Country guide

Working in Italy: Job Market Guide 2026

Get the definitive guide to Italy's job market: essential insights on monthly average salaries (1,791 USD), employment trends and the economic factors that shape your income, plus the country's largest employers such as Eni, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Enel.

  • Population60,461,828
  • Avg. monthly salary$1,791
  • Unemployment8.1%
  • Purchasing power77.6 (US = 100)

Welcome to your guide to the Italy job market. Finding the right job or candidate requires solid data. Here you will find key figures on employment, salaries and the economy to support your next career step or recruitment decision in Italy.

Job market overview

Key metricCurrent value
Total population60,461,828 residents
Employment rate58.4%
Unemployment rate8.1%Moderate to higher unemployment – strong, specific skills help you stand out.

With an unemployment rate of 8.1%, Italy has a more balanced labor market. Candidates should highlight specialized skills and experience.

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Living & working in Italy: salaries and cost of living

Before relocating or applying for jobs in Italy, consider these key economic factors:

IndicatorValueCompared with the U.S.
Average monthly salary 1,791 USD 40% of the U.S. averagesignificantly lower
Purchasing power 77.6 weaker (U.S. = 100)

With a purchasing power index of 77.6, the average monthly salary of 1,791 USD supports a budget-conscious lifestyle in Italy. Always compare an offer with local rents and living costs in the specific city.

Top industries & employers in IT

Leading industryManufacturing (Automotive, Fashion)
Growth sectorServices (Tourism, Banking)
Service sectorAgriculture (Wine, Olives)
Major employersEni, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Enel

Job seekers will usually find the most openings in Manufacturing (Automotive, Fashion), while Services (Tourism, Banking) offers growth potential.

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Working in Italy – FAQ

What's the employment situation in Italy?

Italy has a population of about 60,461,828. The employment rate is 58.4%. The unemployment rate currently stands at 8.1%.

Which are the top companies in Italy?

Large employers in Italy include Eni, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Enel.

How far does a salary go in Italy?

The purchasing power index for Italy is 77.6 (U.S. = 100), which means the cost of living should be weighed carefully when comparing job offers.

How can I find jobs in Italy?

Browse the latest international openings on Cityjobs and filter by country or remote work. Employers post directly, and you apply with the employer.

Which industries matter most in Italy?

Manufacturing (Automotive, Fashion) is the leading industry, while Services (Tourism, Banking) is an important growth sector, alongside Agriculture (Wine, Olives).

Data sources & methodology

The figures in this guide are compiled from these public sources:

We aim to update these figures regularly. Employment rates, exchange rates and salaries can change quickly, so please verify important figures with official local sources before making major decisions.
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Cities

Top cities and companies across Italy

20 cities
  • Rome 2,800,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesEni, Enel, Leonardo, Banca d'Italia, Poste Italiane, Telecom Italia, Italgas oder Terna

  • Milan 1,352,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesPrada, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Borsa Italiana, Unicredit, Salone del Mobile oder Pirelli

  • Turin 872,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesFiat Chrysler, Juventus Football Club, CNH Industrial, Intesa Sanpaolo, Lavazza, Pininfarina oder Ferrero

  • Florence 382,258 inhabitants

    CompaniesGucci, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo

  • Venice 260,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesGruppo Editoriale L'Espresso, Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Universitร  Ca' Foscari Venezia), Fincantieri, Benetton Group, Save SpA, Istiโ€ฆ

  • Verona 257,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesCalzedonia, Banco BPM, Ferroli, AGSM Verona, Mondadori Retail

  • Padua 210,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesAntenore Energia, Grafica Veneta, Unox, Alรฌ S.p.A., Estel Group

  • Trieste 204,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesGenerali Group, Fincantieri, Wรคrtsilรค Italia, illycaffรจ, Allianz Italia

  • Brescia 200,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesA2A, Beretta, Omr, Lonati Group, Streparava

  • Parma 198,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesBarilla, Parmalat, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Mutti, Dallara Automobili

  • Modena 185,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesFerrari, Maserati, Panini Group, Menarini, Acetum

  • Monza 123,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesSilvio Berlusconi Communications, Candy Group, Ratti, Poltrona Frau, Snia S.p.A.

  • Bergamo 120,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesBrembo, Tenaris, Gewiss, Italcementi, UBI Banca

  • Trento 117,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesDolomiti Energia, Marangoni, Pastificio Felicetti, Istituto Trentino di Cultura, Fondazione Bruno Kessler

  • Vicenza 111,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesDiesel, Banca Popolare di Vicenza, Marzotto, Zambon Group, Snam

  • Bolzano 107,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesSalewa, Thun, Durst Phototechnik, Alperia, FERCAM

  • Pisa 90,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesPiaggio, Navacchio Technology Park, Pharmanutra, Continental, Sandoz Industrial Products

  • Pavia 73,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesFondazione Maugeri, SEA Vision, INOVIA, ICAM, Dorelan

  • Cremona 71,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesArvedi Group, Sperlari, Tamoil, Turboden, LGH Group

  • Siena 53,000 inhabitants

    CompaniesBanca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Banca MPS, der Palio di Siena oder Gruppo Generali

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