,918
- Pilot – 51,306
- Police Officer – 34,739
- Receptionist – 24,889
- Secretary – 24,441
- Teacher – 33,460
- Waiter/Waitress – 28,241
Italy doesn’t have a unified labor code. As a result, things like the frequency with which workers should be paid, overtime rates, and other wage considerations are often determined by the collective agreements of various unions.
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What is it like working in Italy?
The Italian labor market is dominated by the service industry, with the tertiary sector currently making up 75% of the total GDP. Industries such as textile, food production, technology, finance, chemical, and mechanical also contribute to the country’s economic growth and have many job vacancies.
Job opportunities for expatriates in Italy
Several industries cater to foreign employees in Italy. For starters, the hospitality and tourism sectors have many job offers for foreigners. Since most Italians don’t speak English, there’s a demand for those who speak English or multiple languages. Things also look good for those seeking employment in the education sector, especially if you want to teach English as a foreign language. Some traditional work such as weaving and woodworking is also short on talent; plus, expats can easily find work as nannies or au pairs.
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Seeking employment outside of the traditional expat jobs may be a bit challenging because Italians usually receive preference for these positions. Plus, being a foreigner, you may lack specific Italian credentials.
Job requirements
Qualified personnel, especially in the IT area, are in high demand. And, although skills and academic credits requirements vary from one employer/industry/job title to the next, Italy is currently experiencing a shortage of skills, knowledge, and abilities in the following areas:
- Mathematical and computing knowledge
- Computer and electronics
- Engineering and technology
- Clerical
- Education and training
While work opportunities for English speakers are widely available, you’ll be at a greater advantage if you speak the local language.
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Working environment
The maximum working hours in Italy is set at 48 hours per week. This includes a standard 40-hour workweek and 8 hours for overtime. When it comes to benefits, Italian employees enjoy quite a number of them. For starters, new mums get 5 months of paid maternity leave, which consists of two months before delivery and three months after delivery. During this time, they receive 80% of their salary. Employees are also allowed 180 days of paid sick leave, at least four weeks of paid vacation, not to mention, there are so many public holidays.
The labor reforms enacted after the financial crisis in 2008 have left many employees not cared for. Most employers now offer short-term contracts that can last a week, a month, or no more than three months. The good news is job security is so solid in this country that it’s nearly impossible to get terminated. An employer must prove a just cause like breaking the law to fire somebody.
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Italy Average Household Income
Italy’s average household income is currently at $26,588 a year, which is lower than the OECD average of $30,563 a year. This average household income is updated every year, and it saw an all-time high of $33,861 in 2016. There’s, however, still a considerable wage gap between high-income earners and low-income earners. The top 20% of the income bracket earns over six times more than what the bottom 20% make.
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The Minimum Wage in Italy
First off, minimum wage is the lowest pay per hour/day/month that an employer is required by law to pay workers. Most countries have a universal national minimum wage that all workers must receive. Italy, however, is one of the few EU countries with no government-regulated minimum wage. Pay rates are rather set by collective bargaining agreements between unions and employers on a sector-by-sector basis. Most of the unions have set the minimum wage at around €7 per hour. Here’s a look at some examples:Sector Minimum hourly wage (€) Domestic work, €4.57 Clothing €6.60 Agriculture €7.13 Hospitality €7.17 Metal industry €7.32 Construction €7.59 Food €8.21 Banking €11.11
These wages are reviewed every few years. There’s also a pay increase every two years to cover inflation. Even in sectors with no minimum wage, employers are still required to provide salaries that reflect the quantity and quality of work done by employees, and also be high enough to provide a decent life for the worker and their family.
The basic wage is usually adjusted downwards for apprentices. And, although inexperienced employees earn the minimum basic wage, most people earn more than the set minimum wages. This is especially true in the northern region of the country. The basic pay may also be supplemented by overtime, bonuses, a seniority increase, and/or the superminimo.
Despite having no nation-wide minimum wage, over half of the working population in Italy is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. These agreements must be honoured. Trade unions can take legal actions against employers who fail to comply with the set wages.
The Average Salary in Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy and also serves as the capital of the Lazio region. It’s one of the most popular destinations for expatriation in Italy thanks to its unique blend of culture, history, life, and job opportunities among other things. This city remains one of the biggest financial and commercial centres of Italy. For this reason, banking, consultancy, and real estate sectors tend to offer more job opportunities compared to other fields.
Rome offers some of the highest salaries in Italy. The average gross salary, including housing, transport, and other benefits is currently at around €4,334/month and €52,005 a year. In that case, the average monthly net salary (after tax) is approximately €1,443/month. The average hourly rate is €25/hour. Despite offering good salaries, it’s important to note that the cost of living in Rome is just as high, especially housing.
Salaries will differ significantly between industries, professions, and job titles. Good academic credits and skills are essential requirements for finding a job in Rome.
The economic outlook in Rome, Italy
The economic situation in Rome is well above the country’s average. This city is home to several international companies, including the UN, FAO, Enel, and IFAD. What’s more, many multi-national companies like Deloitte, Unilever, Accenture, and BNL have their headquarters in this city.
Rome is one of the major tourist destinations in Europe, meaning there’s a huge demand for hospitality and tourism-related jobs. Speaking more than one language offers higher chances of getting employment in that sector.
If you’re looking to find exciting job opportunities and spread your wings abroad, then Rome is an exceptionally good destination to get started. Since it has the highest concentration of expatriates in Italy, you should expect additional competition from your peers.
Cost Of Living in Italy
The cost of living in Italy greatly depends on where an individual lives. Prices are generally higher in the northern region and big cities. But, if you opt for a life in a small town (away from tourist hubs) or live in the southern region, then prices can be quite affordable. Note that the currency used in Italy is Euros (€), which equals 1.11 US dollars ($) as of November 2019.
Here’s a breakdown of the monthly cost of living in Italy:
Housing
Housing costs also vary greatly between regions. For instance, renting in Milan will cost you twice as much as it would in Naples. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of a major city will set you back at least $1,500/month. The same apartment goes for as low as $600/month in the southern region. If you prefer to buy, you can find a $20,000 house in the south or a multi-million dollar villa in Tuscany. Italian mortgages are available to expatriates. However, bank policies for mortgages are a lot stricter to non-Italians following the great recession.
Food
Groceries are available at reasonable prices. Expect to spend between $175 and $225 on monthly groceries. The cost of eating out will depend on what establishments you visit and how often. A basic meal in an inexpensive restaurant will set you back $17, while eating in a high-end restaurant will cost over $200.
Transport
Buying a car in Italy is very expensive, not to mention, fuel prices are quite exorbitant. Luckily, Italy has an extensive, reliable, and affordable public transportation system. A one-way ticket costs around $1.67, but you can also get a monthly travel pass for about $39. Taxis start at $5.56 and can go up by $1.58/km.
Health insurance
People living in Italy can access free public healthcare thanks to the country’s national health plan. But you can also get private health insurance to supplement the national plan and receive even quicker services. Such a plan can cost you anything from $1,000 a year.
These are just but a few of the costs you’ll encounter living in Italy. Other costs you’ll need to budget for include utilities, entertainment, clothing, telecommunications, and personal care. On average, a single person will spend about $800, while a family of four will spend $2,770 on monthly expenses (excluding rent).
FAQs
What is a good salary in Italy? ›
Latest data on Wages (EUR/ Month)
Average Wages in Italy increased to 2475 EUR/ Month (2632.139 USD/Month) in 2021. The maximum rate of average wage for employees was 2502 EUR/ Month and minimum was 1176 EUR/ Month. Data published Yearly by Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development.
| 2016 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Living Wage - Single Adult | 670-920 | 685-955 |
| Living Wage - Typical Family | 1110-1480 | 1120-1510 |
| Real wage of low-skilled worker | 915-1200 | 945-1230 |
| Real wage of medium-skilled worker | 1280-1620 | 1340-1680 |
...
Average annual wage in Italy from 2000 to 2021 (in euros)
| Characteristic | Average annual wages in euros |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 28,088 |
| 2019 | 29,884 |
| 2018 | 29,559 |
| 2017 | 29,238 |
...
Average hourly gross pay for employee jobs in Italy in 2019, by macro-sector (in euros)
However, if you are not really interested to read the details, here is your answer: our cost of living in Italy per month is 1600 Euros – for a couple (cost of living in Italy in us dollars = U$ 1720).
How much is rent in Italy? ›...
Here's a sample of regular monthly expenses for two people and some prices on staple items:
| Expense | U.S. $ |
|---|---|
| Rent (two bedroom apartment) | $650 |
| Utilities | $220 |
Living in Italy as a US citizen is possible if you have the right permit. There are 2 types of residence permits in Italy: 1. Permesso di Soggiorno: a temporary, renewable residence permit with varying durations of validity.
Is it cheaper to live in Italy than the US? ›United States is 46.0% more expensive than Italy.
What is middle income in Italy? ›The median household income (PPP) in Italy was $35,189 in 2021.
Is living in Italy worth it? ›All in all, Italy is a beautiful country with wonderful food, fascinating history, and gorgeous scenery. Be aware that the Italian lifestyle will come at a high cost for you if you want to live in one of the main cities like Rome or Milan. You'll need to know some basic vocabulary before moving here.
What is the best paying job in Italy? ›
- Surgeons: up to 21,000 Euros a month.
- Lawyers: up to 14,000 Euros a month.
- Bank managers: 13,000 Euros a month.
- Marketing directors: 2,390 to 7,620 Euros a month.
- College professors: 3,190 to 10,200 Euros a month.
The salary range of employees working in Italy is, by default, in the range of 1,310.00 EUR (low salaries, employees' actual wages may be even lower) to 5,055.00 EUR (high salaries, actual salaries can be even higher).
Do Italians work 8 hours a day? ›General. Standard working hours within Italy are 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week.
How many hours is full time in Italy? ›The normal working week in Italy is 40 hours, however, this may vary according to the industry and sector. In the private sector, Italians tend to work long hours – they are typically 9am to 1pm, and 2:30pm to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.
How many hours do Italians work in a day? ›When it comes to working hours, the standard office time is between 9:30 and 18:30 on weekdays. Lunch breaks can be as long as 2 hours. Factoring in the extra-long lunch breaks, you should expect to leave the office at around 19:30 - 20:00.
How much is monthly rent in Italy? ›Housing rent and utilities in Italy
Rent in a big city will range from around €400 to €700 for a furnished apartment. In small towns, you can find accommodation from €300.
Can expats retire in Italy? Yes, everyone can retire in Italy. Non-EU citizens need to apply for an Elective Residency Visa, also known as Italy Retirement Visa.
Is it easy for US citizens to move to Italy? ›Italy is notorious for being quite difficult with visas and it's safe to say that the visa options for Americans to move to Italy are few and will take quite a bit of effort to obtain. But Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
What is the cheapest place to live in Italy? ›Padova (Padua)
Padova is a perfect spot for long-term living and is the cheapest place to live in Italy (assuming you still want to live in some urban area). You can find this relatively small town in the north-eastern part of Italy, about 24 miles west of Venice.
Italy Healthcare System
The national health service in Italy, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides residents with free or low-cost healthcare that includes access to general practitioners (GPs), treatment at public hospitals, subsidised medicines, lab services, ambulance services and certain specialist care.
Where do most American expats live in Italy? ›
Located in the north of Italy, Bologna is one of the country's best cities for expats, with its lively social and cultural scene, as well as a large range of professional opportunities for those looking for work.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Italy? ›US Expat Taxes - Italy. US citizens, as well as permanent residents, are required to file expatriate tax returns with the federal government every year regardless of where they reside.
How do Italians view Americans? ›In general, Italians respect Americans and always welcome them as friends. They adore the curiosity of American tourists in regard to experiencing Italian culture, and they love the way that Americans enjoy their food.
Can I buy a house in Italy as an American? ›There is no limit on US citizens buying or selling properties in Italy thanks to something called mutual agreements. These apply between Italy and foreign citizens meaning that you don't need any special documents or pay higher taxation on property when compared to citizens from within the EU.
Can I collect Social Security if I move to Italy? ›How Benefits Can Be Paid. If you have Social Security credits in both the United States and Italy, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries. If you meet all the basic requirements under one country's system, you will get a regular benefit from that country.
What is the best city in Italy for American to live? ›Living in Rome
Rome is home to a variety of top-notch private and international schools. It's also a friendly city that makes it easy for expats to feel comfortable and get acclimated to Italian life. This walkable city is best known for its incredible culture and historical sites.
In 2022 the tax rate for an individual is between 23%-43%, In addition to direct taxation (IRPEF), there is also a regional tax of 0.7%-3.33% and a municipal tax of 0%-0.9%.
How much does the average Italian make a month? ›The gross salary range for people working in Italy is typically from 1,310 EUR (minimum salary) to 5,055 EUR (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
What is a typical household in Italy? ›Italy had an average household size of 2.28 people in 2021. The indicator recorded a year-on-year decline of 0.4% in 2021. Between 2010 and 2021, the indicator decreased by 3.4%.
How much does a doctor make in Italy? ›The average doctor gross salary in Italy is 132.380 € or an equivalent hourly rate of 64 €. In addition, they earn an average bonus of 5.454 €. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Italy.
What's it like to live in Italy as an American? ›
Other pros to making Italy your new home is that you'll be able to eat fresh and wholesome food every day, have access to a topnotch education system, good public transport, gorgeous scenery, and a rich culture and history. Essentially you'll be living where many Americans only dream of having their ideal vacation!
Can a foreigner buy a house in Italy? ›Who can buy a house in Italy? There are no restrictions for foreigners who want to buy properties in Italy. However, the Italian authorities have the power of making some verifications of criminal records and other aspects.
Is it hard to live in Italy as a foreigner? ›If you're a member of the European Union, moving to Italy is easy. You are free to live and work there without a visa. However, a work visa is necessary for everyone else coming to Italy for non-tourism purposes. Expats need to organize more than just their work visas.
Can I work in Italy as an american? ›Work Permits
American citizens who have a job offer in Italy, or wish to work in Italy, either temporarily or permanently, must be provided with a work permit obtained by the prospective employer, and must obtain a work visa from the Italian Consular authorities BEFORE coming to Italy.
The Italian job market is notoriously difficult to break into, especially if you're not a native speaker. Besides that, many of the best jobs in Italy are only available to locals, so it can be tough to find a job if you're not from the country.
Is it worth to work in Italy? ›Italy, also known as Repubblica Italiana, is one of the world's most prosperous artistic, historical, and artistic heritage. It offers an extensive range of employee benefits, from holiday leave to maternity, vacation, and overtime benefits.
What are the top 3 jobs in Italy? ›- Surgeons.
- Lawyers.
- Bank managers.
- Marketing directors.
- University professors.
- English teachers.
- University teaching assistants.
- Italian language teacher.
- Manual workers.
- Drivers.
- Marketing professionals.
- Engineers.
- Waiters.
...
Economy of Italy.
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Labour force by occupation | agriculture: 3.9% industry: 28.3% services: 67.8% (2011) |
Although both often work from Monday through to Saturday, full-time workers in the private sector can expect to start work at 9am and not finish until 6pm, with a 1-2 hour lunch break, although this is usually shorter in the bigger cities.
Is it illegal to work on Sunday in Italy? ›
All workers have the right to rest one day a week ( art. 36 of the Constitution) normally on Sunday (Sect. 2109 Civil Code ). The 24 hour weekly rest period can be shifted only for special activities, dealt with by Act 370/1934 ( article 5).
Do people go home for lunch in Italy? ›The Typical Italian Lunch
Although, most Italians will eat their midday meal promptly at 1:00pm everyday. If not in a rush, Italians sit down and enjoy their lunch for at least an hour, either at home or in a restaurant or bar. The majority of Italian adults and schoolchildren go home for lunch, if time allows.
In the private sector, Italians tend to work long hours. A typical week's working hours is from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm, from Monday to Friday.
How to get a job in Italy from USA? ›To work in Italy as a non-EU resident, you'll need a long-stay or work visa and then apply for residency. To secure a job, consider tailoring your resume, cover letter, and interview methods to the country's standards. For example, keep your resume short and add one to two references.
Does Italy shut down during the day? ›You might know it as the siesta. In Italy, it is called riposo. This traditional early afternoon shutdown varies from business to business, but usually lasts about 90 minutes to two hours. It may begin anywhere from noon and 1:30pm and run until anywhere from 2:30 to 4pm.
What is considered rude in Italy? ›It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
Do Italians sleep in the afternoon? ›In Italy siesta is known as riposo. Shops are closed midday for three hours or so, that way Italians get to go home, rest, and be with family. Riposo to Italians means enjoying a home cooked meal and spending time with family. Nothing beats the summer heat than laughter and being in the company of the people you love.
How many days off do Italians get? ›Italy requires employers to offer a minimum of 4 weeks or 20 days paid holiday (vacation) time. Many contracts, particularly for state employees, allow for 28 days or five weeks of paid leave per year.
What is a high paying job in Italy? ›Doctors, Lawyers, Professors, Engineers, etc., just like in most other countries, are among the list of highest-paid professions in Italy.
What are some high paying jobs in Italy? ›- Surgeons: up to 21,000 Euros a month.
- Lawyers: up to 14,000 Euros a month.
- Bank managers: 13,000 Euros a month.
- Marketing directors: 2,390 to 7,620 Euros a month.
- College professors: 3,190 to 10,200 Euros a month.
Can I work in Italy as an American? ›
Work Permits
American citizens who have a job offer in Italy, or wish to work in Italy, either temporarily or permanently, must be provided with a work permit obtained by the prospective employer, and must obtain a work visa from the Italian Consular authorities BEFORE coming to Italy.
The Italian job market is notoriously difficult to break into, especially if you're not a native speaker. Besides that, many of the best jobs in Italy are only available to locals, so it can be tough to find a job if you're not from the country.
Where do most Americans move to in Italy? ›How many Americans live in Italy? There Are 15,658 Americans living in Italy today. Although most of them reside in bigger cities like Rome and Milan, there're plenty of beautiful Italian destinations to choose from, depending on your priorities.
Do Italians pay high taxes? ›In 2022 the tax rate for an individual is between 23%-43%, In addition to direct taxation (IRPEF), there is also a regional tax of 0.7%-3.33% and a municipal tax of 0%-0.9%.
How much tax do you pay in Italy? ›The national income tax is the core one, ranging from 23% to 43% of your taxable income. Income taxes in Italy are progressive meaning that taxes will increase the more you earn. 1. If your income is less than € 15,000 you are subject to 23% IRPEF.
Where is best to live in Italy? ›- Rome – For Convenience and Excitement. ...
- Abruzzo – For the Quiet Alternative to the Capital. ...
- Tuscany – For Classic Italy and La Dolce Vita. ...
- Northern Italy – For the Most Affordable Place to Live in Italy. ...
- Sardinia – For the Ultimate Island Experience.