Jobs in Italy for Americans

* Updated April 5, 2025
If you are looking for jobs in Italy, there may seem to be only a few suitable vacancies, especially if you are limited to job openings for English speakers. Yet, finding a job is possible if you know where to look for work. For example, you will likely land jobs with multinational companies seeking foreign workers with specialist skills.

SDC International Shipping has created this guide to finding work in Italy, including information on the current job market, Italian work culture and labor rights, and where to find jobs in Italy for Americans.

Work in Italy

In Italy, many people find work through different routes like networking, word-of-mouth, and contacting an organization directly to ask for a suitable job. This is especially true for small- to medium-sized companies. You should be proactive and look for job opportunities beyond conventional job search websites or agencies.

Job Market in Italy

Italy’s National Statistics Bureau (Istat) reported that the employment rate hit a historic high of 63% in February 2025, surpassing the previous record of 59.9% from March 2022. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate has dropped to an impressive 5.9%, the lowest since at least 2010, signaling a robust recovery in the labor market.

Italy faces a significant demographic shift as a large portion of its workforce nears retirement. By 2025, the country is projected to need replacements for over 2 million retiring employees, creating a wealth of career opportunities for both local youth and expatriates. This shift is driven by an aging population, with the working-age population expected to shrink further in the coming years, amplifying the demand for new talent.

Despite the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Italy’s job market in 2025 remains open to Americans and other internationals. Key sectors offering opportunities include technology, engineering, renewable energy, tourism, and healthcare. The push toward digitalization and sustainability has boosted demand in IT and green energy, while tourism continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the economy. Large global companies operating in Italy in 2025 include:

Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A (finance and insurance)
Ansaldo Energia (engineering and energy solutions)
Campari Group (beverages)
UniCredit (banking and finance, successor to parts of Capitalia Group)
Eni (oil, gas, and renewable energy)
Enel (energy, with a focus on renewables)
Techint Group (engineering and construction)
Stellantis (automotive, formed from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Ferrero (confectionery and food)
Leonardo (aerospace, defense, and security)
Technica Group (sports equipment and outdoor gear)

These companies reflect Italy’s diverse economy, blending traditional strengths in manufacturing and luxury goods with growing sectors like technology and sustainable energy. For Americans seeking work, proficiency in Italian remains a plus, though many multinational firms value English fluency, especially in tech and tourism roles.

Job Vacancies in Italy

Italy continues to offer a variety of job opportunities for Americans and other English speakers across multiple industries. If you’re aiming for technology and manufacturing roles, northern Italy remains the hub, boasting the highest concentration of companies in these sectors, particularly around cities like Milan, Turin, and Bologna. In contrast, southern Italy, including regions like Campania and Sicily, leans more toward education, fashion, tourism, and increasingly, sustainable agriculture.

In 2025, English speakers can find promising opportunities in IT, engineering, healthcare, renewable energy, and customer-facing roles like tourism and sales. The Italian economy’s focus on digital transformation and green initiatives has spurred demand for tech-savvy professionals, while tourism—a perennial strength—continues to rebound and grow. Examples of available jobs in Italy for Americans and other English speakers include:

Software development, cybersecurity, and AI specialists
Engineering (especially in renewable energy and automotive sectors)
Healthcare professionals (nurses, medical technicians, and administrators)
Digital marketing, content creation, and media production
Customer support, sales, and e-commerce management
Teaching English, language tutoring, and corporate training
Tour guides, hospitality managers, and event coordinators
Finance analysts, accountants, and administrative support roles

Teaching English remains a reliable entry point for English-speaking foreigners in Italy, with demand steady in both private language schools and corporate settings. However, the rise of remote work and Italy’s push to attract international talent through programs like the Digital Nomad Visa (expanded in 2024) have broadened options beyond traditional roles. Fluency in Italian is an advantage, but many multinational companies and tourism-related positions prioritize English proficiency, making Italy an accessible market for American job seekers in 2025.

Job Salaries in Italy

According to Salary Explorer, the average Italian net salary in 2025 is approximately 2,950 Euros per month, reflecting a slight increase from previous years due to inflation adjustments and economic recovery efforts. However, this figure fluctuates significantly based on region, occupation, expertise, and experience. Northern regions like Lombardy tend to offer higher wages than southern areas like Calabria, and higher earnings come with a steeper tax burden due to Italy’s progressive tax system.

Jobs in the digital industry remain lucrative in 2025, driven by Italy’s ongoing digital transformation. For example, digital marketing managers now earn around 48,000 Euros annually (gross), buoyed by demand in e-commerce and tech sectors. Nurses, a critical profession amid an aging population, average about 3,700 EUR per month, totaling roughly 44,400 EUR yearly (gross). Architects, benefiting from urban redevelopment and sustainable design projects, bring in approximately 43,500 EUR per year (gross). Teachers’ salaries vary widely depending on experience and education level, ranging from 1,450 EUR per month for entry-level positions to 4,600 EUR for seasoned professionals with advanced qualifications (gross averages). These figures represent gross salaries before taxes and social contributions, which can reduce net income by 25-40% depending on earnings.

Work Culture in Italy

Italian business culture is more of a hierarchical structure. Decisions are made from up to high. As a subordinate, you are only expected to express your opinion, not advice or criticism.

Your business colleagues will want to know you better and your personal qualities, which is important for establishing trust in a business relationship.

There’s a tendency to maintain a healthy work/life balance through flextime and taking opportunities for remote working.

As for the dress code, Italians pay attention to what you wear. The more fashionable you are, the more it tells them about your social status. However, this may be different for small- to medium-sized companies.

Employee’s Rights in Italy

The average full-time week is typically 40 hours in most multinational companies with a one-hour lunch break. Workers are entitled to a 4-week paid leave, including national holidays. If for some reason you will have to work on holidays, you will receive double pay.

Female workers qualify for maternity leave from two months before to three months after childbirth.

The probation period is up to 6 months but can be determined individually by the employer.

How to Find Jobs in Italy for Americans

There are many job websites for finding work in Italy, including sites for certain occupations.

Jobrapido
Lavororurismo.it
Informatica Lavoro
Reteinformaticalavoro
Infojobs
Neuvoo
Monster
Trovolavoro
Jobsuccess
Indeed
Jobijoba
Glassdoor

If you are a graduate, you can search for multinational companies hiring graduates at Graduateland.

Teaching Jobs in Italy for Americans

There are also opportunities for teaching English in Italy but being a native speaker isn’t enough to secure a job. You stand a better chance if you acquire a TEFL certificate. Consider taking a course in your city. Check out the TEFL Jobs Center for listings in the country.

Teaching English in Italy is possible with Interexchange, Greenheart Travel, or ACLE.

You might also be able to give private lessons and seek out your own English-speaking jobs in Italy. You can place an ad in a newspaper or use your networks.

Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies help with finding a temporary job in Italy. You can check out Adecco, ALI, Eurointerim, Kelly, Manpower, Sinterim, and Vedior. You can also find local agencies in the yellow pages under Lavoro Interinale e Temporaneo.

Networking in Italy

Many jobs aren’t posted openly in Italy, and many positions are filled through personal contacts. So tell others you are looking for a job, network with people in similar fields, and join professional groups, workshops, forums, and networking sites such as LinkedIn.

Some business networks include:

Build contacts with other expats with similar personal interests through meetup groups near you.

What Jobs are In High Demand in Italy?

According to the European Union’s labor market data specialists at Skills Panorama, the following areas are identified as shortage occupations in Italy in 2025, driven by evolving economic needs and demographic shifts:

Healthcare: Demand for doctors, nurses, and caregivers remains critical due to an aging population and increased healthcare investments.
ICT Professionals: Software developers, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists are in short supply as Italy accelerates its digital transformation.
Marketing, Creative, and Design Professionals: Digital marketing strategists, UX/UI designers, and content creators are sought after amid the growth of e-commerce and media industries.
STEM Occupations: Engineers (especially in renewable energy and automotive sectors), data scientists, and biotech researchers face persistent shortages as Italy pushes innovation and sustainability.
Teaching Professions: Teachers, particularly in STEM subjects, foreign languages (including English), and special education, are needed to address educational gaps and workforce training demands.

These shortages reflect Italy’s focus on technology, green energy, and education, alongside ongoing healthcare pressures, making these fields prime opportunities for both locals and international workers in 2025.

What Documents Do I Need to Work in Italy?

Since Italy is a member of the EU, jobs in Italy are easily available for people from other EU countries. Many Americans of Italian ancestry can acquire dual Italian citizenship, which allows them to live and work in Italy without additional paperwork.

Otherwise, you will need a visa, which, for example, you can get based on summer jobs in Italy for English speakers. Then, you will have to apply for a residence permit at the local Police Headquarters within eight days of entering the country. If you are relocating overseas, make sure to check out the article Moving to Italy from the USA.

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