Thinking about moving to Italy for work? Whether you’re just starting your career, fresh out of university or looking for your next big opportunity, picking the right city can make a big difference to the way you work and play.
Western Union’s Where Ambition Lands report looked at the 15 biggest cities in Italy where your career has the best chance to grow. We’ve used data like average salaries, unemployment rates and job availability per 10,000 people to create a ranking of the best cities for work in Italy.
Let’s explore the top cities where you can find great job opportunities and enjoy everything Italy has to offer.
Top 5 Italian cities to find a job
1.Milan
Average salary: 43,317 EUR
Unemployment rate: 4.0%
Job vacancies per 10,000 residents: 249
Milan has got to be number one and it’s easy to see why! It’s Italy’s financial and fashion hub, full of exciting industries like tech, design and business services. Jobs here pay well, the unemployment rate is low and companies are always hiring. You’ll also find modern, new-age office spaces. The city has an energetic vibe and offers a fast-paced lifestyle. Milan can never be dull because there’s plenty to do after work, from shopping to sipping aperitivo by the canals in Navigli or just walking down its lively streets!
2.Verona
Average salary: 37,728 EUR
Unemployment rate: 4.2%
Job vacancies per 10,000 residents: 262
Famous for romance and Roman history, Verona is also a rising star for work. It’s a major center for transport and logistics and has strong tourism and manufacturing industries. The city offers a great mix of career opportunities and quality of life with beautiful architecture, lively piazzas and a more relaxed pace than Milan.
3.Bologna
Average salary: 38,881 EUR
Unemployment rate: 4.9%
Job vacancies per 10,000 residents: 178
Bologna is more than a university town, it’s a hotspot for research, agriculture and mechanics. The city is known to have the best public transport in Italy. It’s compact and well-connected, making commuting easy. Enjoy the picture-charming streets with covered walkways (porticos), cozy cafés, a strong community and cultural vibe.
4. Padua
Average salary: 39,308 EUR
Unemployment rate: 15.8%
Job vacancies per 10,000 residents: 525
Padua has one of the highest job vacancy rates in the country! Even though unemployment is higher, there’s lots of demand for workers, especially in fields like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and education. It’s also close to Venice and well-connected by train, making it a great choice for job seekers who love history and the convenience of getting around easily.
5.Trieste
Average salary: 39,508 EUR
Unemployment rate: 4.2%
Job vacancies per 10,000 residents: 38
Located on the Adriatic coast and near the Slovenian border, Trieste is a unique city with a mix of cultures. It’s known for its port and has strong industries in logistics and insurance. While there are fewer job openings overall, Trieste offers solid salaries and a peaceful seaside lifestyle.
Moving for work? Send money easily with the Western Union app
Starting a new life in a new city or country is exciting, but it can also be expensive. Whether you’re supporting family back home or just need to send money around while you get settled, Western Union’s Digital Banking app makes it simple. Send money directly to your account and focus on your move, while we help you handle the financial side of things.
Full Ranking: Best Italian cities for jobs in 2025
A quick guide to help you choose! Here are the top 15 cities in Italy based on salary, unemployment and job availability:
| Rank | City | Average Salary | Unemployment Rate (%) | Vacancies per 10k |
| 1 | Milan | 43,317 EUR | 4.0 | 249 |
| 2 | Verona | 37,728 EUR | 4.2 | 262 |
| 3 | Bologna | 38,881 EUR | 4.9 | 178 |
| 4 | Padua | 39,308 EUR | 15.8 | 525 |
| 5 | Trieste | 39,508 EUR | 4.2 | 38 |
| 6 | Turin | 39,657 EUR | 6.1 | 60 |
| 7 | Florence | 36,798 EUR | 5.2 | 156 |
| 8 | Genoa | 39,589 EUR | 6.1 | 35 |
| 9 | Rome | 39,612 EUR | 7.1 | 52 |
| 10 | Messina | 35,681 EUR | 4.2 | 10 |
| 11 | Palermo | 35,309 EUR | 7.4 | 23 |
| 12 | Naples | 35,270 EUR | 8.4 | 25 |
| 13 | Bari | 35,445 EUR | 9.0 | 30 |
| 14 | Reggio C. | 33,070 EUR | 8.8 | 9 |
| 15 | Catania | 34,456 EUR | 7.8 | 12 |
Ready for your next adventure?
Whether you’re chasing career growth, a better quality of life or simply a change of scenery these cities offer exciting options. As you prepare for your next move and start looking for houses in Italy, Western Union is here to support your journey. Send money online or visit an agent location near you while you settle into your new home and community. Good luck!
