Italy labor gap: North earns more and works longer than South

A study by the CGIA di Mestre highlights a significant economic divide between Northern and Southern Italy regarding labor, wages, and productivity. In 2024, workers in the North averaged 255 working days per year, while those in the South averaged 228, representing a gap of 27 days—nearly one full month of work.

Financial disparities are equally pronounced. The average daily wage in the North is 108 euros, compared to 80 euros in the South, a 36 percent difference. Productivity levels in the North also exceed those in the South by 36 percent.

The report identifies three primary drivers for this gap: the prevalence of job insecurity, a higher frequency of involuntary part-time work, and a significant seasonal work component, particularly in the tourism and entertainment sectors. Additionally, the prevalence of undeclared labor in the South contributes to the instability of employment conditions and may lead to an underestimation of actual hours worked.