Photo: Francisco Antunes · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 03 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Italy: Work & Labour
Can people find work, and on what terms?
Italy is placed 86th of 182 countries on work & labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Employment-to-Population Ratio 46.15 (2025); Labour Income Share 58.45 (2025).
Share
Work & Labour
86th
of 182 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Italy on work & labour — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
Key 1 of 4
Employment-to-Population Ratio
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
46.15
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Higher is better
Italy: 46.15. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 21.21 (São Tomé and Príncipe) to 86.9 (Qatar); the world median is 57.72.
- World median
- 57.72
- Best in Southern Europe
- 62.13 Malta
- Land neighbours
- Austria 56.77 · Switzerland 63.49 · France 51.17 · Slovenia 55.74
Key 3 of 4
Unemployment Rate
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
6.391
Unemployment (% of labour force)
Lower is better
Italy: 6.391. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.13 (Qatar) to 34.2 (Eswatini); the world median is 5.084.
- World median
- 5.084
- Best in Southern Europe
- 2.896 Malta
- Land neighbours
- Austria 5.582 · Switzerland 4.873 · France 7.542 · Slovenia 3.175
Key 4 of 4
Vulnerable Employment
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
14.35
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Lower is better
Italy: 14.35. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.456 (Qatar) to 90.22 (Chad); the world median is 28.67.
- World median
- 28.67
- Best in Southern Europe
- 6.346 Croatia
- Land neighbours
- Austria 7.852 · Switzerland 9.597 · France 8.499 · Slovenia 10.61
02Over time
Which way Italy is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Employment-to-Population Ratio
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%) · higher is better
ItalyWorld median
Italy rose from 42.64 in 2000 to 46.15 in 2025; the world median went from 55.86 to 57.72.
Every year’s figures
Year Italy World median 2025 46.151 57.720 2024 46.365 57.694 2023 46.002 58.158 2022 45.078 57.688 2021 43.842 56.066 2020 43.785 55.691 2019 44.688 57.871 2018 44.392 56.911 2017 43.952 56.738 2016 43.418 56.845 2015 42.837 56.788 2014 42.551 56.774 2013 42.603 56.229 2012 43.608 56.289 2011 43.879 56.297 2010 43.981 56.212 2009 44.542 56.255 2008 45.632 57.308 2007 45.627 56.933 2006 45.568 56.685 2005 45.135 56.129 2004 45.596 55.465 2003 44.311 55.630 2002 43.800 55.843 2001 43.286 56.018 2000 42.638 55.861 Labour Income Share
Labour income share of GDP (%) · higher is better
ItalyWorld median
Italy rose from 57.28 in 2004 to 58.45 in 2025; the world median went from 46.01 to 46.23.
Every year’s figures
Year Italy World median 2025 58.452 46.230 2024 57.813 46.060 2023 56.670 45.900 2022 54.326 45.615 2021 57.181 45.433 2020 56.741 47.267 2019 59.279 46.277 2018 61.906 46.187 2017 61.640 46.467 2016 60.188 46.798 2015 58.005 46.876 2014 57.345 47.281 2013 57.725 46.887 2012 57.831 46.231 2011 57.752 45.679 2010 58.523 46.024 2009 58.693 47.071 2008 57.341 45.312 2007 56.742 45.246 2006 57.061 45.670 2005 57.095 46.265 2004 57.284 46.012 Unemployment Rate
Unemployment (% of labour force) · lower is better
ItalyWorld median
Italy fell from 10.83 in 2000 to 6.391 in 2025; the world median went from 6.918 to 5.084.
Every year’s figures
Year Italy World median 2025 6.391 5.08 2024 6.500 5.15 2023 7.627 5.21 2022 8.069 5.34 2021 9.497 6.04 2020 9.192 6.38 2019 9.884 5.36 2018 10.538 5.35 2017 11.211 5.59 2016 11.688 5.90 2015 11.896 6.41 2014 12.683 6.58 2013 12.149 6.71 2012 10.655 6.79 2011 8.359 6.90 2010 8.363 7.04 2009 7.749 6.67 2008 6.723 5.79 2007 6.076 6.00 2006 6.777 6.50 2005 7.730 7.09 2004 7.866 6.80 2003 8.869 6.95 2002 9.211 6.91 2001 9.599 6.96 2000 10.834 6.92 Vulnerable Employment
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment) · lower is better
ItalyWorld median
Italy fell from 19.66 in 2000 to 14.35 in 2025; the world median went from 35.67 to 28.67.
Every year’s figures
Year Italy World median 2025 14.350 28.67 2024 14.486 29.04 2023 14.546 29.33 2022 14.669 29.67 2021 15.051 30.01 2020 15.735 30.54 2019 15.772 29.98 2018 15.921 30.15 2017 16.117 29.93 2016 16.671 29.91 2015 16.984 30.26 2014 17.175 30.47 2013 17.228 31.14 2012 17.234 31.00 2011 17.318 31.41 2010 17.477 32.37 2009 17.220 32.59 2008 17.504 31.76 2007 17.985 33.47 2006 18.200 34.27 2005 18.405 34.66 2004 19.439 35.51 2003 19.028 35.90 2002 19.127 35.96 2001 19.502 35.27 2000 19.658 35.67
03In context
Italy beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 182 countries on work & labour, never a place within the region.
Italy and the countries it borders
Standing among all 182; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Employment-to-Population RatioEmployed share of the population aged 15+ (%) | Labour Income ShareLabour income share of GDP (%) | Unemployment RateUnemployment (% of labour force) | Vulnerable EmploymentVulnerable employment (% of total employment) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Switzerland | =4th | 63.49 | 71.17 | 4.873 | 9.597 |
 Slovenia | 18th | 55.74 | 61.93 | 3.175 | 10.61 |
 Austria | =31st | 56.77 | 62.06 | 5.582 | 7.852 |
 France | 61st | 51.17 | 60 | 7.542 | 8.499 |
| Italy | 86th | 46.15 | 58.45 | 6.391 | 14.35 |
 San Marino | not placed | — | — | — | — |
 Vatican City | not placed | — | — | — | — |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Southern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 182.
Placed either side on work & labour
The countries immediately above and below Italy in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Italy is ahead of the world, and behind
31 more statistics filed under work & labour, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median18
Statistics on which Italy does better than the middle country measured.
Low Pay RateILO · 2024 · world median 17.895.63217.89▲ Improved since 2014
Italy: 5.632 · world median 17.89 · Employees paid less than two-thirds of the median hourly earnings (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.395 to 41.69; lower is better.
Position 69th of 71 · derived, 1st = worst.
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · world median 1.6101.61▲ Improved since 2015
Italy: 0 · world median 1.61 · Compliance with freedom of association and collective bargaining rights (0 = best, 10 = worst). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 10; lower is better.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.910045.9No earlier reading
Italy: 100 · world median 45.9 · Labour force covered in the event of a work injury (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 47,384131,48147,384No real change since 2015
Italy: 131,481 · world median 47,384 · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2,456 to 262,554; higher is better.
Position 14th of 168 · derived.
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 22.1674.1122.16No real change since 2015
Italy: 74.11 · world median 22.16 · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.92 to 164.65; higher is better.
Position 18th of 182 · derived.
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 9815098No real change since 2015
Italy: 150 · world median 98 · Paid maternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 410; higher is better.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8115.4941.81No earlier reading
Italy: 15.49 · world median 41.81 · Firms competing against unregistered or informal firms (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.926 to 90.5; lower is better.
Position 160th of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6832.516.68No earlier reading
Italy: 32.5 · world median 16.68 · Employees who are trade union members (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 0.2 to 91.42; higher is better.
Position 18th of 139 · derived.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per WorkerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6,74242,1716,742▼ Worsened since 2015
Italy: 42,171 · world median 6,742 · Agricultural value added per worker (constant 2015 US$). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 210.77 to 150,632; higher is better.
Position 21st of 151 · derived.
Average Monthly Earnings of EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 1,6365,3261,636▲ Improved since 2014
Italy: 5,326 · world median 1,636 · Average monthly earnings of employees (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 193.28 to 9,307; higher is better.
Position 11th of 75 · derived.
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 051.50No earlier reading
Italy: 51.5 · world median 0 · Unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,230167,05225,230No real change since 2010
Italy: 167,052 · world median 25,230 · Human capital per person — present value of future earnings (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 700.38 to 735,422; higher is better.
Position 28th of 151 · derived.
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3143▲ Improved since 2015
Italy: 14 · world median 3 · Paid paternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 196; higher is better.
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 32.0742.3332.07No earlier reading
Italy: 42.33 · world median 32.07 · Firms offering formal training to permanent full-time workers (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.42 to 79.12; higher is better.
Informal Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 36.768.35336.76No earlier reading
Italy: 8.353 · world median 36.76 · Informal employment (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.857 to 94.44; lower is better.
Position 69th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · world median 14.3111.9614.31▲ Improved since 2014
Italy: 11.96 · world median 14.31 · Youth not in education, employment or training (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.975 to 65.73; lower is better.
Position 63rd of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Gini Index of Monthly EarningsILO · 2024 · world median 0.3370.3240.337▼ Worsened since 2014
Italy: 0.324 · world median 0.337 · Gini index of employees’ monthly earnings (0 = all paid the same, 1 = maximum inequality). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.182 to 0.643; lower is better.
Position 45th of 75 · derived, 1st = worst.
Firms with a Female Top ManagerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 19.1621.0419.16No earlier reading
Italy: 21.04 · world median 19.16 · Firms with a female top manager (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.429 to 62.9; higher is better.
Position 76th of 179 · derived.
Behind the world median6
Statistics on which Italy does worse than the middle country measured.
Fatal Occupational InjuriesILO · 2023 · world median 2.0052.012.005▼ Worsened since 2013
Italy: 2.01 · world median 2.005 · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.12 to 8.409; lower is better.
Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4)ILO · 2024 · world median 12.5615.712.56▲ Improved since 2014
Italy: 15.7 · world median 12.56 · Composite rate of labour underutilisation, LU4 (% of the extended labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.495 to 49.82; lower is better.
Position 27th of 76 · derived, 1st = worst.
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · world median 12.8320.5512.83▲ Improved since 2015
Italy: 20.55 · world median 12.83 · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.457 to 76.77; lower is better.
Position 45th of 182 · derived, 1st = worst.
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 53.3640.8153.36No real change since 2015
Italy: 40.81 · world median 53.36 · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 4.663 to 82.91; higher is better.
Position 147th of 182 · derived.
Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · world median 35.8625.2535.86▼ Worsened since 2014
Italy: 25.25 · world median 35.86 · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 7.226 to 56.69; higher is better.
Position 75th of 86 · derived.
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 61.6649.361.66No real change since 2015
Italy: 49.3 · world median 61.66 · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.34 to 87.01; higher is better.
Position 159th of 182 · derived.
No better end7
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · world median 18.8826.4318.88No real change since 2015
Italy: 26.43 · world median 18.88 · Employment in industry (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 3.103 to 39.44.
Position 31st of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · world median 59.5170.2359.51Moved since 2015
Italy: 70.23 · world median 59.51 · Employment in services (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 11.56 to 92.17.
Position 58th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0119.5415.01No earlier reading
Italy: 19.54 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.
Position 53rd of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Share of Temporary EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 13.4514.6913.45Moved since 2014
Italy: 14.69 · world median 13.45 · Employees on temporary contracts (% of employees). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.337 to 72.78.
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 31.8421.1231.84No real change since 2015
Italy: 21.12 · world median 31.84 · Self-employed (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.832 to 91.56.
Position 121st of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · world median 14.383.34714.38Moved since 2015
Italy: 3.347 · world median 14.38 · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.095 to 85.34.
Position 141st of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 38.8933.938.89Moved since 2015
Italy: 33.9 · world median 38.89 · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.64 to 54.7.
Position 143rd of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for Italy
Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons, Statutory Minimum Wage and Working Poverty Rate. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Work & Labour among Italy’s 16 topics
Work & Labour is Italy’s 15th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Gender & Equality3rd of 1834/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing6th of 2002/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation20th of 1764/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture26th of 1844/4 keys
- Development & Human Capitaljoint 32nd of 1963/3 keys
- Governance & Institutions34th of 1944/4 keys
- Digital & Technology37th of 1984/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade34th of 1774/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge46th of 1983/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties50th of 1984/4 keys
- Energyjoint 47th of 1653/3 keys
- Peace & Security55th of 1774/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience70th of 1934/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality63rd of 1593/3 keys
- Work & Labour86th of 1824/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainabilityjoint 115th of 1864/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on work & labour
The three countries placed highest of 182, and the leaders Italy can most readily be measured against.
1
IcelandNorthern Europe
1st of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Hansueli Krapf · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
2
JapanEastern Asia
2nd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
South KoreaEastern Asia
3rd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Europe
Iceland1st4/4 keysHighest in Southern Europe
Slovenia18th4/4 keysThis page
Italy86th4/4 keys
Positions out of 182 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about Italy and work & labour
On work & labour
Countries in Asia with the highest average salaries 2024
Thirteen Asian countries by gross average monthly wage, each carrying its WORLD rank rather than an Asian one — so the numbers skip, from 11th place to 45th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Highest Average Salaries in 2024
The ten highest-paying countries of 2024, their bars coloured by continent, and six more added for comparison — from Australia in 13th place to India in 85th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Lowest Average Salaries in 2024
The bottom ten of 196 countries, and six more added for comparison. Niger, Madagascar and Liberia are all published at US$47 a month and still carry three different ranks.
08Questions
Italy on work & labour: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Italy rank on work & labour?
Italy is placed 86th of 182 countries on Work & Labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Employment-to-Population Ratio, Labour Income Share, Unemployment Rate and Vulnerable Employment). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Employment-to-Population Ratio figure for Italy?
46.15 in 2025 (employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 57.72.
What is the latest Labour Income Share figure for Italy?
58.45 in 2025 (labour income share of GDP (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 46.23.
How does Italy compare with France on work & labour?
France is placed 61st of 182, and Italy 86th. Employment-to-Population Ratio: France 51.17, Italy 46.15; Labour Income Share: France 60, Italy 58.45; Unemployment Rate: France 7.542, Italy 6.391; Vulnerable Employment: France 8.499, Italy 14.35.
How have Italy’s work & labour figures changed?
Employment-to-Population Ratio rose from 42.64 in 2000 to 46.15 in 2025; Labour Income Share rose from 57.28 in 2004 to 58.45 in 2025; Unemployment Rate fell from 10.83 in 2000 to 6.391 in 2025; Vulnerable Employment fell from 19.66 in 2000 to 14.35 in 2025.
Which work & labour statistics are missing for Italy?
No current reading is published for Italy on Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons, Statutory Minimum Wage and Working Poverty Rate. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Wages in money terms are not a key here, because pay figures are hard to compare fairly across countries with very different prices. Labour productivity, working hours, youth unemployment and the balance between farming, industry and services are published on this page as context. The size and growth of the wider economy belong to Economy & Innovation.
How the Work & Labour standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The work & labour method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Employment-to-Population Ratio — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Labour Income Share — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Unemployment Rate — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Vulnerable Employment — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
The other 31 statistics on this page come from 2 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Italy’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Italy (banner) — Francisco Antunes, CC BY 2.0
- Iceland — Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Japan — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- South Korea — Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Italy: Work & Labour — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/italy/work