Part of a series about working in Italy
Working in Italy 2026: a general guide
Lavoro Autonomo: residence permit (VISA) for freelancers
Partita IVA: how to open a sole proprietorship
Cost of living by city
Contents
- Italy job market 2026 – north vs south, salaries by city
- Working in Milan 2026 – capital of business and IT
- Working in Rome 2026 – public sector, tourism, diplomacy
- Bologna – universities, startups, Motor Valley
- Turin – industry, aerospace, family-friendly option
- Southern Italy – Naples, Bari, Palermo
- Remote work from small Italian towns
- Where Russian is needed in Italy 2026
- Salaries in Italy by city and profession 2026
- Conclusions – which city to choose
Italy job market 2026 – salaries by city and region
Which Italian cities are actually suitable for work in 2026 — and where do salaries differ most from the cost of living?
Working in Italy for Russian speakers in 2026 is primarily a question of choosing a city. Salaries vary hugely by city: the gap between Milan and Palermo can be 40–60% for the same position. Working in Milan and working in Rome are two completely different markets with different rules and opportunities.
The national average salary is 1300–1700 EUR net per month. But that number means little without tying it to a specific city. In the north a specialist gets 1800–2200 net, in the south 1100–1400. Cost of living also varies, and a higher salary doesn’t always mean more money left in your pocket.
Comparison with other countries
“In Austria everything costs more, but salaries are higher too. In Italy nepotism is entrenched even at the state level; you can break in only as a super-specialist.”
Community member, lived in several European countries
The main feature of the Italian labour market is nepotism and favoritism. Connections here often matter more than a CV. Especially in the south and in the public sector. This is not a stereotype — it’s the reality every immigrant encounters. Without Italian at least at B1–B2 level, chances of getting a contractual job are close to zero in most sectors. Exceptions: IT and international companies that operate in English.
Real salaries
“The average salary in Italy is 1300 EUR, pensions are about the same. You can live on that in the south, but in big northern cities it’s tough.”
Community member, lived in several Italian regions
By sector: IT is the only field where salaries approach European levels. Traditional sectors (construction, tourism, agriculture) pay 1000–1500 net. Fashion and design in Milan are a separate story: ranges from 1200 to 3000+ depending on brand and position.
What this article is about
Detailed breakdown of working in Italy by city in 2026: where pay is higher, where life is cheaper, where Russian is useful. With real salary figures by profession and concrete community recommendations.
Working in Milan 2026 – the capital of business, IT, fashion and finance
Why is working in Milan considered the best option for a career in Italy — and how much do Russian-speaking specialists actually earn?
Working in Milan is the first choice for those coming to Italy to build a career. Milan is the country’s business capital, home to headquarters of major companies, banks, fashion houses and IT firms. Salaries in Milan are on average 20–30% higher than the rest of Italy.
The IT sector in Milan pays best: an experienced developer earns 3000–4500 EUR net, middle positions 2200–3000, junior 1400–1800. These are the highest IT salaries in Italy. Amazon, Microsoft, Google operate here, along with dozens of large Italian IT companies.
Junior: 1400–1800 EUR net. Middle: 2200–3000 EUR. Senior: 3000–4500 EUR. DevOps, data science, AI — top end. Working language often English.
Analyst: 1800–2500 EUR net. Manager: 3000–4000 EUR. UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Mediobanca — all in Milan. Italian required from B2.
Assistant: 1200–1600 EUR. Designer: 1800–2800 EUR. Brand manager: 2500–3500 EUR. Gucci, Prada, Armani are based in Milan.
Specialist: 1500–2000 EUR. Manager: 2200–3000 EUR. Digital marketing is growing, many international agencies.
Detailed guide on the topic
The Russian-speaking community in Milan is one of the largest in Italy. There are Russian schools, restaurants, cultural centres. Job search uses agencies: Umana, Adecco, Randstad, Manpower. LinkedIn works well for IT and corporate positions.
Finding work through agencies
“I once found a decent job at a wine factory through Umana in Bolzano. Professional, everything clearly contractual. Agencies in northern Italy really work, unlike in the south.”
Community member, experience with agency employment
Main downside of Milan — cost of living. Rent for a one-bedroom in the centre: 1000–1500 EUR, outskirts 700–1000. Competition for housing is huge: 20–30 people apply for a decent listing. With a 2000 EUR net salary, not much is left after rent and utilities.
| Expense item | Milan (centre) | Milan (outskirts) |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom rent | 1000–1500 EUR | 700–1000 EUR |
| Utilities | 150–250 EUR | 120–200 EUR |
| Transport (ATM pass) | 39 EUR | 39 EUR |
| Groceries | 300–450 EUR | 250–400 EUR |
| Total without entertainment | 1500–2240 EUR | 1110–1640 EUR |
For a comfortable single-person life in Milan you need at least 2000–2500 EUR net. For a family — from 3500.
Russian school in Milan
“We attend the Harmony school in Milan. Education is good, helps children develop an unconventional approach. For families with kids this is an important plus.”
Community member, mother of two in Milan
Working in Milan — lifehack
Consider suburbs with good transport links: Monza, Bergamo, Brescia. Work in Milan, live outside — save 300–500 EUR/month on rent. Trenord trains run regularly; monthly pass 50–80 EUR.
Requirements for workers
“A gelateria in Milan needs a bancoista. Italian from B2 and up. Without the language you won’t be properly hired even in hospitality.”
Announcement from the community chat
Working in Rome 2026 – public sector, tourism and diplomacy
How does working in Rome differ from Milan — and why are salaries lower even though the city is bigger?
Working in Rome is a completely different story compared to Milan. Rome is the capital of bureaucracy, the public sector and tourism. IT salaries here are 15–25% lower than in Milan: 2700–3800 net for experienced specialists, 1800–2500 for middle positions. But cost of living, especially rent, is lower.
Main sectors in Rome: government bodies (ministries, RAI, INPS), international organisations (FAO, IFAD, WFP), tourism, diplomacy. For Russian speakers there’s a niche in tourist services: guides, hotels, restaurants with Russian-speaking staff.
Architect salary in Rome
“Architect/visualiser in Rome: 1100–1300 EUR net per month for part-time/project work. This is the reality for many non-IT specialists.”
Community member, architect in Rome
Rome’s tourism sector is huge. The city receives 15+ million tourists each year. For Russian speakers: opportunities as tour guides, transfers, boutique hotels, Russian restaurants. Work is seasonal — peak April–October, quiet in winter.
Public competitions (concorsi pubblici) for civil service. UN organisations in Rome: FAO, IFAD, WFP. Salaries 2500–5000+ net, but competition is huge.
Guides: 100–200 EUR/day in season. Hotels: 1200–1800 EUR net. Restaurants: 1000–1500 EUR. Strong seasonality. Russian language is a plus.
IT sector is growing but far from Milan. Junior: 1300–1700 EUR. Middle: 1800–2500 EUR. Senior: 2700–3800 EUR. Many public contracts.
Agents for Russian buyers. Translators, lawyers. Niche but stable work.
Rent in Rome is 15–20% cheaper than Milan: one-bedroom in the centre 800–1200 EUR, outskirts 500–800. Bureaucracy in Rome is worse than in the north — affecting everything from opening a bank account to getting documents at the questura. Allow extra time for all paperwork. Districts Trastevere, San Lorenzo, Pigneto are popular among young immigrants.
Bureaucracy in Rome
The questura in Rome is one of the slowest in the country. Waiting for an appointment (appuntamento) can take months. Work-related issues (contracts, INPS) are also resolved more slowly than in Milan or Bologna. Build time buffers for administrative tasks.
Bologna 2026 – universities, startups and Motor Valley
Why is Bologna considered the best balance of salary/cost of living in Italy — and what is Motor Valley?
Bologna is often underrated. But by salary/cost-of-living ratio it’s one of the best choices in Italy for Russian speakers in 2026. The University of Bologna is the oldest in Europe, and the city revolves around education, startups and the food industry.
Salaries in Bologna are 5–10% lower than Milan, but rent is 25–30% cheaper. One-bedroom in the centre 600–900 EUR, 400–600 on the outskirts. For IT specialists: 2000–3500 net. For the food industry: 1400–2000.
Vacancies in the north
“A full-time estimator is needed in an office in northern Italy. Salary according to the CCNL, permanent contract. In the north you can realistically find a decent job in your specialty.”
Announcement from the community chat, Emilia-Romagna
Motor Valley is a unique feature of Emilia-Romagna. Within 50 km of Bologna are factories of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Maserati, Pagani. Thousands of jobs for engineers, designers, technicians. Automotive salaries: 2000–3500 net for engineers, 1500–2200 for technicians.
- Ferrari (Maranello) – engineers, designers, test drivers. Salaries 20–30% above market
- Lamborghini (Sant’Agata Bolognese) – production, R&D, IT. Part of the Volkswagen group
- Ducati (Bologna) – motorcycles, engineering. Part of the Audi/VW group
- Maserati (Modena) – premium segment, transition to electric
- Dallara (Parma) – racing cars, aerodynamics, composites
Bologna is a major university town (100,000+ students). This creates a market for side jobs: tutoring, hospitality, delivery, translations. For immigrant students it’s a good option to combine study and work.
Food industry in Bologna
Emilia-Romagna is Italy’s gastronomy capital. Parmesan, prosciutto, balsamic, tortellini — produced here. The food industry provides thousands of jobs: from production to marketing. Companies: Barilla (Parma), Granarolo (Bologna), Cremonini (Modena).
Turin 2026 – industry, aerospace and a family-friendly option
Why consider Turin as an alternative to Milan — especially for families with children?
Turin is Italy’s fourth-largest city and the former industrial capital. Stellantis (formerly FIAT), Thales Alenia Space, Leonardo, Lavazza are based here. The IT sector is growing: Turin invests in tech hubs and attracts startups.
Main advantage of Turin — prices. The city is 25–30% cheaper than Milan with comparable quality of life. One-bedroom rent in the centre 500–800 EUR, 350–600 on the outskirts. For families this matters: a three-room apartment in Turin costs about the same as a one-room in central Milan.
| Parameter | Turin | Milan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-bed rent (centre) | 500–800 EUR | 1000–1500 EUR | -40% |
| Two-bed rent (outskirts) | 450–700 EUR | 800–1200 EUR | -35% |
| Groceries (month) | 250–350 EUR | 300–450 EUR | -20% |
| IT salary (middle) | 1800–2600 EUR | 2200–3000 EUR | -15% |
| Utilities | 120–180 EUR | 150–250 EUR | -25% |
Turin is 25–35% cheaper than Milan on main expenses, while salaries are only 10–15% lower.
The Russian-speaking community in Turin is active. Russian schools operate: “Lev Tolstoy”, “Harmony”. There are Russian-speaking doctors, lawyers, real estate agents. For families with children this is important — a child can study in Russian alongside the Italian school.
Family life in Italy
“You won’t survive on one salary of 1.5k for five people. But if both work and don’t live in Milan — it’s quite manageable. Turin is good in this regard.”
Community member, family with three children
Industry in Turin: Stellantis (cars), Thales Alenia Space (satellites), Leonardo (defence & aerospace), Lavazza (coffee), Ferrero (confectionery, Alba nearby). The aerospace sector hires engineers — salaries 2500–4000 net for experienced specialists.
Turin IT hubs
Turin actively develops a tech ecosystem: OGR Tech (former train repair workshops turned startup hub), Toolbox Coworking, I3P (Politecnico di Torino incubator). For IT specialists — a growing market with less competition than Milan.
Southern Italy 2026 – Naples, Bari, Palermo: salaries and reality
Is it worth considering southern Italy for work — or is it mostly seasonal jobs and low pay?
The south (Mezzogiorno) is a different country compared to the north. Salaries in southern cities are significantly lower: average gross in Abruzzo — 1508 EUR, Apulia — 1356 EUR, Calabria — 1250 EUR. Net is even less. But cost of living is 40–50% lower.
| City/region | Average salary (gross) | One-bed rent | Groceries (month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naples | 1400–1600 EUR | 400–700 EUR | 200–300 EUR |
| Bari | 1300–1500 EUR | 350–600 EUR | 200–280 EUR |
| Palermo | 1200–1400 EUR | 300–550 EUR | 180–270 EUR |
| Catania | 1200–1400 EUR | 300–500 EUR | 180–260 EUR |
| Abruzzo (small towns) | 1400–1600 EUR | 250–450 EUR | 180–250 EUR |
In the south salaries are 30–40% lower, but rent and groceries are 40–50% cheaper. Real purchasing power depends on the specific situation.
Main problems in the south: high unemployment (15–20% vs 5–7% in the north), more informal work (lavoro nero), fewer large employers. Seasonal work in tourism and agriculture is the main income source for many immigrants.
Construction in the south
“Is it realistic to provide construction services or open a sole proprietorship in Italy? We’ll live near Genoa. There’s plenty of construction work in the south, but much of it is nero — without formal contracts.”
Community member planning to move to Liguria
- Lavoro nero — informal work without a contract is widespread in the south. Without a contract you have no rights: no NASPI, no TFR, no sick pay. And issues with residence permits.
- Seasonality — tourism provides work April–October; many are left without income in winter.
- Low mobility — public transport in the south is worse, a car is often necessary.
- Nepotism — connections matter even more than in the north. Without contacts it’s harder to find work.
But there are advantages: low cost of living, warm climate, more relaxed pace. For those working remotely or with stable income from abroad — the south can be a great choice.
Agriculture in the south
Olive, grape, citrus harvesting — seasonal work for thousands of immigrants. Pay 35–50 EUR/day, tough conditions. Contracts via agencies or directly with farmers. Regions: Apulia, Calabria, Sicily, Campania.
Remote work from small Italian towns 2026
Can you live in a cheap small southern town and work remotely for good money — and how to organise it?
Remote work from small Italian towns is a formula that works increasingly well in 2026. Combination of DN visa (or residence permit via lavoro autonomo) + cheap housing in the south or small towns = comfortable life on a salary that would barely cover rent in Milan.
Examples of towns for remote work:
Rent: 350–550 EUR. Sea nearby. 1.5 hours to Milan by train. Good internet. Coworking available.
Rent: 400–600 EUR. Near Cinque Terre. Port and naval base provide infrastructure. Trains to Genoa and Pisa.
Rent: 300–500 EUR. Quiet seaside town. 30 minutes to Genoa by local train. Ideal for families.
Rent: 300–500 EUR. The “Florence of the South”. Growing digital nomad community. Fast internet. Low prices.
Internet in Italy in 2026 has improved significantly: fibre (FTTH) is available in most towns with 10,000+ population. Average speeds 100–300 Mbps. Small towns may have FTTC (up to 100 Mbps) — enough for remote work.
Life in a small town
“Is it realistic to provide construction services or open a sole proprietorship in Italy? We’ll live near Genoa. Rent in a Genoa suburb — 400–500 EUR for a two-bed, in Genoa itself already 700–800.”
Community member considering Liguria
Coworkings in small towns: still few, but appearing. In Lecce, Taranto, Matera there are coworking spaces for digital nomads. Alternatives — libraries (free Wi‑Fi) and cafes. Many work from home.
DN visa + south = ideal combination
Digital Nomad visa for Italy requires income of 28,000 EUR/year (about 2300 EUR/month). With expenses 800–1200 EUR/month in a small southern town — this gives comfortable life with savings. More: DN visa in Italy.
Where Russian is needed in Italy 2026
In which areas does working in Italy give a real advantage to Russian speakers — and how much do they earn?
Working in Italy for Russian speakers is not limited to IT or construction. Russian is a real competitive advantage in several niches where Italians can’t compete.
Russian-speaking guides in Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan. Income: 100–250 EUR/day in season. A guide license (abilitazione) is required. Work is seasonal but profitable.
Agents selling/renting to Russian buyers. Especially: Tuscany, Lake Como, Sardinia, Ligurian coast. Commission 3–5% of the deal.
International companies with Russian-speaking clients or markets. Product managers, support, sales for the CIS market. Work in Milan and remotely.
Russian schools in Milan (“Harmony”), Turin (“Lev Tolstoy”), Rome. Private Russian lessons for Italians. Court translations (CTU).
Russian schools
“We attend the Harmony school in Milan. Education is good, helps children develop an unconventional approach. Teachers are Russian-speaking but also teach Italian.”
Community member, mother in Milan
A separate niche — legal and accounting services for Russian-speaking immigrants. Lawyers, commercialisti (accountants), patronati with Russian-speaking staff. Demand is growing: the Russian-speaking diaspora in Italy is one of the largest in Europe.
Licences and permits
To work as a guide you need a licence (abilitazione di guida turistica) — exam in Italian, paid. For a real estate agent — registration in REA and a patentino (exam). For a court translator — registration at the tribunal. Without licences you can work, but illegally and for less money.
- Hotels and B&B — reception positions requiring Russian, especially in Rome, Florence, Rimini, Sardinia
- Luxury segment — boutiques, yacht services on the coast, shopping translation in Milan
- Medical tourism — accompanying Russian-speaking patients in clinics in Milan and Rome
- Logistics and trading — companies trading with the CIS, especially food export
Salaries in Italy by city and profession 2026 — big table
How much do people actually earn in different Italian cities in 2026 — by professions from IT to construction?
Salaries in Italy by city 2026 — consolidated net (after taxes) table for main professions. Data collected from community experience, LinkedIn/Indeed/InfoJobs vacancies and ISTAT statistics.
Net salaries in euros per month, 2026. For employment contract (lavoro subordinato). P.IVA (self-employed) incomes can be higher, but after taxes and INPS the final take-home is comparable.
| Profession | Milan | Rome | Bologna | Turin | Naples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT Senior (5+ years) | 3000–4500 | 2700–3800 | 2600–3500 | 2400–3400 | 2000–2800 |
| IT Middle (2–5 years) | 2200–3000 | 1800–2500 | 1800–2600 | 1800–2600 | 1500–2000 |
| IT Junior | 1400–1800 | 1300–1700 | 1300–1600 | 1300–1600 | 1100–1400 |
| Engineer (industrial) | 2000–3000 | 1800–2500 | 2000–3000 | 1800–2800 | 1400–2000 |
| Doctor (specialist) | 2500–3500 | 2200–3200 | 2200–3000 | 2000–2800 | 1800–2500 |
| Nurse | 1500–1900 | 1400–1800 | 1400–1800 | 1300–1700 | 1200–1500 |
| Accountant | 1600–2200 | 1400–2000 | 1400–1900 | 1300–1800 | 1100–1500 |
| Builder (muratore) | 1500–2000 | 1300–1800 | 1400–1900 | 1300–1800 | 1000–1500 |
| Electrician/plumber | 1400–2000 | 1300–1700 | 1300–1800 | 1200–1700 | 1000–1400 |
| Cook | 1300–1800 | 1200–1700 | 1200–1600 | 1100–1500 | 1000–1400 |
| Waiter | 1100–1500 | 1000–1400 | 1000–1400 | 1000–1300 | 900–1200 |
| Shop assistant/cashier | 1100–1400 | 1000–1300 | 1000–1300 | 1000–1200 | 900–1100 |
| Guide (daily income) | 100–200/day | 120–250/day | 80–150/day | 70–130/day | 60–120/day |
| Architect (P.IVA) | 1500–2500 | 1100–1800 | 1200–2000 | 1100–1800 | 900–1400 |
| Badante (caregiver) | 1000–1400 | 900–1300 | 900–1200 | 900–1200 | 800–1100 |
Milan pays 20–30% more across occupations. Bologna and Turin are mid-level. The south is 30–40% below the north. IT is the only sector with salaries close to European levels.
Data for 2026. Collected from community experience, Indeed/LinkedIn/InfoJobs vacancies and ISTAT statistics. Net salaries for employees (lavoro subordinato).
Salary reality
“Architect/visualiser in Rome: 1100–1300 EUR net per month for project work. And that’s considered a normal salary for the profession. In Milan it would be 1500–1800.”
Community member, architect with experience in Rome
Lordo vs netto
In Italy salaries are often quoted in lordo (brutto) — before taxes. Real net take-home is about 30–40% less. A 30,000 EUR gross annual salary = roughly 1700–1800 EUR net per month. Always ask: “Stipendio netto mensile?” (net monthly salary).
Conclusions – which Italian city to choose for work in 2026
Which Italian city is best for you — for a career, for a family, or for remote work?
Working in Italy for Russian speakers in 2026 has no single universal answer; it’s a choice based on your situation. Working in Milan, working in Rome, living in the south or remote work from a small town — each fits different goals.
The best choice for IT, finance, fashion, marketing. Salaries in Italy by city — Milan leads by 20–30%. Downside: highest cost of living and fierce housing competition.
Working in Rome suits those seeking positions in international organisations (FAO, WFP), the public sector or tourism. Salaries lower than Milan, but life is cheaper.
Optimal for families. Turin is 30% cheaper than Milan and has Russian schools. Bologna is for those interested in automotive, food industry or the university environment.
If your work is not tied to a city (remote, P.IVA with international clients) — the south gives quality of life for about a third of Milan’s costs. Sea, climate, cheap housing.
Formula for 2026: remote work earning 2500+ EUR/month + housing for 400 EUR in the south or Liguria. Savings, sea, quality of life. More: DN visa in Italy.
Universal advice
Don’t choose a city by salary alone. Calculate: salary minus rent minus utilities minus groceries = what’s actually left. Sometimes 1500 net in Lecce gives more disposable income than 2500 net in Milan.
Related articles
Working in Italy 2026 – general employment guide
Lavoro Autonomo – residence permit for freelancers and self-employed
Partita IVA 2026 – how to open a sole proprietorship in Italy
Digital Nomad visa in Italy 2026
Cost of living in Italy by city 2026
Renting an apartment in Italy 2026
INPS and pensions in Italy 2026
Impatriati — tax incentives for expats