Salary in Italy – which regions are worth going to?

Italy and money

This year, the cost of living in Italy for a family of two people “floats” in the range of 1300-1600 euros per month. In the southern regions of the country, this figure does not exceed 750-800 euros. For reference, this is less than the level of Russian large cities.

As for the level of salaries, the national average is approximately 1,500 euros. But this figure is relevant for assessing the earnings of indigenous residents.

Anyone who came to Italy in search of a better fate from another country, alas, cannot count on such a sum. Moreover, not every region of the country will allow a foreigner to easily find a job. The situation in this matter is simpler in the following cities:

• Rome
• Turin
• Rimini
• Milan

In terms of the minimum wage, Italy stagnates on the border between the second and third tens among all countries of the European Union.

Taxes

The Italian tax system is considered one of the most confusing in the world. Taxes are assessed on a progressive scale at the federal, regional and municipal levels. The minimum federal income tax - 23% - is paid by people earning less than 15,000 euros per year. And wealthy citizens earning more than 75,001 euros per year need to pay 43% of their income to the treasury.

Italian federal income tax rate in 2021

Municipal and regional taxes are much more modest. Their value depends on the citizen’s place of residence. The regional income tax rate ranges from 1.23% to 3.33%, and the municipal income tax rate ranges from 0% to 0.8%. Some categories of citizens are completely exempt from paying municipal income tax. Each Italian is required to transfer another one thousand euros per year to the pension fund.

In addition, in Italy there is a vehicle tax. The size of this payment depends on the power of the car. Car insurance costs approximately 800-900 euros.

In Italy you can also find rather unusual taxes, which have almost no analogues in other countries. For example, the television tax is 113 euros, regardless of the number of hours watched. Persons engaged in private business are also required to pay 21% of the premium on the cost of goods to the treasury.

Standard of living in Italy

Speaking about the fact that prices for food and utilities for the population are low, one must take into account the fact that the majority have their own housing. An immigrant without the funds to buy an apartment will have to shell out 500–700 euros monthly for a one-room apartment. In this case, you need to take into account:

• the cost of medical care is 358 euros per year with insurance, a visit to a therapist will cost approximately 30 euros;
• travel on public transport – 1.5 euros for 1 hour in the metro, tram and bus;
• utility bills – 100–120 euros for a one-room apartment;
• taxes.

As for other expenses, the final amount depends on the economy. A diet menu without meat will cost 40–70 euros per week, a full diet – 100–120 euros.

Minimum and maximum salary in 2021

Italy is a state that does not establish a minimum wage. As of 2021, wage regulation is carried out on the basis of industry agreements. The average income is 700 euros. The salary index in different cities is not the same.

If we consider their differences by settlement after deducting taxes and fees, we can obtain the following indicators:

• the highest level of wages is observed in Venice, it ranges from 84,000 euros per year;
• in the capital of Italy - Rome - wages average from 60,000 euros per year;
• in the city of Milan, due to its high level of development, the average income of citizens starts from 72,000 euros;
• in Genoa, Bologna, Florence this figure exceeds 59,000 euros per year;
• a relatively high salary level is recorded in Naples and Turin, it ranges from 48,000 euros per year;
• Residents of Palermo earn the least (from 40,000 euros).

As for the maximum salary, its size is not limited. Doctors, fashion experts, realtors, bankers, and energy workers earn the most in the country. The maximum income level of such workers can reach 20,000 euros per month or more.

Average annual salary in Italian cities

Of course, the average annual income in a city depends on the region in which it is located:

Nevertheless, there are cities that are the undisputed leaders in the level of wages of the population:

• Rome;
• Milan;
• Venice.

Economic situation and living expenses

The Italian economy is currently in crisis. In terms of gross domestic product per capita, the country is in 32nd place. Between 2008 and 2016 there was an increase of zero. Only in 2021 there was an increase of 1.7%, and this parameter is the worst in all of Western Europe.

The economic situation in the country is worsening due to the influx of foreign citizens migrating to Italy for permanent residence. Most often, young people move to the state. As a result, local incomes are growing very slowly. Despite all these factors, Italy is a developed industrial country with an average annual salary of 30,000 euros.

Average salary in Italy

In terms of average wages, Italy is ahead of many EU countries, for example, Spain and Cyprus, but is inferior to more successful countries, including Germany and France. The annual income of one Italian worker is about 29,000 euros, that is, the average salary in Italy in 2021 is 2,415 euros per month before paying income tax, the rate of which at the national level varies from 23% to 43%.

In fact, it is quite difficult to derive average wage figures in Italy. In this regard, the country is very diverse. It is necessary to take into account the profession, industry, education, skill level, gender, age of the employee and the specific region. For example, according to the local statistical office, in the south of Italy the average income is about 1,700 euros per month (net), and in the north more than 2,200.

The annual salary in Sicily is around 21,000 euros, and in Lombardy about 32,000. In large Italian cities, where the industrial sector, tourism and financial services market are developed, wages are significantly higher than in the country as a whole. Let’s say that if you are employed in Milan in a position that requires high qualifications, you can count on a net income of over 2,500 euros per month. Favorable situation in Rome and Turin.

In addition to the regional factor, the average wage of Italian workers largely depends on the profession. The gap here is colossal. If senior managers and company executives receive up to 8,500 euros per month, then ordinary workers receive 1,500–2,000. The salaries of government members even exceed 14,000 euros. Women in Italy earn 10–11% less than men. By the way, the average for the European Union is 16.3%.

SALARY IN ITALY BY PROFESSION

PROFESSION EURO PER MONTH

Financial director 4,400 Engineer 2,530 Lawyer 2,460 Doctor 2,400 Programmer 2,200 Electrician 2,030 Accountant 2,000 Dentist 1,950 Nurse 1,890 Chef 1,850 Builder 1,400 Nanny, caregiver 1,200 Teacher 1,100 Salesperson 1 060 Waiter 900– 800

Taxes in Italy

Income tax for individuals IRPEF is calculated on a progressive scale from 23 to 43%.

Progressive tax system for individuals in Italy, 2021

There are tax deductions: for medical expenses, veterinarian services, renting an apartment or interest on a mortgage, realtor services, paying for insurance, purchasing a travel pass, contributions to charity, home repairs and purchasing furniture, paying a housekeeper or nanny, and contributions to the social security fund. These benefits include a deduction for using an electric car, for installing a bathtub instead of a shower, and a voucher for the purchase of glasses.

The rules for obtaining deductions are confusing: there are requirements for the taxpayer, restrictions on the amount of expenses, and various benefits are added. Therefore, in order to deal with paperwork as efficiently as possible, you can hire a tax consultant.

In addition, contributions to the INPS social insurance system are deducted from the salary. Their size depends on the company’s field of activity and the employee’s profession, on average 8.19 - 10.49% of income. Contributions go towards providing social guarantees during sick leave, maternity leave, industrial accidents, and retirement.

Total information

The crisis, which so inopportunely attacked European states, did not spare Italy either. Some businesses were forced to close, resulting in job losses. The difficulty lies in the fact that a large number of offered vacancies involve only temporary work. An employment contract is concluded only for a year or two.

Structure of civilian employment

In 2021, the structure of civilian employment began to look like this:

1. 65% belongs to the various services sector.
2. 31% belongs to industry.
3. 4% is given to agriculture.

Italy has long been a major center of international tourism. Every year this wonderful, beautiful country, which is home to many delicious delicacies and the legendary television series “Octopus,” is visited by more than fifty million tourists. Tourism is the main economic sector. In 2021, it accounted for 12% of gross domestic product.

Speaking about the structure of employment, one cannot help but note some regional disparities. Thus, the region in the north-west of this state has long been considered the most economically developed. It was here that a powerful industry was formed several years ago.

The northwestern region can be called the heart of Italy, since it is here that the main industrial link of Genoa-Turin-Milan is located.

The center of the country is considered a transitional link connecting the agricultural south and the industrial north. Italian citizens living in this region are employed in the tourism sector. The tourism industry is very developed in the south. This is where most tourists from all over the world come.

Professions in demand

The most popular professions in Italy are:

• engineers (different specialties are implied);
• marketing and trade workers;
• tourism workers;
• cultural workers;
• financiers;
• accountants.

Those specialists who speak English at a high, professional level are considered especially in demand. If you have the appropriate certificate in hand, you can always count on getting a good place in a particular educational institution.

In addition, a person who speaks English is guaranteed to find a job in Italy in any hotel and bar where applicants are required to meet the appropriate requirements.

Taxation and other contributions transferred from salary

As already noted, earnings in Italy that have official status must be subject to tax. Officially, tax resident status is acquired by a person who has stayed in the country for at least 183 days.

A realtor’s earnings depend on the number of transactions concluded and can reach 6,000–7,000 €.

Salary by city and region

Italy is characterized by a clear geographical division of the population by income level. Residents of the industrialized northern part (€30,500), where the country's main industrial giants are concentrated, have the highest earnings; they earn slightly less in the central regions of Italy (€28,500).

The southern regions of Italy, with a predominant economic life of agriculture and a high level of unemployment, are significantly inferior to the northern regions in terms of income (26,200 €).

• Lombardy (Milan): €31,690;
• Emilia-Romagna (Bologna): €30,385;
• Trentino-Alto Adige (Trento, Bolzano): €30,350.

The main areas of employment for them:

• help with housework – 600-800 euros per month, with accommodation in the house;
• harvesting – 800-1000 euros before tax;
• screening for elderly people or a child - 1000-1500 euros, depending on the region and the candidate’s skills (level of language proficiency, medical skills, experience).

It is also possible to find employment in the tourism sector, but for this you need to know Italian and, preferably, English, be able to captivate an audience, and also have a wealth of knowledge in the field of history and art.

The same personal qualities will help you get a job as a sales consultant.

For example, more northern regions have the highest incomes, while southern regions have lower ones.

Table 2. Average salary by region of Italy for the year, before taxes, euros

Indicator 2013 2014 2015 2021 2017 Lombardy 27,047 36,222 38,194 36,919 31,718 Lazio 23,601 31,342 32,704 31,621 31,437 Trentino-Alto Adige 22,737 3 0 063 31 452 30 554 30 908 Piedmont 21 453 28 744 30 422 29,514 29,943 Tuscany 20,816 27,681 29,029 28,157 28,058 Basilicata 18,665 24,818 26,105 25,223 24,888 Calabria 17,805 23,648 24,748 23,886 2 4,453

The highest earnings are in the north of the country.

Despite this, the level of salaries in Italy is at a fairly high level, averaging about 30 thousand euros over a period of one year.

Speaking about the amount of income per capita, it is not correct to unite workers of many specialties. In order to objectively assess the possibility of obtaining sufficient income, it is necessary to obtain data on the amount of wages in the context of various professions. The need for such a detailed consideration of the situation is due to the fact that the level of income that representatives of various professions have differs significantly:

• The average salary of a doctor ranges from 1800 to 2500 euros. Representatives of such professions as resuscitators, gynecologists and surgeons will have the highest income;
• Nannies will have between 1000 and 1400 euros.

Average salary (gross) in specific figures

By profession:

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By province gross:

Southern and islands:

Central regions:

North:

Minimum salary in Italy

The Italian authorities do not legally regulate the level of the minimum wage in the country. Rates are fixed in collective agreements between employers and trade unions and depend on the specific sector of the economy. Today, about 80% of Italian workers are covered by such agreements and are protected to some extent from wage discrimination.

In addition, Article 36 of the country's Constitution indicates that wages must be proportional to the quality and quantity of work performed, and also high enough to provide a living wage for the worker and his family members. In general, the minimum wage in Italy in 2021 is not lower than 700–800 euros per month, but in fact, Italian companies offer salaries exceeding 1000 euros.

This year, with a population of about 59 million people, the number of officially employed people in Italy is about 23.13 million, and the unemployed are about 2.9 million. Most often, salaries are set at almost the minimum level not only in the field of unskilled labor, but also for local specialists aged 18 to 24 years. Therefore, a huge number of young Italian citizens go to work abroad.

Economic situation in the country

For 2021, Italy's debt has risen to 3.1 trillion euros, which in this regard puts the country in third place after the United States and Japan. The state's second-largest bank said the risk of insolvency has risen sharply as a result of rising borrowing costs. According to forecasts, Italy will need EU assistance within six months. There are approximately 160 large corporations in crisis.

Population employment structure

Finding a job in Italy depends on your region of residence. In the south, the population mainly earns money in the service sector, tourism and agriculture. In the north-west, employment is concentrated in the industrial triangle of Genoa - Turin - Milan.

The structure looks like this:

• service sector – 65%;
• industry – 31%;
• agriculture – 4%.

The highest level of employment is observed in the central regions, where the industrial sector and tourism are developed.

Popular specialties

In recent years, Italy has experienced a shortage of the following specialties:

• builders;
• cooks, bakers;
• carpenters;
• hairdressers;
• cosmetologists.

Fight against unemployment

Economically, Italy is a very contrasting country. Unemployment in Italy decreased slightly in 2021, but there is still no significant increase in the indicator. There are many jobs in the country, but employment is mainly satisfied by migrant workers. Italians justify their reluctance to work by earning little money.

To combat unemployment, the authorities obliged employers to make sure that there are no suitable unemployed specialists among Italian citizens before employing a migrant. Even for seasonal work, first of all it is necessary to attract needy Italians and only then to involve foreigners. The innovations also concern the issuance of quotas to citizens of countries outside the EU. The restrictions make it possible to increase the number of vacancies for young professionals.

State of the labor market

Unemployment rate in Italy:

• Dynamics over the last three years:

• At the beginning of this year, there was a slight downward trend, and in September it dropped to 9.7%, but by the end it showed a movement towards previous peaks.
• Among young people it remains stable at 32.5%.

Other significant indicators for 2021:

• Retirement age:

• Annual salary increase:

• Inflation: 1.7%.

Employment structure:

Migrants' employment prospects:

• It is difficult to immediately get a well-paid position, and it is advisable to start your search before moving, not forgetting the need to master the language.
• Otherwise, at first you can only count on vacancies that do not require high qualifications.
• In Italy there are no preferences for the local population over foreigners, but it is a member of the Eurozone, and therefore of the common labor market. Therefore, in the case of a preliminary search, you will have to face a check against the EU common base. However, if a migrant received a residence permit as a refugee or in another way, then there will be no difficulties.
• In the first case, you must obtain a work permit. This is what the employer does.
• Read about which professions are most in demand, search methods, and detailed employment procedures here.
• What visa is required and how to apply for it correctly: read here.

Work in Italy – there are many vacancies, but it’s expensive to live!

Salary rates in Italy

Income levels in Italy mainly depend on the employer. There is no single rate assigned here. In the southern part of the country, earnings are much higher than in the northern regions. Moreover, the requirements for specialists in the south are less strict. In the north, the worker receives less, but he is required not only to have a good level of knowledge of Italian, but also a visa and work permit.

Minimum

There is no such thing as a minimum wage in Italy in 2021; the employee’s salary is specified in the agreement concluded by the employer and the trade union. In some areas, large businessmen have agreed with the trade union on the salary of certain specialists. It is legally determined that the salary should not be less than the subsistence minimum. In Italy this amount is about 700-800 euros.

By city

The highest salaries are in regions where there are large industrial enterprises. In Milan, for example, the 13th salary is paid annually, and employees of oil organizations and banks can count on the 15th and even 16th. Wages in Rome are also high, but only qualified specialists, such as doctors or teachers, receive good income.

By profession

Salaries in Italy by profession vary depending on the employee’s qualifications, length of service and even the institution in which he is employed.

Italy is one of the most developed and successful countries of the European Union. But also one of the most expensive. Italians work very hard. The crisis did not spare Italy; this was reflected in the number of available jobs, of which there were fewer. In addition, most vacancies are temporary work, with employment contracts for a year or two. The average salary in Italy is approximately 1,500 euros. The highest salaries are in the northern part of the country. There is a significant difference in the average salary for different professions. For example, fishermen in Italy receive an average of 175 euros, and a notary’s salary can be more than 27 thousand euros per month. A plastic surgeon can earn up to 20 thousand euros per month.

Italian hairdressers receive an average of approximately 11 thousand euros per year, flower sellers - 12 thousand, and taxi drivers - 14.5 thousand euros per year. Jewelers earn approximately the same amount – 14.3 thousand euros per year. Pharmacist - about 2000 euros, emergency doctor - 1750 euros. A highly qualified secretary who speaks several foreign languages ​​can expect the same salary in Rome. The average salary of Italian engineers is 1,700 euros, a programmer - 1,500 euros, an accountant - 1,200-1,500 euros.

One square meter of housing in the center of Rome is estimated on average at 9-11 thousand euros, on the outskirts of the city - 3.5-5 thousand. In a small town located in the south of the country in Calabria, an apartment of 50 square meters. meters will cost 45 thousand euros. More prestigious Tuscany apartment of 55 sq.m. meters will offer for 88 thousand euros. Buying a house here will cost 180-250 thousand euros. You can rent an apartment in the countryside for 100 euros per month, renting a one-room apartment in a residential area of ​​Rome will cost about 500 euros, and in the center this amount will be from 1000 euros per month.

Education in Italy includes kindergartens and nurseries, schools, lyceums, colleges, universities and academies. Nurseries accept children from 6 months of age. In kindergarten, children from the age of three begin to prepare for school. School in Italy is free and is divided into primary, junior high and high school. School attendance for 8 years is compulsory. Then the child can study according to his or his parents’ wishes. In addition to senior secondary school, children can study in specialized lyceums, after which most students enter a university. Higher education in Italy is paid. Tuition at the university costs 700-1000 euros per year, depending on the chosen faculty.

Italy is very focused on family values, so family holidays are held in high esteem here; many adult children live with their parents. Italians are characterized by a reverent attitude towards their mothers. Italians love and know how to relax and have fun. The favorite sport in Italy is football. Italians also love skiing. Many people are interested in scuba diving. One of the favorite types of entertainment is shopping; appearance means a lot to Italians. It is considered good form to demonstrate joy in life and emotional uplift.

Income to Cost Ratio

Housing

Rent:

• Prices depend on the region, the highest costs are in large cities.

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• Specific numbers:

Communal payments:

The annual amount, including electricity, gas, Internet and other communication services, maintaining a house for a small apartment of 70 square meters ranges from 4000–5000 € per year depending on the region and urban area.

Average salary in Italy 2021 in rubles for today

Average starting salary

Upon initial employment in Italy, the employee must be prepared to earn 30% less than his colleagues with many years of experience (1300–1600 € excluding taxes). The average starting salary for young professionals depends on education, qualifications, employer, etc.

Info

The starting salary of migrants when performing low-skilled jobs starts from 1000 €. However, it may not differ from the average salary, provided the specialist is highly qualified and in demand.

Maximum salary

The highest incomes in Italy are specialists in the field of medicine, fashion, real estate, banking and finance, and energy.

History of pension insurance in Italy

The history of pensions in Italy dates back to 1898, when the National Fund for Insurance of Industrial Workers against Disability and Aging was founded. This voluntary insurance society received contributions both from the state and from the owners of factories and factories. Since 1919 such deductions were recognized as mandatory, and in 1933. The fund was renamed the National Institute of Social Security - Istituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale (INPS). Over time, the amount of minimum payments based on length of service was established, the age for workers to retire was lowered, and pensions were introduced in connection with the loss of a breadwinner and the acquisition of occupational diseases, such as tuberculosis. Pension reform in Italy in 1995 established the age limit for retirement at 57-65 years and the calculation of pensions depending on the amount of all contributions to the pension fund that were made during the employee’s working life.

Tax system

Levels:

• federal;
• regional;
• municipal.

Progressive scale of income tax for individuals:

Tax on an individual entrepreneur:

21% of the premium for the cost of the goods or services sold.

Municipal and regional:

• These taxes are set at the local government level based on the state of the economy, so they are different everywhere.
• For the poor, there are benefits up to and including exemption from payment.

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Other payments:

• Pension Fund. On average, deductions cost 1,000 euros per year.
• Car insurance depending on the type of car: 800–900 €.
• For television: 113€.