Teacher Salary in Rome
How much do teachers earn in Rome? Teacher salaries in Rome depend on the type of school, teaching level, recognised years of service, employment status, qualifications and additional responsibilities. Public-school teachers generally follow Italy's national education-sector collective bargaining agreement rather than a separate Rome city salary scale.
This guide explains the 2026 public-school salary framework, differences between primary and secondary teaching, the 13th salary payment, international schools, English-language teaching and the requirements foreign teachers may need to meet.
Teacher Salary in Rome: At a Glance
- Public-school pay is based on national salary tables and recognised seniority.
- The official salary structure includes a 13th monthly payment.
- Primary, lower-secondary and upper-secondary teachers can have different base rates.
- Private and international schools may use different employment packages.
- Net salary is lower than gross salary after tax and social-security deductions.
Figures on this page refer to Italy's national public-school salary framework, not a guaranteed salary for every teacher working in Rome. Individual payslips may include additional allowances or deductions. Always check the applicable contract and the latest official tables.
Official Teacher Salary Scale in Italy for 2026
The Italian public-school system uses national collective bargaining agreements for teachers employed by state schools. ARAN, the public-sector bargaining agency, publishes the relevant agreements and salary tables.
The 2025–2027 education-sector economic agreement signed on 1 July 2026 includes revised teacher salary-table amounts effective from 1 January 2026. The annual tabellare figures shown below are the published amounts for 12 monthly payments; the 13th monthly payment is added separately. They do not represent take-home pay.
Official reference: ARAN – Education and Research Collective Agreement 2025–2027 .
| Teaching category in the national tables | Seniority | 2026 annual base salary for 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten and primary-school teacher | 0–8 years | €23,343.16 |
| Kindergarten and primary-school teacher | 9–14 years | €25,813.27 |
| Kindergarten and primary-school teacher | 15–20 years | €27,979.87 |
| Kindergarten and primary-school teacher | 21–27 years | €30,096.95 |
| Kindergarten and primary-school teacher | 28–34 years | €32,197.22 |
| Kindergarten and primary-school teacher | 35 years or more | €33,784.96 |
| Lower-secondary teacher, including relevant physical education category | 0–8 years | €25,267.04 |
| Lower-secondary teacher, including relevant physical education category | 9–14 years | €28,143.33 |
| Lower-secondary teacher, including relevant physical education category | 15–20 years | €30,655.71 |
| Lower-secondary teacher, including relevant physical education category | 21–27 years | €33,133.57 |
| Lower-secondary teacher, including relevant physical education category | 28–34 years | €35,601.99 |
| Lower-secondary teacher, including relevant physical education category | 35 years or more | €37,436.53 |
| Upper-secondary teacher with a university degree | 0–8 years | €25,267.04 |
| Upper-secondary teacher with a university degree | 9–14 years | €28,866.69 |
| Upper-secondary teacher with a university degree | 15–20 years | €31,589.87 |
| Upper-secondary teacher with a university degree | 21–27 years | €35,111.85 |
| Upper-secondary teacher with a university degree | 28–34 years | €37,436.53 |
| Upper-secondary teacher with a university degree | 35 years or more | €39,281.99 |
Source: ARAN, 2025–2027 education-sector economic agreement, 2026 annual tabellare salary table. These are base amounts for 12 months, before the additional 13th payment and other applicable pay components. The appropriate classification depends on the actual teaching role and contract. Consult the official agreement for the complete tables.
These figures are not the complete gross annual compensation and are not net salaries. The 13th payment and the applicable teacher professional remuneration allowance (Retribuzione Professionale Docenti, or RPD) may also apply. Other items depend on the contract and individual circumstances. Do not add the 13th payment twice if another source already reports a total annual figure that includes it.
What Is the Teacher Professional Remuneration Allowance?
Public-school teachers may receive the Retribuzione Professionale Docenti (RPD), a separate pay component governed by the national collective agreement. The amount depends on the applicable contract and seniority band.
ARAN's published contract tables set out the RPD separately from the annual tabellare salary. The 2025–2027 agreement also provides for a further adjustment from 2027. For this reason, the allowance should be checked against the applicable date and contract rather than treated as part of the base salary figures above.
Primary School Teacher Salary in Rome
State primary-school teachers in Rome generally follow the national kindergarten and primary-school salary table. Seniority is important, but the salary paid to an individual teacher can also depend on recognised service, employment status, working hours and applicable allowances.
A teacher starting in a state primary school should use the entry-level salary row as a reference, then confirm the exact pay classification with the employing school or payroll office. The published 2026 base figure for the 0–8 year band is €23,343.16 for 12 monthly payments, before the additional 13th payment and applicable allowances.
Related guide: Primary Teacher Salary in Rome
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Rome
Secondary education in Italy includes lower-secondary schools and upper-secondary schools. The relevant salary category can differ depending on the teaching role and qualification classification.
The 2026 national tables list a base salary of €25,267.04 for 12 monthly payments at the 0–8 year band for the relevant lower-secondary category and for graduate teachers in upper-secondary schools. The seniority progression differs between categories, so teachers should consult the row applicable to their position.
Related guides:
Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Rome
Teachers in state early-childhood and primary education generally fall within the relevant national kindergarten and primary-school salary framework. The actual job category matters: municipal early-childhood services and state schools may have different employers, contracts and recruitment procedures.
Before comparing two kindergarten jobs in Rome, check whether the role is in a state school, a municipal service, a private nursery or a private school. Similar job titles do not necessarily mean identical employment conditions.
Related guide: Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Rome
Special Education Teacher Salary in Rome
Special-needs teaching in Italy is often associated with the sostegno system, in which teachers support pupils with disabilities and additional educational needs. Salary classification is influenced by the teacher's employment category and recognised seniority rather than automatically attracting a separate citywide salary scale.
Teachers interested in support-teaching roles should check the relevant qualification requirements, training routes, recruitment notices and eligibility rules. Requirements may vary according to the teaching level and recruitment procedure.
Related guide: Special Education Teacher Salary in Rome
Teacher Salary by Experience
Seniority is a key factor in the national public-school salary system. The salary tables use service bands, and the treatment of previous service must be determined under the applicable rules. Experience gained abroad should not automatically be assumed to count in the same way as service already recognised in Italy.
| Career stage | What to check |
|---|---|
| New teacher | Required qualification, recruitment route and initial salary classification. |
| Early career | Recognised service and the applicable seniority band. |
| Experienced teacher | Official service record, salary progression and contract classification. |
| Senior teacher | Recognised seniority, additional duties and any eligible allowances. |
| Coordinator or school leader | Appointment, responsibilities and the rules applicable to the specific role. |
Gross Teacher Salary vs Net Salary in Rome
Gross salary is the amount before deductions. Net salary is what remains after applicable income tax, regional and municipal surtaxes, employee social-security contributions and other payroll adjustments.
Two teachers with the same gross annual salary may receive different net amounts because their tax situations, deductions, family circumstances, contract arrangements and payroll details differ. A reliable net estimate should use the person's actual employment and tax circumstances.
Online salary calculators can provide an estimate, but they may not reflect every deduction or personal circumstance. Use the official contract for gross pay and a current Italian payroll calculator or qualified payroll adviser for a more tailored net estimate.
Do Teachers in Italy Receive a 13th Salary?
The national public-school salary framework provides for a 13th monthly payment. ARAN's salary tables explicitly distinguish the annual tabellare amounts for 12 monthly payments from the additional 13th payment.
When comparing salaries, verify whether the quoted figure is the 12-month base amount, the total annual gross salary including the 13th payment, or a package that also includes allowances. This distinction is important when comparing public schools with private or international employers.
Public School vs Private School Teacher Salary in Rome
State schools generally follow the applicable national public education contract. Private schools may be covered by different collective agreements or employment arrangements, so their salaries and benefits can differ.
| Employer or school type | What affects pay? |
|---|---|
| State school | National contract, role, recognised seniority and applicable allowances. |
| Private Italian school | Applicable collective agreement, job level, experience and employer policy. |
| International school | School's employment package, curriculum, subject, qualifications and experience. |
| Language school | Hourly rate, lesson volume, contract type and whether preparation time is paid. |
| Private tutoring | Subject, qualifications, student level, demand and the tutor's business costs. |
International School Teacher Salary in Rome
Rome has international education options serving families seeking instruction in English and other languages. Recruitment conditions depend on the school, curriculum, teaching subject, qualifications, experience and the role advertised.
International schools do not necessarily use the Italian state-school salary tables. Some may offer a different benefits package, while others may offer terms closer to those of private schools. Compare the written offer, working hours, paid holidays, pension or insurance arrangements and any relocation support.
Related guide: International School Teacher Salary in Rome
English Teacher Salary in Rome
English-language teaching in Rome can include work at language schools, international schools, private education providers, universities, adult-learning programmes and private tutoring businesses. These roles are not interchangeable: a qualified school teacher and a language-school instructor may have different requirements and contracts.
Employers may consider teaching qualifications, classroom experience, language proficiency, specialist training and familiarity with the relevant curriculum. Being a native English speaker alone does not guarantee eligibility for a regulated school teaching position.
Related guide: English Teacher Salary in Rome
Vocational and Technical School Teacher Salary in Rome
Vocational and technical education includes teaching linked to practical subjects, professional skills and specific industry areas. The qualifications needed depend on the subject, school level and type of appointment.
Applicants should check the official recruitment notice and qualification requirements for the specific teaching class rather than relying on a generic teacher salary estimate.
Related guide: Vocational Teacher Salary in Rome
School Principal Salary in Rome
School leadership is a distinct career path with separate appointment procedures and compensation rules. The salary of a school leader should not be estimated by simply applying the ordinary classroom teacher salary table.
Leadership pay can depend on the applicable national agreement and role-related components. Anyone comparing teaching and management jobs should examine the complete employment package and the responsibilities attached to the position.
Related guide: School Principal Salary in Rome
Can Foreign Teachers Work in Rome?
Foreign nationals can pursue teaching opportunities in Rome, but the requirements depend on the employer, the type of school, the applicant's nationality and the qualification held. Teaching in the Italian state-school system can involve formal qualification and recruitment requirements.
- Check whether your degree and teaching qualification meet the requirements for the role.
- Determine whether a foreign professional qualification requires formal recognition.
- Check the language requirements of the school and teaching position.
- Review the recruitment route and any relevant public competition or ranking rules.
- Confirm your right to live and work in Italy before accepting an offer.
- For private and international schools, check the employer's own eligibility requirements.
The Italian Ministry of Education and Merit provides information about recognition of foreign teaching qualifications. Recognition is a formal procedure, and applicants should consult the current instructions for their own circumstances.
Official resource: Ministry of Education and Merit – Recognition of teaching qualifications .
Related guide: Jobs in Rome for Foreigners
Do Foreign Teaching Qualifications Need Recognition in Italy?
A foreign teaching qualification should not be assumed to be automatically equivalent to an Italian qualification. The Ministry of Education and Merit provides a formal recognition process for relevant foreign professional qualifications.
The documentation and assessment depend on the qualification, the country where it was obtained, the professional status it grants and the rules applicable to the specific case. Applicants may need to provide diplomas, transcripts, evidence of professional training and other supporting documents.
Contact the competent Italian authority and check the latest instructions before assuming that you can teach in a state school. Recognition of a qualification, eligibility for a particular teaching class, recruitment and immigration permission are separate issues.
Is Italian Required to Teach in Rome?
Italian is generally important for teaching in the Italian state-school system because teachers need to communicate with pupils, colleagues and families and deliver the relevant curriculum. Exact requirements depend on the position and applicable rules.
Some international schools and language schools may use English or another language as the teaching language. However, their recruitment requirements vary, and applicants should check each vacancy rather than assume that all international schools follow the same standards.
How to Find Teaching Jobs in Rome
- Identify the school level and subjects you are qualified to teach.
- Check whether your qualifications need recognition in Italy.
- Prepare an up-to-date CV, degree certificates and teaching records.
- Review current recruitment notices and the requirements for each role.
- Check the language requirements and the type of employment contract.
- Compare gross salary, the 13th payment, allowances, hours and benefits.
- Confirm work authorisation where applicable before accepting an appointment.
For public education information, begin with the Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM) and check the relevant regional school office and official recruitment notices.
What Can Improve a Teacher's Career Prospects in Rome?
- A teaching qualification that meets the requirements of the target role.
- Relevant and documented classroom experience.
- Italian-language skills for roles in Italian-language schools.
- Specialist qualifications in special education or high-demand subjects.
- Experience with international curricula where relevant.
- Strong subject knowledge and appropriate professional development.
- Clear documentation of previous employment and qualifications.
Teacher Salary and Cost of Living in Rome
A teacher's salary should be considered alongside housing, transport, food, utilities and other living costs. The amount left after monthly expenses depends on net income, household size, commuting needs and the area of Rome where the teacher lives.
Before accepting a position, estimate your take-home pay and compare it with realistic rental costs and day-to-day expenses. Do not assume that the gross salary listed in a contract is the amount available to spend.
Useful IsRome guides:
- Monthly Expenses in Rome
- Rent Prices in Rome
- Cheapest Areas of Rome
- Is Rome Expensive?
- Jobs in Rome for Foreigners
Teacher Salary in Rome: Quick Comparison
| Teaching role | How pay is generally determined |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten teacher | Applicable employer and contract; state-school roles use the relevant national framework. |
| Primary-school teacher | National state-school salary table, seniority and applicable allowances. |
| Lower-secondary teacher | Relevant national salary category, seniority and contract provisions. |
| Upper-secondary teacher | Teaching category, qualifications, recognised service and applicable allowances. |
| Special education teacher | Teaching classification, qualification and appointment conditions. |
| International-school teacher | School-specific contract, curriculum, subject and experience. |
| English-language instructor | Employer, hourly or salaried arrangement, workload and qualifications. |
| School leader | Separate appointment and leadership compensation rules. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Salaries in Rome
How much does a teacher earn in Rome in 2026?
There is no single salary for every teacher. State-school teachers generally follow national salary tables based on teaching category and seniority. The ARAN 2025–2027 agreement includes revised 2026 base amounts, with the 13th payment and applicable allowances handled separately.
What is the starting salary for a primary-school teacher in Rome?
The 2026 ARAN table lists €23,343.16 for 12 monthly payments in the 0–8 year kindergarten and primary-school band. The 13th payment and applicable additional pay components must also be considered when calculating annual gross compensation.
Do teachers in Rome receive a 13th salary?
The Italian public-school salary framework provides for a 13th monthly payment. Check whether a quoted annual salary includes it before comparing offers.
Do primary and secondary teachers earn the same salary?
Not necessarily. The national tables contain different salary categories and seniority progressions for different teaching roles. The applicable row depends on the teacher's position and classification.
How much is a teacher's net monthly salary in Rome?
Net pay depends on gross salary, tax, social-security contributions, applicable deductions and personal circumstances. The official gross salary table alone cannot determine a person's exact take-home pay.
Can foreign teachers work in Rome?
Yes, depending on the position and the person's circumstances. Foreign teachers should check qualification recognition, recruitment requirements, language requirements and the right to work in Italy.
Can I teach in an Italian state school with a foreign degree?
A foreign degree or teaching qualification does not automatically establish eligibility for every Italian teaching role. Check the Ministry of Education and Merit requirements for recognition and the relevant recruitment procedure.
Is Italian necessary for teaching jobs in Rome?
Italian is generally important for state-school teaching. Some international schools and language schools teach in English or other languages, but their individual requirements differ.
Do international schools in Rome use the state-school salary scale?
Not necessarily. International schools may use their own employment packages and recruitment criteria. Compare the written salary offer, benefits, working hours and holiday arrangements.
Where can I find official teacher salary information for Italy?
ARAN publishes national public-sector collective agreements and salary tables. The Ministry of Education and Merit publishes information about the education system and recognition of foreign teaching qualifications.
Official Resources for Teachers in Rome
- ARAN – Public-sector collective agreements and salary tables
- Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM)
- MIM – Recognition of teaching qualifications
Explore More Rome Salary and Career Guides
Browse related IsRome guides to compare employment options and plan your career and living costs in Italy's capital.
- Rome Salaries – Complete Salary Guide
- Primary Teacher Salary in Rome
- Secondary Teacher Salary in Rome
- Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Rome
- Special Education Teacher Salary in Rome
- International School Teacher Salary in Rome
- English Teacher Salary in Rome
- Vocational Teacher Salary in Rome
- School Principal Salary in Rome
- Nurse Salary in Rome
- Engineer Salary in Rome
- Highest-Paying Jobs in Rome
- Jobs in Rome for Foreigners
- Monthly Expenses in Rome
- Rent Prices in Rome