Free tool · for employers

What does an agency really cost you?

Recruitment agencies usually charge the employer a percentage of the first-year gross salary. Enter your numbers and see what you could do with that money instead.

Gross annual salary for the role (€) Monthly payments per year In Italy, most collective agreements pay salary in 13 or 14 instalments a year.

Agency fee (% of gross annual salary) 20% Typical range: 15% to 25% of the gross annual salary; it varies by role, seniority and contract. Employer social contributions and costs (estimate, % of salary) 30% Used to turn the fee into a salary increase “at the same total cost”. It is an estimate: it depends on the collective agreement, job grade and any incentives.

—paid by the employer to the agency, one-off

—of gross salary increase for one year, at the same cost

—extra gross per month over 13 payments

—increase on the gross annual salary

Who pays the fee?

The employer. In Italy, authorised agencies may not charge workers any fee (art. 11 of Legislative Decree D.Lgs. 276/2003): the fee is not deducted from the candidate’s pay, it is a cost for the hiring company.

Why it matters to job seekers too

That budget already exists. By hiring directly, a company can choose to spend it on salary, training or benefits instead of intermediation.

How to read the numbers

This is an indicative calculation: agency contracts may include minimum fees, retainers or replacement guarantees. For a precise assessment, check your contract and ask your payroll or employment adviser.

Hire directly, with the salary in plain sight

On Hunterless you post the job with its salary range and matching candidates find you. No fee on hires.

Post a job See the 2026 salary report