Due to the high standard of living and decent wages, more and more migrant workers choose Austria for permanent residence. Learn more about the specifics of the labor market, popular vacancies and average salaries in Austria in 2024
Austria is a small country located among picturesque mountains, with a population of just over eight million people. The country is divided into nine federal lands, each of which has its own unique features. 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 inhabitants. 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 lands, districts or even individual communities. For example, budget allocation, refugee accommodation and social benefits may differ 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 conducted in literary German.
Life in Austria is comfortable due to good ecology, low crime rate and high-quality medicine. However, an appointment for a doctor’s consultation 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 taking out insurance, still require paper documents. An insurance contract, for example, is sent by mail. If you need a quick response from an official structure, it is better to call, since the response to an email may be delayed for several months or not at all.
According to statistics, the largest number of migrant workers arrive in Austria from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Popular jobs for migrant workers in Austria
According to the Austrian Employment Service (AMS), the greatest shortage of highly qualified specialists is observed in industry, trade and medical services. This need is reflected in the salaries that employers offer. For example, the salary of a doctor with five years of experience in Austria is correlated with the income of a civil engineer or software developer. Highly qualified nurses and teachers also receive significant remuneration.
In addition, the labor market shows a significant shortage of technical workers, builders, drivers, office workers, as well as seasonal workers in agriculture and tourism. Despite this, Austrians are in no hurry to get jobs in the service sector or work specialties. Lower-level positions such as nannies, cleaners, housekeepers, waiters, nurses and salesmen are often occupied by foreigners, mainly from Eastern Europe and the former USSR.
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 an opportunity to get up-to-date information about available vacancies, training and professional development programs, which contributes to adaptation to the labor market and professional development.
Thus, the demand for specialists in Austria significantly exceeds the supply, which creates favorable conditions for employment of both local residents and foreigners.
Austria has a well-developed metallurgical, pulp and chemical industries, and also offers many vacancies in retail, banking, healthcare and tourism. However, the tourism industry has been severely affected by quarantine restrictions. Now tourism is gradually recovering, so they are actively looking for new employees. However, there is a risk that with a new wave of morbidity, many resorts may close again.
Among the most in-demand specialists in Austria are doctors and medical staff, builders, waiters, technicians, drivers, sales managers and handymen such as electricians, locksmiths and installers. Over the past 20 years, there has been a boom in higher education, so fewer people are seeking to work physically.
There are few international companies in Austria, so it is important to learn German, since not everyone speaks English in local firms. Most Austrians work in offices, and even during strict quarantine restrictions preferred to work from the office instead of working remotely.
It is very difficult to open your own business in Austria, even for local residents, not to mention refugees and migrants. Many bureaucratic procedures make it difficult to start your own business, which can be a serious challenge for new entrepreneurs.
To safely move to any country in the world, obtain citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help you solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any corner of the world.
The level of 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.
Firstly, the level of education and practical qualifications of the employee are important. Highly qualified specialists are much more likely to receive a high salary. Also, wages depend on the scarcity of the specialty. Especially in-demand professionals can expect a salary of 4,000 euros per month.
Secondly, the age of the employee also matters. Employers prefer employees under the age of 50, and in the technological fields this age limit is even lower.
The location of the employer also plays a role. For example, wages in Vienna are usually higher than in other Austrian federal states. The gender factor also affects: 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 confidence, which can affect their career opportunities and salary.
In Austria, employees receive 14 salaries per year: one for each month, one extra for Christmas and one for vacation. The minimum gross salary, that is, before taxes, is at least 1,500 euros per month. Collective agreements determine the level of salaries in various industries.
Employers usually indicate the gross salary for the year in job advertisements. To understand the monthly salary, this amount should be divided by 14. Next, using special calculators, you can calculate the net salary after taxes.
The tax rate in Austria depends on the 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%. Additionally, about 100-150 euros per month is calculated for insurance and social protection.
Thanks to this system, employees in Austria have a stable and predictable income. Christmas and vacation paychecks are nice bonuses that help you better plan your holiday expenses and vacations. This payment 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 for this salary:
1. The standard working time is 48 hours per week for the last 17 weeks;
2. the maximum weekly workload is 60 hours without additional payment for overtime hours, but with prior approval;
3. The normal working day is 10 hours, with the possibility of extending up to 12 hours without additional payment, if it fits into the average weekly norm.
Average income in Austria, euro/month:
1. Minimum wage (for unskilled labor) – 1 670;
2. the average salary is 2,690;
3. The income of highly qualified specialists is 3,600.
Registration of employment 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 because of their immunity to changes, although they easily get temporary agreements. The rules for notification of dismissal are also strict: both the employer and the employee must notify each other at least a month in advance, and more often – three months in advance. The probation period is usually limited to one month.
The main employment format 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 a part-time job, where the limit is 8 hours per week and 485.85 euros. In this tax regime, social contributions are not mandatory, but you do not have protection from labor laws.
As for freelancing in Austria, this is a less profitable option due to the mandatory self-payment of taxes (more than 730 euros per month) and SVA insurance, as well as the lack of social insurance. Thus, official employment remains the simplest and most profitable option.
The main indicators of the Austrian labor market in 2024
Unemployment statistics in Austria over the last period show a steady downward trend. 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 Bureau of Statistics, 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, this figure was 9.4%. However, the general trend indicates a gradual decrease in this indicator.
Interestingly, the majority of the unemployed (67%) belong to the age group from 25 to 49 years old. Officially staying in Austria, foreigners can claim social protection from unemployment on an equal basis with Austrians, but the amount of the benefit depends on their past earnings. You can use a special calculator to calculate.
Igor Usyk – Head of the Legal Department of Visit World
For safe relocation to Austria, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.
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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
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