Italy’s tech industry has shown a remarkable 30% employment boost in the last decade. Engineering has become one of the most promising career paths in the country. Major cities like Milan, Rome, and Turin just need skilled engineers in all types of specializations.
This detailed guide explores the 10 highest paying engineering jobs in Italy, their salary ranges, and qualifications needed to succeed in Italy’s evolving digital world.
We analyzed hundreds of job posts for each job category to come up with the salary range, required skills and educational qualifications.
Highest Paying Engineering Jobs in Italy
Software Engineer
Software engineers are pioneering Italy’s digital revolution. Companies need them more than ever as businesses speed up their tech transformation. This role has become one of the highest paying engineering jobs in Italy and draws talent from both local and global markets.
Salary Range and Benefits
| Experience | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years | €25,440 |
| 2-5 years | €36,160 |
| 5-10 years | €48,340 |
| 10+ years | €55,580+ |
Education plays a big role in earnings. Master’s degree holders can earn up to €69,240 yearly, while bachelor’s degree holders typically earn €47,400. Software engineers also receive annual bonuses between 3% and 5%, with 54% of professionals getting these perks.
Educational Requirements and Skills
Bachelor’s or master’s degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields are the foundations for this career. Companies value hands-on experience in:
- Programming languages (Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, SQL)
- Algorithms and data structures
- Database management and operating systems
- Agile development methodologies
Technical skills matter, but so does networking. About 76% of tech professionals say networking helped advance their careers.
Aerospace Engineer
Italy stands among the EU’s top players in aerospace engineering. The country ranks third for aerospace companies and employees. The Italian aerospace sector thrives with 49,000 professionals working across 198 companies, making it among the top paying engineering jobs.
Salary Range and Benefits
| Experience | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-1 years) | €30,521 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | €31,448 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | €56,460 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | €69,780 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | €76,540 |
Educational Requirements and Skills
Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering are the starting point, but a master’s degree will boost your job prospects.
Key skills you’ll need:
- Strong background in flight mechanics and aerospace technologies
- Deep understanding of aerospace propulsion systems
- Skills in onboard systems design
- Proficiency in CAD-aided design and modeling
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineering stands out as one of the best paying jobs in Italy’s energy sector. These professionals earn excellent compensation as they direct the complexities of oil and gas extraction and production.
Salary Range and Benefits
Italian petroleum engineers earn an impressive average salary of €88,949 annually, which translates to about €43 per hour. Experience plays a key role in determining compensation:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (1-3 years) | €61,472 |
| Early career (2-5 years) | €35,000 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | €48,200 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | €58,440 |
| Senior (15+ years) | €111,066 |
Educational Requirements and Skills
Most successful careers in this field start with a Petroleum Engineering master’s degree.
Success in this field requires:
- Reservoir simulation and analysis
- Drilling operations management
- Understanding of geologic formations
- Computer modeling expertise
- Collaboration with specialists in various disciplines
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers connect medicine with technology in Italy’s thriving healthcare sector. As highest paid engineers, they create life-saving devices and groundbreaking medical solutions. Healthcare facilities now rely more on state-of-the-art technologies for diagnosis and treatment.
Salary Range and Benefits
Biomedical engineers’ salaries in Italy vary based on different sources:
| Source | Average Annual Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| ERI | €60,470 | €41,724 – €73,773 |
| Glassdoor | €35,500 | €30,500 – €43,000 |
| World Salaries | €36,580 | €16,340 – €57,440 |
| PayScale | €24,490 | €20,000 – €26,000 |
Experience substantially affects earnings:
- Entry-level (0-2 years): €18,940 – €20,347
- Early career (2-5 years): €22,500 – €24,720
- Mid-career (5-10 years): €38,680
- Experienced (10-15 years): €46,980
- Senior (15+ years): €56,880
ERI projects biomedical engineers’ salaries will grow by 9% by 2030, reaching about €66,035.
Educational Requirements and Skills
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering.
- Deep knowledge of electronics, informatics, mechanical and material engineering
- Life science integration skills (biology, physiology)
- Microsoft Excel and database management expertise
- English language skills (B2 level minimum)
Robotics Engineer
Robotics engineering ranks as one of the highest paying engineering jobs in Italy. The country stands third in Europe for industrial robot usage. This exciting field brings together mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to create automated systems for industries of all types.
Salary Range and Benefits
Italian robotics engineers earn varying salaries based on different sources:
| Source | Average Annual Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| ERI | €73,625 | €50,727 – €89,822 |
| SalaryExpert | €69,409 | €48,609 – €86,071 |
| Glassdoor | €33,249 | €29,587 – €39,662 |
Your experience level makes a big difference in compensation:
- Entry-level (1-3 years): €48,609
- Senior level (8+ years): €86,071
The salary outlook seems bright. Robotics engineers could earn around €80,400 by 2030, a 9% jump from current levels.
Educational Requirements and Skills
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to start your career as a robotics engineer. Top Italian universities like Politecnico di Torino and University of Palermo run specialized programs covering:
- Electronics and robot control
- Communication among robots and computer networks
- Robot mechanics and electric drives
- Computer-aided robot design
- Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity for robotics
The best robotics engineers solve problems, find standard solutions, and build systems that work. Technical capabilities (75%) and design analysis (83%) form the foundation of success.
Data Engineer
Data engineers are among the highest paid engineers in Italy. Organisations need professionals who can design and implement systems to extract value from big datasets. This role has become significant for companies that use informed decision-making strategies.
Salary Range and Benefits
Here’s what data engineers in Italy earn according to different sources:
| Source | Average Annual Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| PayScale | €32,927 | €24,000 – €53,000 |
| Glassdoor | €33,000 | €30,000 – €40,000 |
| Talent.com | €40,000 | €30,000 – €60,000 |
| SalaryExpert | €75,991 | €53,372 – €94,232 |
Your experience level shapes your earning potential:
- Entry-level (1-4 years): €32,349
- Mid-career (5-9 years): €45,738
Lead Data Engineers can earn between €160,310 and €241,420 each year. The benefits package varies – half of the data engineers receive medical coverage. Dental (23%) and vision (18%) benefits are nowhere near as common.
Educational Requirements and Skills
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. The core technical skills you need include:
- SQL and database management (both relational and NoSQL)
- Programming languages (Python, Java, Scala)
- Data processing frameworks (Apache Spark, Hadoop, Airflow)
- ETL processes and data integration
- Cloud computing platforms
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineering is the lifeblood of Italy’s industrial world. It is one of the top paying engineering jobs, which generates over €80 billion in combined turnover and employs more than 500,000 professionals. This field drives Italy’s energy transition and technological advancement.
Salary Range and Benefits
Italian electrical engineers can expect significant income growth based on their experience:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Base Range | €18,000 – €65,000 |
| Early Career (1-4 years) | €28,644 |
| Mid-Career (5-9 years) | €43,865 |
| Senior Level | Up to €65,000 |
Liguria leads with monthly salaries reaching €5,000, while Lazio (€4,479) and Marche (€3,958) follow closely. Engineers can boost their earnings through job changes, higher degrees, or management roles. The compensation package becomes more attractive as 57% of engineers receive bonuses between 3% and 6%.
Educational Requirements and Skills
A bachelor’s degree serves as the entry point to the profession.
The core competencies include:
- Electrical networks analysis
- Power systems management
- Distribution of electric power
- Power electronics fundamentals
Advanced programs need B2 English proficiency and strong academic records. Italian universities shine in this field – Politecnico di Torino ranks second nationally and 45th globally for electrical engineering.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineering plays a key role in Italy’s manufacturing sector. The field supports many industries throughout the country and is one of the best paying jobs in Italy.
Salary Range and Benefits
Mechanical engineers’ compensation in Italy varies according to different sources:
| Source | Median Annual Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Glassdoor | €36,000 | €30,000 – €45,000 |
| Payscale | €30,683 | €22,000 – €60,000 |
| World Salaries | €45,580 | €21,100 – €69,040 |
Your experience level can make a big difference in what you earn:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-1 year) | €25,100 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | €29,803 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | €43,800 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | €54,280 |
| Senior (15-20 years) | €58,800 |
The benefits package typically includes health coverage. About 38% of engineers get medical insurance, while 15% receive dental, and 8% get vision coverage. Education makes a big difference in earnings. Engineers with master’s degrees earn around €51,340 annually, compared to €26,780 for those with bachelor’s degrees.
Educational Requirements and Skills
Italian mechanical engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree. Graduates learn essential skills such as:
- Design of mechanical systems and components
- Analysis of functioning and resistance
- Selection of materials and technological processes
- Problem identification and solution development
Career growth often requires passing the professional examination required by Italian law.
Chemical Engineer
Italy ranks as Europe’s third-largest chemical producer. Chemical engineers are among the highest paid engineers. The country’s chemical sector serves as a key economic driver with more than 2,800 companies generating over €66 billion in turnover.
Salary Range and Benefits
Chemical engineers in Italy earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and qualifications:
| Experience Level | ~Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | €23,076 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | €30,000 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | €43,760 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | €58,440 |
| Senior (15-20+ years) | €81,689 |
Educational Requirements and Skills
A bachelor’s degree meets the basic requirement, but a master’s degree opens more career doors. Top programs look for candidates with:
- Bachelor’s degree credits in core chemical engineering subjects
- English language skills (B1-B2 level based on specialization)
- Good grades in relevant subjects
Chemical engineers need these key skills:
- Process and equipment design
- Raw materials selection
- Safety and environmental management
- Simulation software expertise (MATLAB, Hysys, ProII)
Civil Engineer
Civil engineering is the foundation of Italy’s infrastructure development. As highest paid engineers, they design and maintain crucial structures ranging from buildings to transportation networks. The country’s public and private sectors keep investing in infrastructure projects, which means civil engineers just need to be ready for work across Italy.
Salary Range and Benefits
Civil engineers in Italy earn different salaries depending on their experience and qualifications:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| [Entry-level (<1 year) | €24,528 |
| Early career (1-4 years) | €26,058 |
| Mid-career (5-10 years) | €43,260 |
| Experienced (10-15 years) | €50,560 |
| Senior (15-20+ years) | €56,460 – €61,460 |
Your education makes a big difference in what you can earn. Engineers with master’s degrees make €47,720 while bachelor’s graduates earn €33,980. The benefits picture shows some gaps – only 33% get medical coverage, and 8% receive dental benefits. 67% don’t get any health benefits. Top civil engineers can earn up to €64,720 per year.
Educational Requirements and Skills
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to start your career. Students learn mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science basics. They also master core civil engineering subjects like surveying, mechanics, and hydraulic engineering.
Moving up in your career means you should:
- Pass the Italian professional examination
- Know your technical design and construction skills
- Be good with CAD software and engineering design tools
- Know how to manage projects
Top schools like Politecnico di Milano and Politecnico di Torino offer specialized programs that lead to excellent careers.
Engineering Job Market Outlook in Italy for 2025-2030
The engineering job market in Italy shows promising growth potential between 2025 and 2030. Career opportunities continue to expand rapidly for qualified professionals in technical fields.
Engineering Job Market Outlook
Italy’s tech sector maintains remarkable momentum as the ICT market aims to reach €91.7 billion. The tech industry’s contribution to Italy’s GDP will likely jump from 6.8% in 2023 to 8.5% by late 2024. Tech roles will see a 27% increase in demand, and the skills gap points to higher salaries.
High-level occupations in science and engineering will make up 22% of job opportunities in Italy. Note that Italy’s aging workforce means replacement needs will create six times more openings than new positions through 2025.
Comparison Table for Top paying engineering jobs in Italy
|
Engineering Role |
Entry-Level Salary |
Senior-Level Salary |
Required Education |
Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Software Engineer |
€25,440 |
€55,580+ |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in CS |
15% over 5 years |
|
Aerospace Engineer |
€30,521 |
€76,540 |
Master’s in Aerospace |
High |
|
Petroleum Engineer |
€61,472 |
€111,066 |
Master’s in Petroleum |
9% by 2030 |
|
Biomedical Engineer |
€18,940 |
€56,880 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s |
9% by 2030 |
|
Data Engineer |
€32,349 |
€94,232 |
Bachelor’s in CS |
High |
|
Electrical Engineer |
€28,644 |
€65,000 |
Bachelor’s in EE |
Stable |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
€25,100 |
€58,800 |
Bachelor’s in ME |
Moderate |
|
Chemical Engineer |
€23,076 |
€81,689 |
Master’s in ChemE |
9% by 2030 |
|
Civil Engineer |
€24,528 |
€61,460 |
Bachelor’s in CE |
Stable |
|
Industrial Engineer |
€19,380 |
€57,800 |
Bachelor’s in IE |
Moderate |
Conclusion
Top paying engineering jobs in Italy show strong growth potential through 2030. Software, data, and AI engineering lead the way in salary growth. Technical professionals earn attractive compensation packages. Northern regions like Milan and Turin offer the highest pay, with senior petroleum engineers earning €111,066 and experienced aerospace specialists making €76,540.
Education plays a vital role in an engineer’s earning potential. Professionals with master’s degrees earn 40-60% more than their bachelor’s counterparts. Professional certifications can boost salaries by 15-25%. Software engineers with advanced degrees can earn up to €69,240 per year, while those with bachelor’s degrees typically make €47,400.
Aspiring engineers should build expertise in high-demand areas and pursue advanced education. The top paying engineering jobs sector values strong technical skills combined with industry knowledge and certifications. Career growth depends on continuous learning and specialization in new technologies in Italy’s evolving digital world.
FAQs
Q1. What are the highest paying engineering jobs in Italy for 2025? Software engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers are among the top-paying engineering roles in Italy for 2025. Software engineers can earn up to €70,000 in major cities, while senior petroleum engineers may command salaries over €110,000 annually.
Q2. How does education level impact top paying engineering jobs in Italy? Education level significantly affects engineering salaries in Italy. Master’s degree holders typically earn 40-60% more than those with bachelor’s degrees across various engineering disciplines. For instance, software engineers with advanced degrees can earn up to €69,240 annually compared to €47,400 for bachelor’s degree holders.
Q3. Which regions offer the best paying jobs in Italy? Northern regions, particularly Milan, Turin, and Rome, offer the highest compensation and most numerous opportunities for engineers in Italy. Milan consistently provides the highest salaries across most engineering fields, followed by Rome and Turin. Approximately 73% of technical positions are concentrated in these northern industrial hubs.
Q4. What is the job market outlook for highest paid engineers in Italy from 2025 to 2030? The engineering job market in Italy is projected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2030. The tech industry expects a 27% increase in demand, with software engineering positions anticipating 15% growth over five years. Environmental and biomedical engineering roles are forecasted to see 9% salary increases by 2030.
Q5. What skills are most valuable for highest paid engineers in Italy? The most valuable skills for engineers in Italy include proficiency in programming languages, expertise in emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, and knowledge of sustainable practices. Additionally, strong technical capabilities combined with industry-specific knowledge, professional certifications, and continuous skill development are crucial for career advancement in Italy’s evolving technical landscape.
