A Look at the Job Market in Austria
Austria has a robust manufacturing sector, a thriving service sector, and a lot of emphasis on research and development. The job market has been strong in recent years, with a low unemployment rate compared to many other European countries. There were some ups and downs in the economy, especially in 2024, but predictions for 2025 say that it would slowly get better and stabilise, with a GDP increase of 1.5%.
One big change in the Austrian job market is that more women and immigrant workers are getting jobs. In 2024, the number of foreign workers in Austria rose by 2.6%, showing how accessible the country is to worldwide talent. But it’s important to remember that unemployment is likely to go up somewhat in 2025 before a stronger economic rebound in 2026 helps it go down.
The service industry is the biggest employer, with 67% of workers. The industrial sector comes next, with 28%, and agricultural comes last, with 5%. This diversification opens up a lot of doors in many different fields.
Industries and jobs that are in high demand
There is always a need for competent workers in Austria in a number of important fields. This is a great chance for people from other countries looking for work, especially those with exceptional skills.
1. IT stands for Information Technology.
Digitalisation is happening across all businesses, which is making the IT sector in Austria grow quickly. This means that there is a lot of need for IT professionals.
Some of the jobs are as follows: software engineers, data processors, full stack developers, DevOps engineers, cloud engineers, mobile app developers, cybersecurity specialists, IT management, IT consulting, system software and support.
Outlook: The demand for software engineers is expected to rise by 18% in 2024, and the need for cybersecurity experts is also growing because of data protection laws. This makes IT a very promising area.
2. Health care:
Healthcare is still an important field that always needs more medical personnel.
Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, nurse assistants, and paramedics are some of the specific roles.
Outlook: There will always be a need for healthcare workers to help the public health system.
3. Tourism and hospitality:
Because Austria is a popular place for tourists to go, the tourism and hospitality industry always needs a lot of workers.
There are specific jobs for cooks, waiters, bartenders, receptionists, tourism clerks, event managers, and hotel staff.
Outlook: More than 20 million people visit the country every year, which means that there will always be jobs available in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and travel agencies. It is really helpful to be able to speak German and English well.
4. Engineering:
Austria has a strong industrial base that keeps engineers in high demand in many fields.
Some of the jobs are: mechanical engineer, industrial engineer, manufacturing engineer, automotive manager, and electronics engineer.
The engineering and technology sector is one of the fastest-growing in Austria.
5. Building and trades:
The construction business is doing very well, thus there is a lot of need for skilled blue-collar workers.
Electricians (particularly in power engineering), welders, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, general construction workers, automotive service technicians and mechanics, truck drivers, HVAC technicians, boilermakers, machine operators, and construction inspectors are all examples of specific roles.
Outlook: A lot of government and private money is going into infrastructure and building projects, which means there will always be a strong need for competent craftsmen.
6. E-commerce, trade, and retail:
The changing retail scene, especially with the rise of internet purchasing, has made it necessary to hire more trained workers.
Some of the specific jobs are: marketing managers, sales and distribution, purchasing and logistics, and e-business and e-commerce specialists.
The future looks good for this industry because e-commerce and cross-border trade are still growing.
7. 7. Culture, Media, and Entertainment:
Austria has a lot of cultural events going on, and digital media is becoming more and more important. This means there are jobs in the creative and communication industries.
Some jobs include social media managers, site designers, film/video/sound recording professionals, graphics and photography experts, cultural and event managers, new media specialists, radio and television, theatre and music.
Outlook: There are often English-speaking jobs in this field.
What to Expect in Austria’s Salaries
In Austria, salaries are generally competitive, especially in fields where there is a lot of demand. In 2025, the average gross wage for full-time workers in Austria will be around €51,500 per year, or about €3,422 per month before taxes. Collective agreements usually specify the lowest monthly salary, which is usually around €1,700 gross per month.
As of early 2025, here is a list of the average gross annual incomes by sector:
€66,292 for electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
€55,402 for Financial and Insurance Activities
IT (Information and Communication): €52,469
Mining and Quarrying: €49,879
€47,431 for public administration and defence
€46,950 for manufacturing
Professionals (overall): €51,710
€44,053 for technicians and associate professionals
People who work in crafts and related trades make €42,467.
€39,442 for people who run plants and machines and put things together
€33,773 for clerical support workers
Average hourly pay for hospitality: €15
Average hourly income in retail: €13
It’s crucial to remember that actual compensation might be very different depending on things like experience, job title, company size, and location. For instance, managers make a lot more money, with an average gross yearly income of about €74,495.
How much it costs to live in Austria
The pay is good, but you need also think about the expense of living. Most people think that Austria is more expensive than the rest of the globe. The average cost of living is 1.67 times greater. But earnings usually match these costs, which makes for a pleasant living.
Average Monthly Costs (as of April 2025):
For one person: €1,580 to €2,820 (for accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities)
For students, €700 to €1,000
€2,370 to €6,460 for a family of four
Important Cost Groups:
Rent or buy a house:
€600 to €1,250 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
€509 to €1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre
€1,010 to €2,500 for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre
€900 to €1,700 for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre
Rent is usually highest in Vienna, then in Salzburg and Graz.
Utilities (for a 915 sq ft apartment): €212.50 to €500 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and rubbish.
A single person might spend €300 to €600 a month on groceries, while a family might spend €600 to €1,900.
Transportation (monthly pass): About €50.50
Eating out: A cheap lunch costs about €15, while a mid-range three-course meal for two people costs about €67.50.
Comparison of Salaries and Cost of Living (after taxes):
Average Monthly Net Salary: €2,848.36
Vienna: The average net pay per month is €2,698, and the cost of living for one person is about €1,706.
The average monthly net pay in Salzburg is €2,564, and the cost of living for a single person is about €1,556.
Graz: The average net pay is €2,441 per month, and the cost of living for one person is about €1,526.
In general, the average net pay in Austria lets you live well, especially if you keep your costs down and look for places to live that aren’t in the most costly city centres.
Austria’s Work Culture
To make a smooth move and have a successful career in Austria, you need to know how people work there.
Formality: Austrian workplaces are usually formal, especially when you first meet someone. It’s usual to use titles and last names (such “Herr Müller” or “Frau Schmidt”) until someone tells you to use first names.
Professionalism: Dress appropriately and act professionally when you talk to people.
Being on time: Being on time is very important in Austria, both for meetings and for work every day.
Hierarchy: Even while workplaces are changing, there is still a certain amount of hierarchy in them. It’s crucial to respect authority and the rules that are already in place.
Work-Life Balance: Austria is known for having a healthy work-life balance, with uniform hours and lots of vacation time.
Direct Communication: Austrians are known for being direct and clear when they talk to each other. Some people might think this is rude, but it’s usually not meant to be rude; it’s meant to be efficient.
Planning and Organisation: In Austria, businesses are known for being very careful when it comes to planning and organising.
German Language: Many worldwide organisations use English, but knowing German is a big plus, especially for fitting in with the rest of society and for many jobs.
How to Look for a Job in Austria
If you’re not a citizen of the EU, you need to take a systematic approach to finding a job in Austria.
1. 1. Job Platforms on the Internet:
Use well-known job sites in Austria and around the world:
AMS eJob-Room and AMS Jobroboter are the official portals for the Public Employment Service.
Karriere.at is one of the best job sites in Austria.
Stepstone.at is a popular international job board that has a presence in Austria.
Indeed.at, Monster.at, Jobrapido.at, and Jooble.at are all international sites with good local listings.
LinkedIn and Xing are two important professional networking platforms that can help you meet new people and find job openings. Xing is especially useful in German-speaking nations.
Specialised Platforms: For IT opportunities, check out itstellen.at or techtalents.at; for financial jobs, check out financejobs.at; and for healthcare jobs, check out Pflegestellen.at.
Websites for Companies: Many Austrian businesses post job openings right on their career pages.
2. Networking:
Go to job fairs, industry events, and professional meetups.
Use professional social networks like LinkedIn and Xing to meet people in the companies and industries you want to work in.
Networking in an informal way can also be helpful.
3. Agencies for hiring:
Think about dealing with a recruitment agency that specialises in your sector. There are many agencies in Austria that help place highly qualified candidates.
Hays Austria (specialises in academics with professional experience in Finance, Green Business, IT), Mondial Recruiting, MBMC (IT personnel consulting), Pederson & Partners (Executive Search), Brunel, AMS Accelerate IT, Cadre, Konen & Lorenzen (hotel, catering, tourism), and Giacomelli Personal Research Solutions are all examples.
4. Public Employment Service (AMS):
The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is a great place for those looking for work to go because it has job listings, advice, and help. The AMS can help you if you are new to Austria or planning to migrate there.
5. 5. Customise Your Application:
CV (Lebenslauf): Make sure your CV is clear, short, and shows off your abilities and experience that are most relevant. In Austria, a photo is not required, but it is nevertheless very frequent and accepted.
Cover Letter (Bewerbungsschreiben): A good cover letter that is relevant to each job is important since it shows that you understand the role and the firm.
Language: For most jobs, especially those that aren’t fully international, you should be able to speak German well. Even if the job description is in English, you usually need to be able to speak German for interviews and work every day.
Visa and Residence Permit Requirements for People Who Are Not EU Citizens
For people from countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, getting the right work permit is very important. Austria gives out different kinds of visas and permits, such as:
1. Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte):
This is the most prevalent type of permit for skilled workers from outside the EU. It works on a points system that takes into account:
Degrees and diplomas are required.
Professional Experience: Work history that is relevant.
Language Skills: Fluent in German (and sometimes English).
Age: Younger applicants might get more points.
Job Offer: A job offer that you have to accept and that includes a minimum pay.
Shortage Occupation: If your job is on Austria’s list of jobs that are hard to fill, your chances of getting a job there go up a lot.
2. EU Blue Card:
This is for highly qualified people from outside the EU who have a college degree and a work offer with a minimum wage criterion. It makes it easier for people to move between EU countries that are taking part.
3. Visa for Job Seekers (Visum D):
This visa lets highly qualified non-EU citizens come to Austria for up to six months to look for work. There is a minimum number of points that applicants must have. If a job is found during this period, they can then apply for a Red-White-Red Card.
4. Visas for short-term jobs:
For certain short-term jobs, like interns or seasonal labourers.
General Requirements for Work Visas and Residence Permits:
Your passport must have been issued in the last 10 years, have at least two blank pages, and be valid for at least three months after you want to leave Austria.
Photos the Size of a Passport.
Proof of Qualifications: degrees, diplomas, and professional certifications.
Employment Contract or Binding Job Offer: This document spells out the wage, job description, and terms of employment, making sure they follow Austrian labour laws and minimum salary levels.
documentation of accommodation: a rental agreement or other documentation of where you live.
Proof of Financial Means: You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself without using Austrian social assistance. There are minimum monthly income criteria, such as €966.65 for a single individual, €1,524.99 for a married couple, and €149.15 for each kid as of 2020.
Health Insurance: You must show that you have enough health insurance that is valid in Austria for the whole time you are there. You are automatically protected by the national health insurance system once you get a job, but you require coverage for the time before or after you start working.
How to Apply: Most of the time, you send your application to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country or the nation where you live. Under certain situations, some categories may let you submit from within Austria.
Processing periods and costs: Processing times usually take between eight and twelve weeks, and costs usually vary from €100 to €160.
What the employer does:
Employers are very important to the immigration procedure since they provide the essential assistance and paperwork. Employers must make a binding job offer that meets Austrian labour rules. In most cases, you need a visa sponsor before the procedure can continue forward.
In Austria, taxes and Social Security
For budgeting your finances, it’s important to know how taxes work.
Income Tax (Lohnsteuer): The employer takes out income tax from employees’ pay cheques and sends it to the government. People who live in Austria pay taxes on all of their income, but people who don’t live there only pay taxes on income they earn in Austria.
Tax Brackets (as of late 2024/early 2025):
0% on amounts up to €12,816
20% of €12,816 to €20,818
30% of €20,818 to €34,513
40% of €34,513 to €66,612
48% of €66,612 to €99,266
50% of the time, it’s between €99,266 and €1 million.
55% of people who live there pay income tax on more than €1 million.
Social Security Contributions: Austria has a full social security system that covers things like healthcare, pensions, unemployment insurance, and other social benefits. Both employees and employers pay into it.
Employee Contributions: About 18% of gross pay, which includes health insurance (about 7.65%), pension insurance (22.8%), and unemployment insurance (5.9%). Employees’ total social security contributions might be as high as 37.45% of their pay.
Employer Contributions: Employers also put in around the same amount.
Tax Year and Filing: The tax year in Austria runs from January 1 to December 31. You have to file your annual tax return by April 30 (on paper) or June 30 (online through FinanzOnline) of the following year. Most people who work don’t have to submit a return unless they have extra income or qualify for specific credits and deductions.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is another tax in Austria. The usual rate is 20%, but some goods and services have lower rates. The proceeds from investments are taxed as capital gains.
Quality of Life in Austria
Austria is always at the top of lists of countries with the best quality of life.
High Quality of Life: Great public services, safety, and a clean environment.
Education: A good education system that includes both public and international schools.
Healthcare: A universal healthcare system that offers great medical care.
Culture and Leisure: There are many cultural events, beautiful natural areas where you may perform outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, and lively towns with a lot of entertainment possibilities.
Public Transportation: Major cities have large and efficient public transportation systems.
Austria is thought to be a very safe country.
Final Thoughts
Austria has a lot to offer in terms of job prospects, a good standard of living, and a varied cultural experience. Getting a job and going through the visa procedure can be hard work, especially for people who aren’t from the EU. But the country is very friendly to qualified international workers and has a solid economy, making it a great place to live and work. You can greatly improve your chances of building a successful career in Austria by learning about the in-demand sectors, carefully preparing your application, adapting to the local work culture, and getting to know the ins and outs of living and working there.
