Whether you already live in Austria or are considering moving there, you are entering one of Europe's most prosperous economies, with low unemployment and a high standard of living. The country lacks talent in several sectors and has set up schemes dedicated to skilled profiles. Here is how to find a job, an internship or an apprenticeship there.
Why work in Austria?
Because Austria combines a solid economy, high salaries, a renowned quality of life and labor shortages in tech, health and tourism. An EU member, it is freely accessible to Europeans.
- A prosperous economy and high salaries.
- Shortages in tech, health and tourism.
- A quality of life regularly praised.
- Free access for EU nationals.
How does the Austrian labor market work?
The market is solid, with moderate unemployment and significant needs in several sectors. Alpine tourism generates strong seasonal demand, while tech and health hire year-round. For skilled non-EU profiles, the Red-White-Red Card structures immigration.
- A solid market, moderate unemployment.
- Strong seasonal demand in alpine tourism.
- Lasting needs in tech and health.
- A protective European legal framework.
Which sectors hire the most in Austria?
- Technology and engineering: skilled profiles in demand.
- Health and care: medical staff and carers.
- Tourism and hospitality, especially in the mountains.
- Industry and technical trades.
- Construction and crafts.
Which cities should you target in Austria?
- Vienna: the capital, services, tech and finance.
- Graz and Linz: industry and technology.
- Salzburg and Innsbruck: tourism and services.
- Alpine resorts: seasonal hospitality.
Work permit: the steps for foreigners
EU/EEA nationals work freely. For others, Austria offers the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot) for skilled profiles, as well as the EU Blue Card.
- EU/EEA: free access to the labor market.
- Red-White-Red Card: for skilled profiles (points-based).
- EU Blue Card (high salary threshold, around €3,678 per month).
Salaries and cost of living: what to expect
Austrian salaries are high and social protection is strong. The cost of living is significant, especially in Vienna, but purchasing power remains comfortable.
- High salaries, especially in tech and engineering.
- A significant cost of living in big cities.
- High-quality social protection.
How to find a job, internship or apprenticeship in Austria?
- Targeted unsolicited applications (see below).
- Networking and professional platforms.
- Specialized agencies, notably for tourism.
- Job fairs and forums.
The unsolicited application: the key to Austria's hidden job market
In a tight market where several sectors lack workers, contacting companies directly is effective. The unsolicited application lets you target employers before any ad, especially in tourism and tech.
- You reach companies seeking talent.
- You benefit from sector shortages.
- You show your motivation and initiative.
- You get ahead of the competition.
Succeeding in your professional integration: our tips
- German is often essential, except in international tech.
- Anticipate seasonal alpine tourism hiring.
- Target shortage sectors (health, tech).
- Activate your local network.
Your next steps to work in Austria
Target a city and a sector, prepare a suitable CV, then contact companies directly. A prosperous, tight market rewards skilled and proactive profiles.