Stipendio

Stipendio is the Italian term for the regular compensation paid to an employee for work performed. It is usually issued on a monthly basis and represents the gross amount before deductions such as taxes and social security contributions. Stipendio is the standard word for wage in many sectors, especially in the civil service, academia, and permanent employment, while other terms may be used in different contexts.

Originating from the Latin stipendium, meaning pay or allowance, the word has long been used in Italian to denote a fixed, ongoing payment rather than a variable piece-rate wage.

Stipendio typically combines a base amount with possible allowances defined by contracts or collective agreements, such as travel, meals, or housing allowances. The net amount received by the employee is the stipendio minus statutory deductions, including income tax (IRPEF) and INPS contributions, as well as any other withholdings required by law or contract.

Although closely related to salario and retribuzione, stipendio is most common for regular, salaried positions, while salario is sometimes preferred for hourly or day labor contexts; however the distinction is not universally fixed and varies by sector and region. In everyday usage, the terms may be used interchangeably.

In English, stipendio translates as salary or pay; the English term stipend has a different sense, referring to a fixed sum paid to a student, trainee, or scholar, not used to describe ordinary Italian compensation.