Work Opportunities in Austria: A Guide for Expats for 2025-26

Austria offers a dynamic job market, especially in sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. With Austria's unemployment rate recorded at 5.40% in March of 2025, the country shows a stable demand for skilled professionals. Work opportunities in Austria continue to grow, supported by a strong economy and progressive labour policies.

Employees benefit from standard working hours, generous leave policies, and social security coverage, including health and pension benefits. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about exploring and securing employment opportunities in Austria.

Austria’s Employee Laws & Benefits

Austria provides a robust legal framework that protects employees through a blend of statutory rules and sector-specific collective agreements. From employment terms and wage practices to leave entitlements and work-hour limits, the system ensures fairness and balance in the workplace. Here is a breakdown of the elements.

• Wages & Salary Standards

• There is no national minimum wage law; instead, collective agreements set wage floors for almost all private-sector jobs.
• Employees generally receive 14 salary payments annually, including holiday and Christmas bonuses.

• Working Hours & Overtime

• Standard working time is up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week; some agreements reduce this slightly.
• Overtime is usually capped at 10 hours weekly and paid at a 50% premium or exchanged for time off; higher rates apply to nights and weekends.

• Annual Leave & Public Holidays

• Workers get 25 working days of paid leave annually; this rises to 30 days after 25 years of service.
• Employees are entitled to 12 paid public holidays each year, observed with full salary.

• Special Leaves

• Sick Leave: Continued salary is paid during illness, with extended coverage through health insurance after statutory limits.
• Maternity Leave: Expectant mothers receive paid leave starting 8 weeks before and ending 8 weeks after childbirth.
• Parental Leave: Unpaid leave of up to 24 months is available for childcare, with job protection for 4 weeks post-leave.
• Care Leave: Employees can take one week of paid leave to care for cohabiting family members, with an optional second week for children under 12.
• Study Leave: Workers may take 2 to 12 months of unpaid study leave, distributed over up to four years.

Also Read: Top 10 Jobs in Austria for Expats in 2025

Top Industries & Companies in Austria

Here's a closer look at these industries and some of the top-ranked companies within each sector:

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is one of Austria's key industries, accounting for around 25% of the country's GDP. The country is particularly strong in the production of machinery, equipment, and vehicles. Some of the top-ranked manufacturing companies in Austria include:

• Andritz AG: This company specializes in the production of industrial equipment for the pulp and paper, metals, and energy industries.

• Voestalpine AG: Voestalpine is a leading steel and technology group and has a strong focus on innovation and digitalization.

Tourism

Tourism is another important industry in Austria, with the country attracting millions of visitors each year to its picturesque landscapes, historic cities, and world-class skiing resorts. Some of the top-ranked tourism companies in Austria include:

• Vienna International Airport: As Austria's largest airport, Vienna International Airport plays a key role in the country's tourism industry.

• Österreichische Bundesbahnen (Austrian Federal Railways): The national railway company of Austria, ÖBB operates a network of trains and buses that connect the country's cities and towns.

Technology

With Austria has a thriving technology sector, the country is home to a number of innovative startups and established companies. Some of the top-ranked technology companies in Austria include:

• Infineon Technologies Austria AG: A global leader in semiconductor technology, with a strong presence in Austria.

• Red Bull GmbH: While best known for its energy drinks, Red Bull is also a major player in the world of extreme sports and content creation.

Overall, the top industries in Austria offer a diverse range of career opportunities and are leaders in their fields and are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends, making them attractive employers for skilled workers in Austria and beyond.

Quick Read: Things You Should Know About Austria Job Seeker Visa

Salary in Austria: A Synopsis of the Pay Scale

Austria offers competitive salaries across diverse industries, with structured pay determined by profession and experience level. The average gross annual salary in Austria is €60,500 for full-time employees. Here is a table highlighting the average annual salaries for some top job roles across different fields.

Note: These are only estimates, and actual salaries may vary based on the individual's experience, the company's size and industry, and other factors.

Check Out: Top 10 Benefits of Working in Austria

Austria: Change in Demand of Employment Sector & Hiring

Here’s a graph mentioning the Top 10 sectors for employment change in Austria. This gives us a clear view of the demand change and what potential employees can target in the upcoming years.

Source: Y-Axis

The absolute change in the number of employees in Austria over a period of 1 year is mentioned in the graph.

Source: Statista

Future Trends of Austria: A Revelation

Here are some of the key future trends to watch in Austria:

Digitalization

Austria is going through a digital revolution, leading to significant changes in the way businesses operate and people live their lives. With a highly skilled workforce and a strong innovation ecosystem, digital startups and established companies are flourishing in Austria.

Sustainability

Being committed to sustainable development, Austria has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and addressing issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality.

Internationalization

Austria has long been a hub for international business, and this trend is likely to continue as the country strengthens its position as a gateway to the European market. Austria's strategic location, skilled workforce, and high-quality infrastructure make it an attractive destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.

Austria: A Place Built to Work Soundly

In conclusion, Austria offers attractive employment opportunities for foreign skilled workers, and the country's strong labor laws and regulations ensure that all workers are treated fairly and equitably. It is important for foreign workers to understand their rights and responsibilities before beginning employment in Austria, and to ensure that they have the necessary work permits and visas in place.

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Useful Links for Further Reading

• How to Settle in Austria from India: 10 Tips for the Transition
• How To Get Job in Austria from India