In the wake of flexible work models and a global tech boom, remote tech roles in Italy are no longer just a novelty—they’re reshaping the country’s job market. While Italy has traditionally been considered slower to adopt remote work than Northern European countries or the U.S., the tide is turning fast, especially in the tech sector.
But which remote jobs actually pay well? More specifically: which remote tech roles in Italy can earn over €50,000 annually—well above the minimum wage in Italy?
Let’s find out through structured comparisons, real market data, and creative insights into Italy’s evolving tech landscape.
Remote Work in Italy: Still Catching Up?
Italy’s approach to remote work has been cautious. Prior to 2020, telelavoro (teleworking) was mostly limited to public administration and a few forward-thinking startups. However, post-pandemic normalization of smart working has led to a surge in remote positions, especially in the private tech sector.
Yet, while jobs exist, not all pay well. With the Italian average gross salary hovering around €30K and many full-time tech workers earning below European averages, identifying high-paying remote tech roles becomes critical for professionals and expats alike.
Snapshot: What €50,000 Means in Italy
| Metric | Value |
| Minimum wage (estimated) | €9 per hour (~€18K/year) |
| Average national salary (gross) | €28K–€30K/year |
| High-income threshold in Italy | €50K+ (top 10–15%) |
| Average tech salary (Italy) | €35K–€42K/year |
| Rent in Milan (1-bed, monthly) | €1,000–€1,400 |
So if you’re earning more than €50,000/year remotely in Italy, you’re playing in the top income tier—especially if your cost of living is reduced by working outside major cities like Milan or Rome.
Top Remote Tech Roles in Italy That Pay Over €50K
Here’s a breakdown of the most lucrative remote tech positions, based on Italian job boards, EU salary reports, and freelance platforms:
1. Cloud Architect
- Average Salary (Remote): €65,000–€90,000
- Remote Viability: Extremely high
- Typical Employers: AWS partners, Fintechs, SaaS companies
Why it pays well: Cloud infrastructure is critical. Italian companies embracing digital transformation need experts to design and manage scalable, secure cloud environments.
2. Senior Software Engineer / Developer
- Average Salary: €55,000–€80,000
- Languages in Demand: JavaScript, Python, Java, Go
- Remote Friendly: Yes (especially for product-focused companies)
Bonus: Freelance developers with international clients can easily earn €70K+ if billing in USD or GBP.
3. DevOps Engineer
- Average Salary: €60,000–€85,000
- Skills: CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins
- Remote Status: 100% remote common
Insight: Italy lacks enough DevOps professionals. Global companies often outsource these roles remotely to senior profiles in Southern Europe.
4. Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer
- Average Salary: €55,000–€75,000
- Tools: Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, R
- Remote Trend: Growing fast
Fun fact: Italian universities produce many math/statistics graduates—those who upskill in AI often land remote roles for U.S./UK firms.
5. Cybersecurity Specialist
- Average Salary: €60,000–€95,000
- Specializations: Pen testing, compliance (ISO, GDPR), SOC
- Remote Adaptation: Especially for audit, SOC roles
Why it’s hot: With GDPR enforcement, Italian companies can’t afford security lapses. Demand for experienced remote specialists is exploding.
6. Product Manager (Technical)
- Average Salary: €60,000–€85,000
- Domains: SaaS, Fintech, MedTech
- Remote-Friendly: Yes, but Italian firms prefer hybrid; foreign companies offer fully remote
Tip: PMs with UX/UI knowledge + agile background command higher salaries.
7. Blockchain Developer
- Average Salary: €60,000–€120,000
- Remote Flexibility: 100%
- Tech Stack: Solidity, Rust, Web3.js
Insight: Italy is home to a small but growing crypto scene. Most blockchain devs here work remotely for startups based in Switzerland, the UK, or Dubai.
Don’t miss this next story—it’s packed with helpful info!
Comparison Table: Remote Tech Roles & Salary in Italy
| Role | Remote Availability | Salary Range (€) | Common Employers |
| Cloud Architect | 100% | 65,000–90,000 | SaaS, AWS partners |
| Software Developer | High | 55,000–80,000 | Startups, multinationals |
| DevOps Engineer | Very High | 60,000–85,000 | Tech firms, eCommerce |
| Data Scientist | Medium–High | 55,000–75,000 | AI firms, banking |
| Cybersecurity Expert | High | 60,000–95,000 | Legal-tech, cloud services |
| Technical Product Manager | Medium | 60,000–85,000 | B2B platforms, SaaS |
| Blockchain Developer | Very High | 60,000–120,000 | Web3, DeFi, NFT platforms |
Where Are These Jobs Based?
Although the roles are remote, company headquarters and salary levels still vary by location.
| Company Location | Salary Tendency | Notes |
| Milan/Rome (Italy HQs) | Lower | Often capped at €60–65K unless foreign-funded |
| Germany/UK Startups | Medium–High | Pay €70K+ and often hire Italians remotely |
| US/Canada Firms | High | Remote contracts often €80K–€100K+ in gross |
| Switzerland, Dubai | Very High | Blockchain devs & consultants are in demand |
The Remote Freelancer Edge
Freelancing and consulting via platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Malt allows many Italian professionals to bypass local salary ceilings.
Popular Freelance Paths:
- Mobile App Development
- API Integration / Backend Services
- AI Chatbot Design
- Cloud Migration
- E-commerce integrations (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce)
Income Potential: With international clients, some senior freelancers invoice over €100K/year while working from places like Bari, Palermo, or remote areas of Tuscany.
What About Taxation?
Many remote workers earning above €50K choose one of the following legal setups in Italy:
- Contratto di lavoro subordinato (standard contract): Heavily taxed (~43% at this income level).
- Partita IVA (freelancer VAT ID): More flexible, especially under Regime Forfettario if under €85K/year.
- Estero (Non-resident contracts): Tax liability depends on residence status and treaties.
Pro tip: Consulting with a tax advisor is key, especially when handling international payments or crypto earnings.
Is Remote Tech the Solution to Italy’s Wage Problem?
Compared to traditional sectors, remote tech offers an escape from stagnating wages and limited opportunity. With a shortage of qualified professionals, foreign companies are more willing than ever to hire Italian tech workers remotely—and pay them well.
And considering that the minimum wage in Italy still isn’t officially legislated, remote tech careers remain one of the few paths to guaranteed upward mobility and international competitiveness.
FAQs
1. What are the most in-demand remote tech roles in Italy right now?
The most in-demand remote tech roles in Italy include Cloud Architects, DevOps Engineers, Backend Developers, Cybersecurity Experts, and Machine Learning Engineers. These positions are heavily sought after due to the country’s accelerating digital transformation and the global talent shortage. Italian companies are increasingly willing to hire remotely, especially when local expertise is hard to find. In parallel, international firms hiring Italians as remote contractors or freelancers are actively seeking professionals with experience in cloud infrastructure, data science, and secure digital ecosystems.
2. Can you really earn over €50,000 in a remote tech job in Italy?
Yes—especially in mid-to-senior roles. While the average tech salary in Italy might still be around €35,000–€42,000, professionals working remotely for international companies or high-growth startups can easily exceed the €50,000 mark. For example, DevOps Engineers and Cloud Architects often earn €65,000 to €90,000, while Blockchain Developers can surpass €100,000 annually. The key factors influencing these salaries are skill specialization, years of experience, fluency in English, and the location of the hiring company. The farther you go from the traditional Italian job market—toward global contracts—the better the pay.
3. Is it better to work for an Italian company or a foreign company remotely?
When it comes to compensation, foreign companies usually offer higher salaries—often 20% to 50% more than their Italian counterparts. Italian companies tend to be more conservative, offering between €45,000 and €60,000 for senior roles. In contrast, a U.S. or UK-based startup might offer €70K–€100K for the same role, especially if you’re being paid in dollars or pounds. However, working for an Italian company can offer better cultural alignment, a clearer tax situation, and benefits like 13th-month salary and pension contributions. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize income or stability and local labor protections.
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4. What tech stacks or skills help boost salaries past €50,000?
To break the €50,000 ceiling, you need to master in-demand and monetizable skills. These include:
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible)
- Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Backend frameworks (Node.js, Django, Spring Boot)
- Machine Learning (Python, TensorFlow, scikit-learn)
- Blockchain development (Solidity, Rust)
Add to that a good understanding of Agile, DevOps, or SCRUM methodologies, and the ability to communicate clearly in English. Certifications (AWS Certified Architect, CISSP, etc.) also add significant value and credibility, especially in international hiring pipelines.
5. Are remote tech roles in Italy open to non-Italians or expats?
Absolutely. Many remote-friendly companies operating in Italy or hiring Italians do not require Italian citizenship or fluency in Italian, especially if the company operates in English. In fact, for some roles—especially senior engineering or product management—international profiles are preferred. However, understanding Italian tax laws and bureaucracy is crucial if you plan to stay in the country long-term. Having a Partita IVA or working under Regime Forfettario can make your transition smoother, especially for freelancers and consultants.
6. Do remote tech freelancers in Italy earn more than salaried employees?
In many cases, yes—especially if they work with international clients. Remote freelancers or contractors in Italy with a strong portfolio and fluency in English can invoice €60–€100 per hour or more, depending on specialization. For example, a freelance AI consultant or DevOps expert billing at €80/hour and working 25 billable hours a week could easily earn over €100,000 per year. However, freelancers are responsible for their own taxes, pension contributions, and healthcare costs, and must actively manage their pipeline of clients.
7. How does taxation affect remote tech workers earning €50K+ in Italy?
Taxation in Italy is progressive and can be quite steep for employees, with income above €50,000 taxed at rates around 43% (IRPEF plus regional and municipal taxes). However, remote workers using a freelance structure (Partita IVA) can benefit from:
- The Flat Tax Regime (Regime Forfettario): only 15% tax if under €85,000 annual income and meeting other conditions.
- Deductible expenses and simplified accounting.
That said, if you’re working for a foreign company while residing in Italy, you must be cautious about double taxation, residency status, and contractual compliance with Italian tax rules. A skilled commercialista (accountant) is essential.
8. Which cities or regions in Italy are best for remote tech professionals?
Remote work allows you to escape expensive hubs like Milan and Rome while maintaining a high salary. Here are top options:
- Turin & Bologna: Mid-sized cities with growing startup scenes and lower living costs.
- Trento & Bolzano: High quality of life, great infrastructure, and innovation clusters.
- Southern Italy (Puglia, Sicily): Ideal for lifestyle and cost of living, especially for freelancers.
- Lakeside & mountain towns: Digital nomads are increasingly choosing scenic areas like Lake Garda, Aosta Valley, or Umbria.
By earning a €50K+ salary while living in a region where rent costs under €600/month, your quality of life can dramatically improve.
9. How do I find remote tech jobs in Italy that pay above €50K?
Here’s your action plan:
- Job Boards: Use platforms like RemoteOK, We Work Remotely, JustRemote, and AngelList.
- Freelance Sites: Upwork, Malt, Toptal, and Contra are popular for project-based work.
- LinkedIn & GitHub: Engage with Italian and international recruiters. Showcase open-source contributions.
- Slack/Discord Groups: Communities like NomadList, r/ItalyinTech, or Digital Nomads Italy often list job leads.
Make sure your CV is remote-optimized, your portfolio is visible (GitHub, Notion, LinkedIn), and you clearly state your language fluency, timezone, and freelance availability.
10. Will demand for high-paying remote tech jobs in Italy keep growing in the next 5 years?
Yes. Italy’s digital economy is expected to grow steadily, with EU Recovery Funds (PNRR) heavily targeting digital transformation, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. This means both public and private sectors will seek experienced tech professionals. In parallel, Italian talent will remain attractive to international employers, thanks to lower salary expectations compared to Northern Europe or the U.S.—but without sacrificing quality.
Moreover, as more Italian professionals adopt remote work and tech upskilling, €50K+ salaries will become more accessible, especially for those targeting niche roles in cloud, AI, or blockchain sectors.
Final Thoughts: How to Break In
If you’re aiming for one of these roles, here’s your roadmap:
- Build a remote-optimized CV (clear, GitHub/portfolio links, fluent English)
- Level up in globally in-demand stacks (React, Python, AWS, Kubernetes)
- Use remote job boards: We Work Remotely, RemoteOK, AngelList, Turing
- Target international startups willing to hire Italian freelancers or contractors
And if you’re already in the game, don’t settle: salaries in remote tech roles in Italy are on the rise—but only for those who keep evolving.
Want more insights like this? Head over to 2A Magazine and start exploring.
