Understanding the Italian Army salary structure, ranks & allowances in Italy 2025 is important for anyone interested in joining the military, planning a career, or simply learning about how much soldiers earn in Italy.
The Italian Army (Esercito Italiano) is one of the main branches of the Italian Armed Forces. It plays a vital role in national defense, peacekeeping, humanitarian missions, and international operations.
This detailed guide explains the full Italian Army salary structure, ranks, and allowances in Italy for 2025, including pay scales, benefits, career progression, and frequently asked questions to make it easy for everyone to understand.
Why Learn About the Italian Army Salary Structure and Ranks?
Knowing how the salary structure works helps you:
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Plan your career and financial goals.
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Understand how much you can earn at each rank.
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See how allowances and benefits improve total earnings.
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Prepare for promotions and higher responsibilities.
The Italian Army offers competitive salaries, a clear rank structure, and generous benefits, which make it a respected and attractive career choice.
Overview of the Italian Army in 2025
The Italian Army in 2025 continues to be a modern and professional force. Its soldiers are involved in domestic security, NATO operations, and international missions.
The Army is divided into professional soldiers (volontari in ferma prefissata — VFP), non-commissioned officers (NCOs), officers, and generals. Each group has different pay scales, responsibilities, and benefits.
How Much Do Italian Army Soldiers Earn in 2025?
Italian Army salaries in 2025 depend on several factors:
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Rank
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Years of service
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Special duties
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Allowances for location, family, or danger
Below is a summary of approximate gross monthly salaries at different ranks.
| Rank / Role | Approx. Monthly Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Soldier (VFP1) | €1,200 – €1,400 |
| Volunteer Soldier (VFP4) | €1,400 – €1,600 |
| Corporal | €1,600 – €1,800 |
| Sergeant | €1,800 – €2,200 |
| Warrant Officer | €2,300 – €2,700 |
| Second Lieutenant | €2,400 – €2,800 |
| Lieutenant | €2,700 – €3,000 |
| Captain | €3,100 – €3,500 |
| Major | €3,700 – €4,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | €4,500 – €5,000 |
| Colonel | €5,500 – €6,500 |
| Brigadier General | €7,000 – €8,000 |
| Major General | €8,500 – €9,500 |
| Lieutenant General | €10,000+ |
These are estimated gross monthly salaries before taxes and without extra allowances.
Italian Army Rank Structure Explained
The Italian Army has a clear hierarchy. Below are the main ranks divided into categories.
1. Volunteer Soldiers
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VFP1 (Volontario in Ferma Prefissata 1 anno): One-year fixed-term volunteer.
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VFP4 (Volontario in Ferma Prefissata 4 anni): Four-year volunteer contract.
2. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
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Corporal (Caporale)
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Sergeant (Sergente)
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Warrant Officer (Maresciallo)
3. Commissioned Officers
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Second Lieutenant (Sottotenente)
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Lieutenant (Tenente)
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Captain (Capitano)
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Major (Maggiore)
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Lieutenant Colonel (Tenente Colonnello)
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Colonel (Colonnello)
4. Generals
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Brigadier General (Generale di Brigata)
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Major General (Generale di Divisione)
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Lieutenant General (Generale di Corpo d’Armata)
Each rank comes with increasing responsibilities, authority, and salary.
Allowances and Benefits for Italian Army Personnel in 2025
In addition to base salary, Italian Army members receive various allowances and benefits, including:
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Family allowance (assegno familiare): For dependents.
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Housing allowance (indennità alloggio): If living off-base.
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Danger allowance (indennità di rischio): For missions in high-risk areas.
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Foreign service allowance: For deployments abroad.
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Meal allowance (buoni pasto): For meals during duty.
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Night and holiday bonuses: For work during nights and public holidays.
These allowances can significantly increase take-home pay, especially for deployed soldiers and those with families.
Career Progression in the Italian Army
A career in the Army provides opportunities to progress through the ranks by:
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Gaining experience and seniority.
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Completing required training and exams.
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Showing leadership and dedication.
Example Career Path:
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Volunteer Soldier (VFP1 → VFP4)
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Corporal
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Sergeant
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Warrant Officer
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Second Lieutenant
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Captain
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Major
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Colonel
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General
Promotion also brings higher pay, additional allowances, and more responsibility.
Training and Requirements for Italian Army Jobs
To join the Italian Army:
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Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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Italian or EU citizenship is required.
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Good physical and mental health is necessary.
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Education requirements vary by rank — higher ranks need degrees.
Recruits undergo basic military training, after which they can specialize in different roles like infantry, engineering, logistics, or medical services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Army Salary & Ranks 2025
How much does a volunteer soldier earn in Italy?
A VFP1 soldier earns around €1,200 – €1,400 per month.
What is the salary of an Italian Army captain?
Captains earn about €3,100 – €3,500 per month.
Do soldiers in Italy get extra pay for missions abroad?
Yes, they receive a foreign service allowance for overseas missions.
How do promotions work?
Promotions depend on years of service, training, and merit. Exams may be required.
What benefits do families of soldiers receive?
Families can receive allowances, health care, housing support, and access to military facilities.
Comparing Italian Army Salaries to Other Professions in Italy
| Profession | Approx. Monthly Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Italian Army Sergeant | €1,800 – €2,200 |
| Police Officer | €1,700 – €2,100 |
| Firefighter | €1,600 – €2,000 |
| Teacher | €1,500 – €2,000 |
| Nurse | €1,600 – €2,000 |
The Italian Army offers competitive pay with additional allowances and clear opportunities for advancement.
Advantages of a Career in the Italian Army
Here are reasons why joining the Italian Army is a good career choice:
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Job security: Stable employment as a public servant.
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Competitive salary and benefits: Including pensions and allowances.
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Career growth: Clear progression paths.
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Skill development: Training in leadership, technical, and tactical areas.
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Sense of purpose: Serving the nation and making a difference.
Tips for Success in the Italian Army
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Take advantage of all training and educational opportunities.
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Stay physically fit and mentally strong.
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Show initiative and work well in teams.
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Learn foreign languages if interested in international missions.
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Aim for promotions by passing exams and showing leadership skills.
Summary Table: Italian Army Salary Structure & Ranks 2025
| Rank | Approx. Monthly Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Soldier (VFP1) | €1,200 – €1,400 |
| Volunteer Soldier (VFP4) | €1,400 – €1,600 |
| Corporal | €1,600 – €1,800 |
| Sergeant | €1,800 – €2,200 |
| Warrant Officer | €2,300 – €2,700 |
| Second Lieutenant | €2,400 – €2,800 |
| Lieutenant | €2,700 – €3,000 |
| Captain | €3,100 – €3,500 |
| Major | €3,700 – €4,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | €4,500 – €5,000 |
| Colonel | €5,500 – €6,500 |
| Brigadier General | €7,000 – €8,000 |
| Major General | €8,500 – €9,500 |
| Lieutenant General | €10,000+ |
Final Thoughts: Italian Army Salary Structure, Ranks & Allowances in Italy 2025
The Italian Army salary structure, ranks & allowances in Italy 2025 show how rewarding a career in the military can be both financially and personally.
With clear progression, competitive salaries, and additional benefits such as family support, housing, and allowances for special duties, the Army remains an excellent career path for those who value service, discipline, and growth.
If you are considering joining the Army or just curious about its pay scales, this guide has explained everything you need to know — clearly and professionally.