What is a good salary in Italy? Understanding salary variations across the country

italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
Legal arguments for Italian citizenship by descent under decree-law 36/2025: Photo of man walking through a historical building in Italy
Decree-Law 36/2025 has significantly restricted Italian citizenship by descent, allowing recognition only for children and grandchildren of Italians, while excluding great-grandchildren and further descendants. This change has sparked legal and constitutional debates.
The role of Italy's regions in shaping national identity: Photo of an historical building in Rome
Italy is renowned for its rich regional diversity, which has deeply influenced its national identity throughout history. From distinct dialects and culinary traditions to varied economic models, each region has contributed uniquely to Italy’s character.
decree-law-citizenship-impact
On May 15, 2025, the Italian Senate approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, a legislative measure that restricts the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). The measure has sparked intense debate, with critics raising concerns about its constitutional validity, retroactive effects, and potential discrimination.
What is a good salary in Italy: Photo of wallets on top of piles of Euro notes
Summary

Italy, with its rich history and vibrant culture, not only attracts tourists but also offers diverse job opportunities. Understanding the Italian job market and what is a good salary in Italy requires a comprehensive overview of its economic landscape.

Italy’s economy is a blend of modern industry and traditional markets, with a prominent emphasis on manufacturing, design, and technology. Knowing which sectors are thriving and where the job opportunities lie can significantly benefit job seekers.

Equally important is understanding the cost of living across Italy’s different regions. Each region offers unique lifestyle opportunities, but costs can vary significantly.

From bustling metropolitan cities like Milan and Rome to picturesque rural areas in Tuscany and Sicily, the cost of living can influence your career and lifestyle decisions.

Good salary in Italy: cost of living

The cost of living in Italy can range widely depending on the location. Living in major cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence is typically more expensive compared to rural or smaller urban areas.

Key factors that impact the cost of living include housing, transportation, and food expenses.

  • Housing costs: Rent or home purchase prices are significantly higher in major cities. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Milan’s city center can cost around €1,200 per month, whereas a similar apartment in a rural area may cost only €500 per month. The south of Italy generally has lower housing costs compared to the north.
     
  • Transportation: Public transportation costs are relatively affordable, with monthly passes ranging from €30 to €50 depending on the city. Owning a car, however, can add to the overall expenses due to petrol prices, maintenance, and insurance.
     
  • Food expenses: Dining out and grocery shopping in major cities will also be more expensive than in smaller towns. However, Italian cuisine is known for its quality and affordability, especially when shopping at local markets and cooking at home.
     

Balancing these factors by considering your salary and the cost of living in various regions can help you make an informed decision about where to live and work.

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Average salary in Italy by sector

Italy offers varied career opportunities, and salaries can differ widely among sectors. Below are some examples of the average salaries in different industries:

  • High-paying sectors: Technology, finance, and engineering are among the top industries in terms of salaries in Italy. A software engineer or IT manager can earn between €32,000 and €70,000 per year. Similarly, finance professionals such as investment bankers or financial analysts can expect salaries ranging from €40,000 to €80,000 annually.
     
  • Traditional sectors: Traditional fields like education and healthcare offer moderate salaries compared to high-paying sectors. Teachers might earn around €30,000, depending on their experience and the level they teach. Healthcare professionals, including nurses and doctors, have varying salaries, with doctors earning around €40,000 to €200,000 per year, while nurses might earn around  €30,000.
     

Choosing the right sector based on your skills and interest can greatly influence your salary prospects in Italy.

Regional salary differences

In Italy, there are regional disparities in salaries, with northern regions like Milan and Turin offering higher wages due to the concentration of industries and corporate headquarters, albeit with a higher cost of living.

Southern regions such as Calabria and Sicily have lower average salaries but also benefit from a lower cost of living. Factors influencing these differences include the density of industries, job availability, living costs, and the overall economic development of the region.

Northern Italy’s economic strength attracts more businesses and investments, resulting in better job opportunities and higher wages.

Additional benefits beyond salary

When considering a job, it’s important to look beyond base salary and factor in additional benefits. Many Italian employers offer health insurance, reducing healthcare costs and providing access to quality care.

Annual performance-based bonuses can significantly boost overall earnings, serving as motivation for employees. Moreover, paid vacation is a standard benefit in Italy, with employees receiving around four weeks of paid leave annually, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

How Italian citizenship can impact your international career

Navigating the Italian job market requires understanding both the economic landscape and the regional variations in cost of living and salaries. From high-paying sectors like technology and finance to traditional fields such as education and healthcare, Italy offers diverse career opportunities influenced by regional disparities.

Additional benefits like health insurance, annual bonuses, and generous paid vacation policies enhance the overall employment experience.

For U.S. residents, obtaining Italian citizenship can significantly boost career prospects by providing the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union, along with exemptions and benefits within the European market.

By exploring these opportunities and considering comprehensive services from companies like io.citizen, you can ensure a smoother transition to life and work in Italy. Whether you’re planning to study, work, or reunite with family, count on io.citizen.

Contact us for a quotation and get started today!

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.