Due to the high standard of living and decent salaries, more and more labor migrants are choosing Austria for permanent residence. Find out more about the labor market, popular vacancies and average salaries in Austria in 2024

Austria is a small country nestled among picturesque mountains with a population of just over eight million people. The country is divided into nine federal states, each with its own unique characteristics. The capital Vienna is the largest city with a population of about one million people, followed by Graz with 291 thousand and Linz with 206 thousand. Most Austrians do not live in large cities, but on their outskirts or in small towns.

Austria is a federal republic, so many issues are resolved at the level of states, districts, or even individual communities. For example, budget allocation, refugee accommodation, and social benefits can vary significantly from community to community. The official language is German, but different dialects are used in the regions, which can make it difficult to understand. However, written communication is always in literary German.

Life in Austria is comfortable due to the good environment, low crime rate and high-quality healthcare. However, an appointment with a doctor can take up to several months, although all doctors are highly qualified professionals.

One of the disadvantages of living in Austria is the low level of digitalization. Many bureaucratic procedures, such as enrolling a child in school or kindergarten or applying for insurance, still require paper documents. Insurance contracts, for example, are sent by mail. If you need a quick response from an official agency, it's better to call, as an email response can be delayed for several months or not at all.

According to statistics, the largest number of labor migrants come to Austria from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Popular vacancies for labor migrants in Austria

According to the Austrian Employment Service (AMS), the greatest shortage of highly qualified specialists is observed in industry, trade and healthcare. This need is also reflected in the salaries offered by employers. For example, the salary of a doctor with five years of experience in Austria is comparable to that of a civil engineer or software developer. Highly skilled nurses and teachers are also highly remunerated.

In addition, the labor market shows a significant shortage of technicians, construction workers, drivers, office workers, and seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism. Despite this, Austrians are not in a hurry to take up jobs in the service sector or in laboring specialties. Lower-level positions, such as nannies, cleaners, domestic helpers, waiters, nurses, and salespeople, are often filled by foreigners, mostly from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

For those who do not have a prestigious education and want to change jobs or undergo professional retraining, AMS has created the Karrierekompass portal. This resource provides up-to-date information on available vacancies, training and professional development programs, which helps to adapt to the labor market and improve skills.

Thus, the demand for specialists in Austria significantly exceeds the supply, which creates favorable conditions for employment of both locals and foreigners.

Austria has a developed metallurgical, pulp and chemical industry, and offers many vacancies in retail, banking, healthcare and tourism. However, the tourism industry has been hit hard by the quarantine restrictions. Tourism is now gradually recovering, so they are actively looking for new employees. However, there is a risk that many resorts may close again with a new wave of morbidity.

Among the most sought-after professionals in Austria are doctors and medical staff, construction workers, waiters, technicians, drivers, sales managers, and handymen such as electricians, fitters, and installers. Over the past 20 years, there has been a boom in higher education, so fewer people are seeking physical work.

There are few international companies in Austria, so it is important to learn German, as not everyone in local companies speaks English. Most Austrians work in offices, and even during the strict quarantine restrictions, they preferred working from the office to remote work.

Starting a business in Austria is very difficult, even for locals, not to mention refugees and migrants. Many bureaucratic procedures complicate the process of starting a business, which can be a serious challenge for new entrepreneurs.

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Wages and income taxation in Austria

In Austria, as in many other countries, labor discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or political views is prohibited. However, there are a number of factors that affect the salary of an individual specialist.

First, the level of education and practical qualifications of the employee are important. Highly skilled professionals have a much better chance of earning a high salary. Salaries also depend on the scarcity of the specialty. Professionals in high demand can expect a salary of 4000 euros per month.

Secondly, the age of the employee also matters. Employers prefer workers under 50 years old, and in technological fields, this age limit is even lower.

The location of the employer also plays a role. For example, in Vienna, salaries are usually higher than in other federal states of Austria. The gender factor also has an impact: employers are more likely to entrust responsible work to men.

In addition, citizenship is important. Priority is given to citizens of Austria or EU member states. Immigrants from other countries are often viewed with less trust, which can affect their career opportunities and salary.

In Austria, employees receive 14 paychecks per year: one for each month, one extra for Christmas, and one for vacation. The minimum gross salary, i.e. before taxes, is at least EUR 1,500 per month. Collective bargaining agreements determine the level of salaries in different industries.

Employers usually indicate the amount of gross salary for the year in their job advertisements. To understand the monthly salary, this amount should be divided by 14. Then, using special calculators, you can calculate the net salary after taxes.

The tax rate in Austria depends on your annual income. If you earn less than 11 thousand euros per year, the tax rate is 0%. From 11 to 18 thousand euros - 20%, from 18 to 31 thousand euros - 32.5%, and from 31 to 60 thousand euros - 42%. In addition, about 100-150 euros per month are deducted for insurance and social security.

Thanks to this system, employees in Austria have a stable and predictable income. Christmas and vacation salaries are nice bonuses that help to better plan expenses for holidays and vacations. This pay structure makes the Austrian salary system one of the most attractive in Europe.

The average salary in Austria attracts the attention of potential migrants who dream of high wages for their qualifications. However, foreigners should understand that Austrian employers have their own requirements for employees to earn this salary:

1. Working hours - 48 hours per week for the last 17 weeks;

2. The maximum weekly workload is 60 hours without overtime pay, but with prior approval;

3. The normal working day is 10 hours, with the possibility of extending it to 12 hours without additional payment if it fits into the average weekly norm.

Average income in Austria, EUR/month: 

1. Minimum wage (for unskilled labor) - 1,670; 

2. Average salary - 2,690; 

3. Income of highly qualified specialists - 3,600.

Formalization of labor relations in Austria

There are two main types of employment contracts in Austria: unbefristet (indefinite) and befristet (fixed-term). The peculiarity is that Austrians prefer indefinite contracts due to their aversion to change, although they can easily obtain temporary agreements. The rules on notice of dismissal are also strict: both employer and employee must give at least one month's notice, and more often three months. The probationary period is usually limited to one month.

The main format of employment is full-time, which is 38.5-40 hours per week. However, it is possible to work part-time (from 20% to 90% of full-time) or have part-time employment, where the limit is 8 hours per week and 485.85 euros. In this mode, taxation and social security contributions are not required, but you do not have protection from labor law.

As for freelancing in Austria, this is a less profitable option due to the mandatory self-payment of taxes (over 730 euros per month) and SVA insurance, as well as the lack of social security. Thus, official employment remains the easiest and most profitable option.

Key indicators of the Austrian labor market in 2024

Unemployment statistics in Austria have been showing a steady downward trend over the past period. According to the Eurostat report for the second quarter of last year, the overall unemployment rate in the country was 4.5%, which indicates a fairly stable situation in the labor market.

However, the national statistics bureau, AMS online, recorded a slightly higher unemployment rate in September of the same year - 6.6%. These figures vary by region, for example, the highest unemployment rates were recorded in Vienna and Carinthia.

Compared to Austrians, foreigners with a work visa will face a slightly higher unemployment rate - in September last year, the figure was 9.4%. However, the general trend shows a gradual decrease in this figure.

Interestingly, the majority of the unemployed (67%) belong to the age group of 25 to 49 years. While officially residing in Austria, foreigners can apply for unemployment insurance on an equal footing with Austrians, but the amount of assistance depends on their past earnings. You can use a special calculator to calculate the amount.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Austria, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Austria.

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