Job Hunting In Austria: What Are Your Chances?

Austria is a desirable destination for job seekers due to its thriving economy, high standard of living, and abundant job opportunities. The country boasts a stable economy, a low unemployment rate, and a high quality of life for its population.

If you're considering a career in Austria, it's important to note that while English is widely spoken, German is the official language, and fluency in German is essential for success in the job market.

Austria's economy is fuelled by small and medium-sized enterprises, with the service industry generating the largest share of the country's income. The country also has a strong manufacturing sector, including mechanical and steel engineering, chemicals, and automotive manufacturing.

In terms of job opportunities, Austria offers a range of options, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The country's stunning landscapes and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg contribute to a booming tourism industry. Additionally, there is a high demand for skilled workers in various sectors, including engineering, construction, healthcare, and information technology.

To increase your chances of finding a job in Austria, it is recommended to use a combination of resources such as online job boards, recruitment agencies, personal referrals, and local newspapers. It is also beneficial to build a strong network of contacts in Austria, as personal relationships are valued in the country's job market.

If you are not an EU citizen, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa and work permit to work in Austria. The Red-White-Red Card is a common pathway, which is based on your qualifications, skills, and the needs of the Austrian labour market.

With its vibrant culture, high standard of living, and diverse career opportunities, Austria presents an attractive prospect for those seeking to embark on a fulfilling career journey abroad.

Job market and availability

Austria has a thriving economy, low unemployment, and a high quality of life, making it a desirable destination for job seekers. The country's stable economy is fuelled by a network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with the service industry generating the largest share of its income.

Job Opportunities

Austria offers a range of job opportunities, especially in the following sectors:

• Hospitality and tourism: Austria's stunning landscapes and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg fuel a booming hospitality and tourism industry.
• Manufacturing: Mechanical and steel engineering, chemicals, and automotive manufacturing support the country's industrial sector.
• Construction: There is a constant demand for labour in the construction sector, which is one of the major driving forces behind the country's economy.
• Healthcare: There is a high demand for medical staff in private hospitals and medical centres in Austria.
• Education: English teachers are in demand, especially with TEFL or TESOL certification.

Language Requirements

While English is widely spoken, German is the official language of Austria, and fluency is essential for success in the workplace. However, it is possible to find English-speaking jobs, especially in large cities like Vienna and Berlin, and in multinational companies. Learning basic German can improve your chances and enhance your experience.

Job Search Strategies

To find job vacancies in Austria, you can use online employment services such as EURES, Glassdoor, and Jobted Austria. Internet job hunting can be fast and efficient, but most Austrian job sites are in German, so language skills are beneficial.

Newspapers, both print and online, are another way to search for job openings. Traditional Viennese cafes often have all the major Austrian newspapers, allowing you to scan the classifieds while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Networking and personal connections are also important in Austria. Building relationships with friends and advisors can increase your chances of finding a job, as Austrians trust recommendations from people they know.

Additionally, recruitment agencies and employment services, such as the Austrian Employment Service (AMS), can provide support and guidance in finding a job.

Language requirements

German is the official language of Austria, and fluency is essential for success in the workplace. While English is widely spoken, particularly in business, learning German will boost your CV and open doors to deeper cultural experiences.

German Language Qualifications

The Austrian Federal Government has developed the National Action Plan for Integration (NAP) to emphasise the importance of a strong grasp of the German language, both spoken and written, for successful social and professional integration into Austria.

The Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD), or Austrian Language Diploma, is the official examination system recognised by Austria for German as a foreign language. The exam can be taken at over 45 centres worldwide.

Job Hunting in German

Most job sites for the Austrian market are only available in German, so it is important to either brush up on your German language skills or enlist the help of a German-speaking friend to navigate these sites.

The Austrian employment service (AMS) is a government institution dedicated to helping unemployed people find jobs. To use their services, you must be officially registered as unemployed in Austria. EU citizens who are already registered as unemployed in their home country are entitled to use AMS services to find a job in Austria.

English-Speaking Jobs

If your German language skills are not strong, you may find a job for non-German speakers with a global company or within an international team of a smaller business. Some of the largest international companies operating in Austria include Siemens and Hewlett Packard.

There are also many platforms that can help you find international companies in Austria that hire English speakers. EURES, Glassdoor, and Indeed are popular choices.

Bilingual Employees

Many hiring companies value bilingual employees to cater to international clients, so be sure to highlight your proficiency as an English speaker.

Visas and permits

If you are a citizen of a country in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you do not need a visa or work permit to live and work in Austria. This includes all EU countries plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. However, if you are coming from Croatia, you may face some restrictions.

If you are not an EU or EEA citizen, you will need a visa to work in Austria. The type of visa you need depends on your specific situation:

• EU Blue Card: This is a residence and work permit tied to a specific job offer. It requires you to hold a university degree and is valid for a particular job offer.
• Red-White-Red Card: This is a points-based immigration system that allows you to work for an Austrian employer for up to 12 months. It is available to highly qualified individuals, skilled workers in occupations facing shortages, self-employed key workers, and graduates of Austrian universities. You must have a job lined up to get this card, and your employer will be named on it.
• Jobseeker Visa: This visa allows highly qualified non-EU citizens to look for work in Austria for up to six months. If you find employment during this time, you will need to apply for the appropriate work permit.
• Austrian National Visa (Visa D): If you are planning to do an internship in Austria and are from outside the EU, you will need to obtain this visa before starting your internship.

It is recommended to reach out to your local Austrian embassy or consulate to learn more about the specific visa requirements for your situation. Additionally, you can check the Austrian Foreign Ministry's list of representation authorities worldwide, which includes the Austrian Embassy in London.

If you are planning to stay in Austria for the long term, even if you are an EU citizen, you may need to register your stay.

Salary expectations

The average salary in Austria is around €40,000 per year (or €3,8000 per month), excluding Vienna, which has a higher average salary. The median salary is about €2,182 per month. The gender pay gap in Austria is still one of the largest in the EU, with women earning on average 86% of what men do.

Salaries vary across sectors. For example, the average monthly salary in the agriculture sector is €2,041, while in banking, it is €2,983. Salaries also differ depending on the region. For instance, the median gross yearly salary in Vienna is €28,511, while in Upper Austria, it is €32,701.

In terms of career progression, employees with two to five years of experience typically earn 32% more than entry-level workers. Individuals with more than five years of experience earn around 36% more than those with less than five years of experience. After ten years of work, salaries increase by approximately 21%, with an additional 14% increase for those who have worked for over 15 years.

It is worth noting that certain occupations in Austria are regulated and require specific professional and educational credentials. For example, occupations such as auditors, accountants, teachers, and healthcare workers have specific qualification requirements.

Cost of living

Austria is a relatively affordable place to live, with monthly living costs of around €1,900, which is lower than in other Western European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. However, the cost of living in Austria is 1.67 times the world average and 5.6% lower than in the United States.

Cost Breakdown

The average monthly living cost for a single person in Austria is €1,604, while a student can expect to spend between €700 and €1,000 per month. A couple's monthly expenses are approximately €3,100, and a family of four would typically have total monthly costs of around €4,903. The average net salary in Austria is about €2,996 per month, making the country quite affordable, especially for full-time workers.

Rent and Utilities

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around €862.51 per month. Utility costs can be included or excluded from your rental agreement, so if they are not included, budget around €347 per month for utilities.

Food

Plan to spend around €330 per month for groceries. While buying groceries in Austria is generally slightly expensive, there are budget-friendly options at stores like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar.

Transportation

Austria's public transportation system offers various ticket options, including single tickets, day passes, and monthly passes. A monthly pass for regular commuting costs approximately €37.

Health Insurance

For international students, public health insurance through ÖGK costs around €69.13 per month. Employees are automatically enrolled in Austria's public health insurance, with income-dependent contributions deducted from their monthly salary, up to a maximum cap of €5,220 per month.

Leisure Activities

For leisure activities such as dining out, cultural events, entertainment, and sports or club memberships, budget approximately €180 to €320 per month.

Money-Saving Tips

To save money, consider the following:

• Live in a more affordable city or suburb and commute to work.
• Share housing or split costs with roommates.
• Conserve electricity by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Walk or cycle instead of using public transportation.
• Plan meals, create shopping lists, and avoid ordering takeout.
• Buy used items, especially furniture, from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or Facebook groups.
• Shop at markets, corner stores, and supermarkets during sales.

Frequently asked questions