7 Highest Paying Jobs in Italy and Career Opportunities

6 min read
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Italy is known for its beautiful culture and history, but many people are unsure if the country also offers promising career opportunities with high salaries. Vague information often leaves professionals confused.

A lack of understanding about the Italian job market could lead you to choose the wrong career path. As a result, you might get a salary below your potential, wasting your time and expertise without a proportional reward.

This article is your complete guide. We will review the highest paying jobs in Italy and their career prospects. With this information, you can target the right professions and plan your future more smartly.

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A Glance at the Italian Labor Market

Despite often being seen as a country with a stagnant economy, Italy has a thriving industrial and technology sector in some regions, especially in the north. Cities like Milan have established themselves as financial and fashion centers, while Turin is known for its manufacturing industry.

This economic growth creates a need for skilled labor, especially to fill key positions that cannot yet be filled by local talent. According to a report from the OECD, Italy faces challenges related to skill mismatch in the labor market, which drives the demand for foreign professionals with specific expertise.

To be competitive, mastering the Italian language is very important. Although many multinational companies use English, the ability to speak Italian will open more doors and help the social and professional integration process. Also, make sure your educational qualifications and degrees are recognized in Italy through a relevant validation process.

7 Highest Paying Jobs in Italy and Their Career Opportunities

Highest Paying Jobs in Italy

Here is a list of professions that offer the most lucrative salaries in Italy, complete with an explanation of their career prospects.

1. Notary

A notary holds the top position with an average salary reaching 265,000 EUR per year or around IDR 4.4 billion. This profession is exclusive because its number is limited by the Italian government. You will be responsible for legalizing important documents such as property deeds, wills, and business contracts.

To become a notary in Italy, you must undergo a long legal education, pass a very competitive state exam, and complete an internship. The competition is fierce, but the rewards are proportional.

With a monthly salary that can reach 22,000 EUR or IDR 370 million, you can live very comfortably in Italy. Plus, this profession provides high social prestige and long-term career stability.

2. Medical Specialist

A medical specialist like an anesthesiologist, cardiologist, or surgeon can earn a salary of up to 150,000 EUR per year or around IDR 2.5 billion. For an experienced surgeon, the income can even exceed 100,000 EUR per year.

Italy has an advanced healthcare system with sophisticated medical technology. This profession is not only financially rewarding but also provides professional satisfaction. The path to becoming a medical specialist in Italy is long, but the career opportunities are very promising.

3. Investment Banker & Financial Analyst

The financial sector, including investment bankers and financial analysts, can earn a salary of up to 70,000 EUR per year or more. The banking and financial services sector is very generous with an average salary of 45,906 EUR per year.

Milan, as Italy’s financial center, offers golden opportunities for those who want to build a career in this field. A yearly bonus can reach 50-100% of the base salary, making the total compensation even more lucrative.

4. Software Engineer & AI Specialist

An AI Architect can earn a salary of up to 120,000 EUR per year, with entry-level positions starting at 50,000 EUR. An experienced software engineer with 5-10 years of experience earns around 48,340 EUR, and with a master’s degree, it can reach 69,240 EUR.

Italy is undergoing a massive digital transformation, which makes the demand for tech talent soar. The demand for tech professionals is estimated to increase by 27%, with a significant skills gap offering further salary escalation.

5. Corporate Lawyer (Avvocato)

A specialized lawyer with important clients can earn a salary of 60,000-250,000 EUR per year. A Legal Counsel at a large company gets an average of 72,000 EUR per year. This profession is very prestigious in Italy, especially if you work at an international law firm or handle large corporate clients.

To become an avvocato in Italy, you need to graduate from law school, undergo an 18-month internship, and pass the bar exam.

6. Pilot

A commercial airline pilot in Italy can earn a salary between 80,000-110,000 EUR per year. This profession not only offers a high salary but also attractive benefits such as housing allowances, premium health insurance, and, of course, the opportunity to travel the world.

Italy has several major airlines that constantly need qualified pilots. Becoming a pilot requires a large initial investment for training and certification, but the return on investment is very much worth it.

7. Engineer (Ingegner)

The engineering sector offers an average salary of 41,419 EUR per year. A senior petroleum engineer can earn 111,066 EUR per year, while an experienced aerospace engineer gets a salary of 76,540 EUR.

For mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering, the salary can reach 80,000 EUR per year. Italy has a high demand for engineers, supported by its strong manufacturing industry, large infrastructure projects, and a focus on renewable energy. You can work at legendary automotive companies like Ferrari or Lamborghini.

Italy offers a unique combination of a competitive salary, a high quality of life, and an invaluable cultural experience. With careful preparation and the right career strategy, you can achieve professional success.

Qualifications and General Requirements

Getting one of these highest paying jobs in Italy is not easy. You must meet several qualifications and general requirements:

Education: Most of these professions require a bachelor’s degree, and often a master’s or PhD from a reputable university. It is important to validate your degree through the relevant institution in Italy.
Experience: Years of work experience are highly valued, especially for senior or managerial positions.
Language: As mentioned, mastering the Italian language is a must. Although English may be used in multinational companies, Italian remains key to career advancement.
Visa and Work Permit: Foreign workers need a visa and a work permit. This process is usually initiated by the company that sponsors you, which must also prove that they cannot find suitable talent in the local labor market

Staying Financially Connected While Living Abroad

Planning to build your career abroad but unsure how to manage international money transfers? No need to worry.

Download the Transfez App

The Transfez app helps you send money overseas quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Jack Finance also supports cross-border transactions for businesses. Whether you’re sending money to loved ones abroad for education, work, or travel, Transfez is ready to help. Available on Android and iOS.