Minimum Wage in Italy: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Italy?

As of 2026, Italy remains one of the few EU countries without a statutory national minimum wage, alongside Denmark, Austria, Finland, and Sweden. Instead, minimum wage levels are determined through collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) at the sectoral level. These agreements, negotiated between trade unions and employer associations, establish baseline wages for most employees in Italy. The minimum wages set under CBAs typically range from approximately €7 to €9 per hour, though actual pay can vary significantly depending on the industry, region, role, and applicable agreement.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Italy?

In Italy, minimum wage standards are applied based on sector-specific collective bargaining agreements. Different categories of workers have their wages defined within these agreements.

Full-Time Employee Wages

For full-time employees, CBAs determine the minimum wage rates specific to their industry. The average minimum wage falls between €7–9 per hour, but variations exist based on industry economic conditions and negotiated agreements.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees receive wages on a pro-rata basis in relation to full-time positions, as outlined by CBAs. Their compensation is proportional to the number of hours worked compared to full-time employees.

Interns and Trainees

Whether interns and trainees are entitled to minimum wage depends on the specific CBA governing their industry. Some agreements provide for compensation, while others allow unpaid internships, especially those tied to educational or training programs.

Expats

Expatriates working in Italy are subject to the same CBAs as local employees. Their wages are determined within the framework of these agreements, without a separate minimum wage system for foreign workers.

Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Italy

Several factors influence how minimum wages are set in Italy, primarily through the CBAs.

Industry-Specific Variations

Different industries in Italy have varying minimum wage rates due to the decentralized system of CBAs. High-demand sectors like technology and finance may have higher wages, while industries such as agriculture or hospitality may have lower minimum wage thresholds.

Economic Conditions

Inflation rates, employment levels, and overall economic trends influence wage negotiations within CBAs. Periods of high inflation often increase pressure to raise minimum wages to maintain workers' purchasing power.

Government Policies and Legislation

While there is no statutory minimum wage, government policies indirectly impact wage negotiations. Italy's labor laws regulate CBAs, and ongoing discussions continue regarding the possible introduction of a national minimum wage.

Minimum Wage History and Trends in Italy

IItaly has long relied on collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) rather than a statutory national minimum wage to set wage floors. Sector-specific CBAs, negotiated between trade unions and employer associations, continue to determine minimum pay levels for the vast majority of workers.

Over the past several years, proposals to introduce a national minimum wage have gained political attention, largely in response to concerns about low pay, wage inequality, and the coverage gaps of certain CBAs. A prominent proposal, first advanced in 2019, called for a statutory minimum wage of €9 per hour. While this proposal has been debated repeatedly, no legislation establishing a national minimum wage has been enacted as of 2026.

Instead, Italy’s approach remains centered on strengthening and extending the applicability of representative CBAs, including discussions around measures to ensure broader coverage and prevent the use of so-called “pirate” agreements that undercut standard wage levels. As of 2026, sector-specific collective bargaining remains the primary and legally relevant mechanism for setting minimum wages in Italy.

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