Dreaming of working in Italy someday? You’re not alone., Italy is a popular destination for students who want more than just scenic views and pizza. With its rich culture, amazing food, and a strong economy, many students dream to work in Italy
Whether you’re planning to stay and work in Italy after your studies, the salary matters. Learning about the highest-paying jobs in Italy will help you choose the right field for you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the highest-paying jobs in Italy, what qualifications they need, and how you can land these roles.
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Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Italy
If you’re aiming to build a successful career abroad, knowing about the highest-paying jobs in Italy can help you make informed choices. These careers offer solid salaries, long-term growth, and are in high demand across Italy’s major cities.
1. Surgeons and Doctors
Medical professionals top the list of the highest-paying jobs in Italy. Surgeons and specialised doctors, like anesthesiologists or cardiologists, can earn over EUR 150,000 annually. To get there, you’ll need a medical degree, specialisation, and years of training. But if you’re passionate about healthcare and helping others, this is one of the most rewarding and respected career paths.
| Job Title | Surgeon / Doctor |
| Average Salary | EUR 90,000 – EUR 150,000 per year |
| Qualification | Medical degree + Specialisation |
| Key Skill | Medical expertise, patient care |
2. Banking and Finance Managers
Looking for a financially secure career? Banking and finance roles are among the highest-paying jobs in Italy, especially in Milan. Finance managers who handle investments, budgets, and company assets can earn up to EUR 120,000 per year. A degree in finance or economics and strong analytical skills can open the door to this high-paying sector.
| Job Title | Finance Manager |
| Average Salary | EUR 70,000 – EUR 120,000 per year |
| Qualification | Degree in Finance or Economics |
| Key Skill | Financial analysis, leadership |
3. IT Managers and Software Engineers
Tech roles continue to dominate among the highest-paying jobs in Italy. IT managers and software engineers are in demand in cities like Milan and Turin. With a background in computer science and skills in coding or system architecture, you can earn up to EUR 100,000 per year. It’s a fantastic option if you’re into tech and innovation.
| Job Title | IT Manager / Software Engineer |
| Average Salary | EUR 50,000 – EUR 100,000 per year |
| Qualification | Degree in Computer Science or related field |
| Key Skill | Coding, system architecture |
4. Pilots
Becoming a commercial airline pilot is a prestigious and adventurous career, and yes, it’s one of the highest-paying jobs in Italy. Salaries often range between EUR 80,000 to EUR 110,000 per year. You’ll need to invest in pilot training and earn a Commercial Pilot License, but the long-term rewards and job satisfaction are high.
| Job Title | Commercial Pilot |
| Average Salary | EUR 80,000 – EUR 110,000 per year |
| Qualification | Commercial Pilot License (CPL) |
| Key Skill | Navigation, focus, safety |
5. Lawyers
Legal professionals also enjoy some of the highest-paying jobs in Italy, especially those working in corporate law or international firms. Lawyers typically earn between EUR 60,000 and EUR 100,000 annually. After a law degree and passing the bar exam, you can step into a world of high-stakes negotiations and legal strategy with excellent earning potential.
| Job Title | Lawyer |
| Average Salary | EUR 60,000 – EUR 100,000 per year |
| Qualification | Law Degree + Bar Qualification |
| Key Skill | Legal research, negotiation |
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6. Pharmacists
If you’re interested in healthcare but not keen on becoming a doctor, pharmacy is a great alternative. Pharmacists in Italy earn EUR 50,000 to EUR 85,000 per year, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in Italy. You’ll need a degree in pharmacy and a professional license. Precision, medicine knowledge, and patient care skills are essential.
| Job Title | Pharmacist |
| Average Salary | EUR 50,000 – EUR 85,000 per year |
| Qualification | Degree in Pharmacy + License |
| Key Skill | Medicine knowledge, precision |
7. Marketing Managers
Creative and strategic minds thrive in marketing, and in Italy, it pays off. Marketing managers earn between EUR 60,000 and EUR 90,000 per year, particularly in the luxury and fashion sectors. This makes it one of the highest-paying jobs in Italy for business graduates. A degree in marketing and digital know-how can help you succeed in this exciting field.
| Job Title | Marketing Manager |
| Average Salary | EUR 60,000 – EUR 90,000 per year |
| Qualification | Degree in Marketing or Business |
| Key Skill | Branding, digital strategy |
8. Engineers (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
Engineering continues to be one of the highest-paying jobs in Italy, especially in cities like Bologna and Turin. Whether you choose mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering, salaries often reach EUR 80,000 annually. With an engineering degree and practical experience, you can build solutions for Italy’s infrastructure, renewable energy, or manufacturing sectors.
| Job Title | Engineer |
| Average Salary | EUR 45,000 – EUR 80,000 per year |
| Qualification | Engineering Degree |
| Key Skill | Technical design, problem-solving |
9. Professors and Academic Researchers
Passionate about teaching or research? Professors and academic researchers enjoy high respect and decent salaries, often between EUR 50,000 and EUR 90,000 per year. As one of the highest-paying jobs in Italy within education, this career suits those who pursue a master’s or PhD and enjoy working in universities or think tanks.
| Job Title | University Professor / Researcher |
| Average Salary | EUR 50,000 – EUR 90,000 per year |
| Qualification | PhD or Master’s + Teaching Exp. |
| Key Skill | Subject knowledge, research |
10. Data Analysts and AI Specialists
With the rise of AI and data-driven decisions, this role is booming. Data analysts and AI specialists can earn up to EUR 95,000 annually, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in Italy today. If you have a tech background and love working with data, this career offers job security and international opportunities.
| Job Title | Data Analyst / AI Specialist |
| Average Salary | EUR 55,000 – EUR 95,000 per year |
| Qualification | Data Science, Statistics, or Tech certifications |
| Key Skill | Data modeling, analytics |
Best Cities in Italy for High-Paying Jobs
Choosing the right city can make a big difference in your career. Here are the best cities in Italy for high-paying jobs, offering strong industries, international companies, and better salaries, perfect for students and professionals looking to grow abroad.
| City | Industry Strengths | Cost of Living (Avg.) |
| Milan | Finance, Fashion, Tech | High |
| Rome | Government, Tourism, Education | Medium-High |
| Bologna | Engineering, Manufacturing, Academia | Medium |
| Turin | Automotive, Tech | Medium |
| Florence | Art, Fashion, Marketing | Medium |
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Skills That Help You Earn More in Italy
To land the highest-paying jobs in Italy, it’s not just about degrees. Developing the right skills, especially as a student, can set you apart. These key skills can boost your job prospects and salary potential across various industries. Here are the skills that will help you to earn more in Italy.
1. Language Skills
Being fluent in both Italian and English is a huge plus. Many high-paying jobs in Italy require you to communicate with local teams and global clients. Bilingual candidates often get better opportunities, especially in finance, tech, and tourism.
2. Digital Tools
Skills like Excel, SQL, and Python online courses are in high demand for roles in tech, finance, and data analysis. Even basic proficiency can open doors. These tools make you more efficient and valuable in a competitive job market.
3. Networking
Building professional relationships through LinkedIn, job fairs, and internships can give you insider access to opportunities. Most high-paying jobs in Italy aren’t publicly advertised, so your network can help you find hidden openings.
4. Soft Skills
Employers value communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills help you thrive in international teams, manage challenges, and grow into leadership roles, making you a more attractive candidate for better-paying positions.
5. Industry Knowledge
Understanding your industry, whether it’s fashion, tech, or pharmaceuticals, can help you speak the same language as employers. Keep up with trends, news, and tools used in the field to stand out and earn more.
Italy offers great opportunities if you’re aiming for a high-paying career. Whether you’re into medicine, tech, or finance, the highest-paying jobs in Italy reward skill, passion, and effort, making your study-abroad journey truly worth it.
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Tips for Landing the Highest-Paying Jobs in Italy
Italy is not just famous for pizza and fashion—it’s also home to top-paying industries like tech, finance, and engineering. If you’re an international student planning to work in Italy after graduation, here are some practical tips to help you stand out:
1. Learn Italian (Even Basic Level Helps!)
While many global companies operate in English, knowing Italian gives you a huge advantage, especially in local firms. Start learning while you study—it shows initiative and improves your chances of being hired.
2. Choose In-Demand Courses
Some fields like are high-paying sectors in Italy. Align your course with market demand for better opportunities. These fields are:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Business & Finance
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
3. Build Work Experience During Studies
Use internships or part-time jobs (up to 20 hours/week) to gain relevant experience. It not only enhances your resume but also helps you build networks in your field.
4. Create a Strong CV and LinkedIn Profile
Italian employers appreciate professionalism. Your CV should be clear, concise, and tailored to each job. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile also helps recruiters find you.
5. Apply to International Companies in Italy
Firms like Ferrari, Enel, Luxottica, IBM, Deloitte, and many tech startups hire English-speaking graduates. Focus on multinational companies with a presence in Italy.
6. Understand the Italian Work Permit System
After graduation, you can switch from a student visa to a “job-seeking visa” (up to 12 months) to look for work. Be sure to research the steps early and keep documents ready.
7. Network Smartly
Attend university career fairs, industry events, or local meetups. Connections matter in Italy, and many jobs are filled through referrals.
FAQs
Jobs in medicine, software engineering, finance, and marketing are among the Highest-Paying for international students, especially in cities like Milan and Rome.
While not mandatory, fluency in Italian can significantly improve your chances of landing high-paying jobs in Italy, especially in local industries. You can learn Italian free of basic level online from some websites.
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during their academic term and full-time during holidays.
If you have in-demand skills (like tech or finance), good Italian language skills, and internship experience, you’ll have better chances of getting a high-paying job in Italy after graduation.
IT professionals in Italy earn between EUR 50,000 and EUR 100,000 annually, making it one of the Highest-Paying fields in the country.
Generally, top executive roles like CEOs and senior managers in finance, technology, and pharmaceuticals tend to command the highest salaries in Italy.
Currently, there’s high demand for professionals in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), healthcare, and skilled trades in Italy.
While it varies, the absolute top salaries often reach into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of euros annually for very senior leadership in major industries.
Salary levels in Italy can vary significantly based on the industry, experience, and location. While some sectors offer competitive pay, the average salaries might be lower compared to some other Western European countries.
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