Data Scientist Jobs in Italy: Opportunities, Salaries & How to Get Hired

Demand and Market Overview for Data Scientists in Italy

Demand for data scientists in Italy has risen steadily as companies adopt data-driven strategies. Milan, Rome, Turin and Bologna host the largest clusters: Milan is especially strong for finance, consulting and fashion-tech startups, while Turin and Bologna have ties to manufacturing and automotive analytics. Employers range from multinational banks and consulting firms to mid-size tech companies and agile startups. Salaries vary by city and experience — entry-level roles often start around €30k–€40k annually, mid-level positions typically pay €40k–€70k, and senior/data lead roles can exceed €70k–€100k+ depending on company size and industry. Hybrid and remote positions are increasingly common, particularly for companies open to international hires.

Skills, Education and Tools Employers Ask For

Italian employers look for a mix of technical expertise, practical experience and communication skills. Core technical requirements include proficiency in Python or R, SQL, statistics and machine learning fundamentals (regression, classification, clustering). Experience with libraries and frameworks such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow or PyTorch, plus knowledge of data wrangling (Pandas), ETL and big-data tools (Spark) is a plus. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP or Azure), containerization (Docker), version control (Git) and MLOps practices helps you stand out. Visualization skills (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau, Power BI) and domain knowledge—finance, healthcare, manufacturing or retail—are often requested. Academic credentials (MSc/PhD) are valued, but strong portfolios, Kaggle rankings, GitHub projects and relevant certifications also open doors.

How to Find and Land Data Scientist Roles in Italy (Including Milan)

Start with targeted job boards and platforms: LinkedIn, Indeed Italy, Glassdoor, InfoJobs.it, Welcome to the Jungle and AngelList for startups are reliable places to find openings. For Milan-specific opportunities, follow local tech meetups, university career fairs and startup accelerators. Build a concise portfolio with real projects, clean notebooks, GitHub repos and a one-page case study for each project; hiring managers in Italy appreciate practical demos over long resumes. Network—attend data meetups, contribute to open-source or Kaggle, and reach out to recruiters and hiring managers with a personalized message. Prepare for interviews: expect coding tests (Python/SQL), statistical and ML questions, and scenario-based business problems; take-home assignments are common. Non-EU applicants should research work-permit options and the EU Blue Card; many companies will sponsor the right candidate. Finally, learning Italian boosts your chances in many companies, although many tech roles (especially in startups and multinationals) operate in English.