Average salary in Italy across regions and sectors

Italy, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse economy, is a dynamic hub for professionals across various sectors. For human resources professionals aiming to understand the Italian labor market, gaining insights into average salaries across different regions and sectors is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview to empower HR specialists to make informed decisions regarding compensation strategies.

Regional disparities

Italy’s diverse regions contribute uniquely to the nation’s economic landscape, resulting in varying salary levels across the country.

1. Northern Italy:
   • The industrial and financial powerhouse of Italy, northern regions such as Lombardy and Veneto, often boast higher average salaries due to the concentration of manufacturing, finance, and technology industries.
   • Average salary (2023): €35,000 – €40,000 per year
2. Central Italy:
   • Regions like Tuscany and Umbria blend historical charm with economic activity. Due to factors like tourism, agriculture, and small-scale industries, average salaries in central Italy may vary.
   • Average salary (2023): €30,000 – €35,000 per year
3. Southern Italy:
   • Southern regions, including Calabria and Sicily, often experience lower average salaries compared to the north. Economic activities here include agriculture, tourism, and some manufacturing.
   • Average salary (2023): €25,000 – €30,000 per year

Sectoral analysis

1. Manufacturing and engineering:
   • Italy’s strong manufacturing sector, particularly in the north, contributes to competitive salaries for engineers and skilled factory workers.
   • Average salary (2023): €38,000 – €45,000 per year
2. Fashion and design:
   • Italy’s reputation as a fashion and design hub influences average salaries in this sector, especially in cities like Milan.
   • Average salary (2023): €35,000 – €40,000 per year
3. Technology and IT:
   • Italy’s growing technology sector, particularly in cities like Turin and Milan, witnesses increased demand for skilled professionals, impacting average salaries positively.
   • Average salary (2023): €40,000 – €45,000 per year
4. Finance and banking:
   • Milan, as the financial capital, leads the way in competitive salaries for finance and banking professionals.
   • Average salary (2023): €45,000 – €50,000 per year
5. Healthcare and social services:
   • Italy’s commitment to healthcare results in competitive salaries for medical professionals, with variations based on regions.
   • Average salary (2023): €30,000 – €35,000 per year
6. Tourism and hospitality:
   • Given Italy’s status as a global tourist destination, professionals in the tourism and hospitality sectors contribute significantly to the economy.
   • Average salary (2023): €28,000 – €32,000 per year
7. Agriculture and agribusiness:
   • Central and southern Italy, known for their agricultural activities, influence salaries in the agribusiness sector.
   • Average salary (2023): €25,000 – €30,000 per year

Minimum wage overview

Sector-level collective bargaining agreements determine the minimum wage in Italy. As stated in Article 36 of the Constitution, remuneration must be coherent with the effort and output rendered while also being sufficient to ensure the worker and his family have a minimum standard of living. As Italy does not mandate a minimum wage, no specific legislation exists to address this matter. A collective bargaining agreement, which controls wage determination, governs about 50% of the workforce in the country. For other sectors, there is a suggested minimum wage range of between €8.25 and €9.65 per hour.

Summary

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Italy’s salary landscape, exploring average salaries across different regions and key sectors while also addressing the national minimum wage. In terms of regional disparities, Northern Italy, particularly Lombardy and Veneto, boasts higher average salaries due to its industrial and financial prominence, while Central and Southern regions exhibit variations influenced by tourism, agriculture, and other factors. The article highlights Italy’s national minimum wage, set at around €9.50 per hour as of 2024, with potential variations based on collective bargaining agreements.

Sectoral analysis delves into key industries, such as manufacturing, engineering, fashion, technology, finance, healthcare, tourism, and agriculture. For instance, Milan’s role as a financial hub contributes to higher salaries in finance and banking, while the technology sector in cities like Turin and Milan sees increased demand and competitive salaries.

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