Italian teacher salaries face scrutiny amid European wage gaps

Italian teacher salaries have become a focal point of European political discussion following reports of significant wage disparities. According to the OECD Education at a Glance 2026 report, Italian educators earn substantially less than other professionals with tertiary education. Specifically, preschool teachers earn 36% less on average, while lower secondary school teachers earn 33% less than their counterparts with similar education levels.

Data from the Eurydice network and the OECD further highlight a gap between Italian teachers and their European peers. Entry-level secondary teachers in Italy earn nearly half of what their German counterparts receive, and they face a stagnant career progression that requires 35 years to reach maximum pay, unlike more flexible systems in Northern Europe.

In response to these challenges, MEP Giusi Princi has brought the issue to the European Parliament, promoting a strategic package for professional enhancement. While Italy has recently implemented some measures to increase teacher pay through national collective bargaining agreements, the systemic gap remains a critical issue for the attractiveness and stability of the Italian education system.