Top Job Opportunities in Austria: Expert Insights for 2024

Written by

Alisha Azeem

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Dec 01,2024

Job Opportunities in Austria: Your Comprehensive Guide for 2024 - TerraTern

Planning your Canada PR
Free last minute checklist

Benefits of Pursuing Job Opportunities in Austria

Here are a few key benefits of pursuing job opportunities in Austria.

1. Economic Stability

2. Diverse Job Market

3. Growing Work Sector

4. High Standard of Living

5. Work-Life Balance

6. Social Security

Latest Facts and News:

• Austria's unemployment rate dropped to 6.3% in July 2024, the lowest since 2008.

• The Austrian government announced a new skilled worker visa program starting January 2025.

• The tech sector in Austria grew by 12% in 2023, creating thousands of new jobs.

• Vienna ranked the world's most livable city for the 5th consecutive year in 2024.

Overview of the Austrian Job Market

There are plenty of job opportunities in Austria for foreigners in diverse sectors. The Austrian job market is known for its stability, diverse opportunities and high quality of life for employees. There are various job opportunities in Austria in fields such as manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, finance, and the IT sector. These sectors provide top jobs and competitive salaries for foreigners in Austria. The average salary of employees in Austria is around €52,665 per year. The key employers in Austria are some multinational companies such as Red Bull GmbH, OMV Group, Erste Group Bank AG, Siemens, etc. These companies provide significant job opportunities in Austria for foreigners and provide them with job security. It also ensures plenty of scope for professional development in any field. 

Work Permits and Visa Requirements for Job in Austria

Here’s an overview of work permits and visa requirements for job opportunities in Austria. The list has details about the different types of visas available for foreigners in Austria according to needs. It also provides insight into the general steps for applying for a work visa in Austria

1. Types of Visa for Job in Austria:

  • Visa for Job Seekers

The visa for job seekers is for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to find job opportunities in Austria. This visa allows the visa holders to stay in the country for up to 6 months. The people applying for this visa must have the required qualifications, health insurance and a valid passport. Apart from that, they also must have enough funds to cover their living expenses while they stay in Austria.

  • Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is for skilled workers from non-EU/EEA countries. This is the most popular visa card among skilled workers. This visa is valid for up to 24 months and allows residence and a work permit in Austria. It’s a point-based system, so the people applying for this visa must have the required qualifications, work experience, language skills, etc.

  • EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is for non-EU nationals with high qualifications and a job offer. This visa is valid for up to 2 years in Austria and is renewable if needed. The people applying for this visa must have the required educational qualifications and a job offer from any Austrian employer.

Also Read: How to Get Job in Australia from India? 2024 Latest Guide

2. Application Process for Visa in Job in Austria:

  • Job Offer

Secure a job offer from any Austrian employer. You can find potential job opportunities in Austria through online websites and networking platforms.

  • Application Submission

Once you get a job offer from any company, apply for a visa. Fill out the application form for a visa online, depending on the type of permit required. 

  • Gather Documents

Gather all the necessary documents required for the visa application process. Generally, the documents required are a valid passport, proof of qualifications, a job contract, proof of funds, health insurance, etc.

After the online submission of all the scanned documents and applications, wait for the decision and the application to get approved. 

Top 10 Job Opportunities in Austria

Here’s a list of the top 10 job opportunities in Austria, along with the average salary structure:

Profession

Key Employers

Average Salary per year (EURO)

Average Salary per year (INR)

Software Developer

Microsoft Austria

€45,000 - €65,000

INR 41,31,730 - 59,68,300

Engineer

AVL List GmbH

€50,000 - €70,000

INR 45,91,216 - 64,27,726

Healthcare

Vienna General Hospital

€70,000 - €120,000

INR 64,27,726 - 1,10,17,680

Financial Analyst

Erste Group Bank AG

€50,000 - €80,000

INR 45,91,216 - 73,45,754

Research Scientist

Austrian Academy of Sciences

€45,000 - €70,000

INR 41,31,730 - 64,27,726

Marketing Manager

Red Bull GmbH

€50,000 - €80,000

INR 45,91,216 - 73,45,754

Project Manager

Siemens Austria

€55,000 - €85,000

INR 50,50,113 - 78,04,720

Sales Manager

BMW Group Austria

€50,000 - €75,000

INR 45,91,216 - 68,86,518

Consultant

McKinsey & Company

€50,000 - €90,000

INR 45,91,216 - 82,63,822

Professor

University of Vienna

€60,000 - €100,000

INR 55,09,479 - 91,82,024

Note: These details are based on our job search assistance team's latest research.

Job Search Strategies for Foreigners in Austria

Here are a few strategies for searching for job opportunities in Austria.

1. Research Austrian Market

Before looking for jobs, research the Austrian job market. Find out about the latest trends and skills required to get significant job opportunities in Austria. Research about the sectors with high demand for foreign workers and then work on your skills accordingly. 

2. Job Search

Search for job opportunities in Austria through the help of online job portals such as StepStone Austria, Indeed, AMS eJob-Room, and Karriere. Etc. Apart from that, check out big companies' official web pages because those companies often list job openings on their websites.

3. Build a Strong Resume

Build a strong resume according to the Austrian job market. Highlight all your relevant skills and experience in the CV in a well-structured manner. Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly to increase your chances of getting a job in Austria.

4. Recruitment Agencies

Work with recruitment agencies to get help in finding job opportunities in Austria. The agencies can provide job leads and opportunities for foreigners seeking jobs in Austria. They can also assist with cracking the interview session, application process, and resume building.

Also Read: Austria Immigration - Here Is What You Need To Know

5. Professional Networking 

Professional networking is very important for finding job opportunities in Austria. Attending networking events, job fairs and industrial conferences can help in building professional connections in the industrial sector. This can help in finding job opportunities in Austria.

Austria Language Requirements and Job Opportunities

Here’s a brief overview of language requirements for job opportunities in Austria:

Job Sector

Language Requirement

Public Sector

Advanced German

Customer Service and Sales

Advanced German; Basic English beneficial

Healthcare

Advanced German

Construction and Skilled Trades

Intermediate to Advanced German

Legal and Administrative

Advanced German

Technology and IT

Intermediate to Advanced English; Basic to Intermediate German

Finance and Consulting

Intermediate to Advanced English; Basic to Intermediate German

Engineering

Intermediate to Advanced German; Intermediate English

Media and Publishing

Advanced German for local media; Advanced English for international publications

Marketing and Communications

Intermediate to Advanced English; Basic German beneficial

 

What to Expect While Living and Working in Austria?

Here are some key aspects of what to expect when living and working in Austria.

1. Work Culture

Austrians value work-life balance a lot. The standard working time in the country is 40 hours per week. Apart from that, the employees also get 25 days of paid leave annually. This helps people to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives.

2. Cost of Living

The cost of living in Austria depends on several factors, such as geographical location, type of accommodation, and personal lifestyle choices. Generally, the cost of living is higher in major cities of the country, such as Vienna and Salzburg. On the other hand, the living expenses are comparatively lower in smaller towns and cities.

3. Taxes 

The taxes in Austria are relatively higher than in other countries, but they promise many benefits to the citizens. The tax system in Austria is very progressive and offers good social advantages for the country's residents.

4. Quality of Life

Austria is known for its high standards of living. The country offers citizens a good quality of life and social security. The crime rate in the country is very low, which ensures safety and security for the people. Apart from that, the country has an excellent healthcare and education system, which adds to the living experience of people in Austria.

5. Weather

Austria experiences all four distinct seasons, which makes it an attractive destination. The winters are cold and chilly whereas the summers are warm and pleasant. This diverse climate allows you to experience various outdoor activities and have a good lifestyle.

Success Stories: Foreigners Working in Austria

Several professionals worldwide have successfully carved out impressive careers in Austria, showcasing the diverse opportunities available. Sandeep Chhatpar, an IT professional from India landed a good role in the tech industry after continuous efforts. His success can be attributed to effective networking, a strong resume, and thorough research into the job market. Another marketing professional named Ahmed Khaled from Egypt made an impactful career in Austria by overcoming the challenges and difficulties he faced. 

Challenges in Austria and How to Overcome Them?

Here are a few challenges that a foreigner might face when looking for job opportunities in Austria. 

1. Language Barrier

Most of the Austrian companies function in German and that’s the language commonly used by locals as well. So, gaining German proficiency can be challenging for a few foreigners who come from different language backgrounds. 

How to Overcome: Enrol in German language courses to master the language. Practice speaking in the language on a regular basis to enhance fluency.

2. Recognition of Qualification

Qualifications from other countries may not be recognized in Austria. This can create a challenge in finding job opportunities for foreign skilled workers in Austria.

How to Overcome: Get your degree and qualifications recognized by the Austrian authorities. Use the Austrian ENIC-NARIC website to get more information on the process. 

3. Work Permit and Visa Regulation

The visa process and application is a bit complex and time-consuming for Austria. This can be challenging for foreign workers to navigate correctly throughout the visa process. 

How to Overcome: Research the visa requirements and process in Austria well. Take the help of an Indian visa embassy center such as TerraTern to help you navigate the process easily. 

4. Competitive Job Market

There’s a competitive job market in Austria, especially in sectors such as IT, Healthcare, Finance, etc. This can create challenges for foreigners to get significant job opportunities in Austria. 

How to Overcome: Customise your CV according to the Austrian job market. Highlight your skills and experience in the resume to increase your chances of getting job opportunities in Austria.

5. Cultural Differences 

Cultural differences are another challenge that foreigners might face in Austria. Every country has different cultural values, beliefs, and norms, so adjusting to a new cultural setting can be challenging. 

How to Overcome: Attend culture orientation sessions and workshops to understand Austrian culture better. This can help people get adjusted faster to society and the workplace.

Read More: Australia Tourist Visa Rejection Rate in 2024: Latest Guide

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are plenty of excellent job opportunities in Austria for foreigners. People from all across the world have made impactful careers in that country and become successful. The country’s low crime rate, tax benefits, and weather conditions make it an ideal place to live. All these factors enhance the working and living experience in Austria. The high demand for skilled professionals in diverse job sectors makes the country a more attractive destination for seeking job opportunities in Austria. 

If you’re looking for job opportunities in Austria and want to start a journey there, then TerraTern is here to help you with the immigration process. We specialize in immigration services and will assist you every step of the way.

Get all the details on Australia PR with this visa checklist

Why Trust TerraTern

At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality and relevance. Our content, curated by experienced industry professionals. A team of experienced editors reviews this content to ensure it meets the highest standards in reporting and publishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary in Austria?

The average salary in Austria is around €52,665 per year, but this can vary significantly depending on the industry, level of experience, and location. For instance, professionals in sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare often earn above this average, while those in entry-level or less specialized roles may earn slightly less. Additionally, salaries tend to be higher in major cities like Vienna and Salzburg, where the cost of living is also higher.

Do I need to speak German to work in Austria?

Yes, proficiency in German is generally required to work in Austria, especially for roles that involve direct interaction with customers, clients, or the public. In most sectors, a Basic to Intermediate level of German is needed, though some multinational companies and IT firms may operate primarily in English. However, having a good command of German not only improves your job prospects but also helps in integrating into the local culture and community. Language requirements can vary based on the job; for example, healthcare and public sector jobs typically require advanced German skills.

Which cities in Austria offer the most job opportunities?

Vienna, the capital city, offers the most job opportunities in Austria, especially in sectors like technology, finance, consulting, and public administration. The city is home to many multinational companies, international organizations, and startups, making it a hub for diverse employment options. Salzburg, known for its strong tourism and cultural sectors, also provides ample job opportunities, particularly in hospitality, arts, and entertainment. Other cities like Graz and Linz are also significant industrial and technological centers, offering a variety of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and research.

How long does it take to get a work permit in Austria?

The process of obtaining a work permit in Austria typically takes around 7-8 weeks. This timeline can vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for, your nationality, and the completeness of your application. The process involves securing a job offer, submitting necessary documents (such as proof of qualifications and a valid passport), and going through background checks by Austrian authorities. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended start date to account for any potential delays.

Are there age restrictions for working in Austria?

In Austria, the legal minimum age for employment is 18 years, which means you must be at least 18 to work full-time. However, there are exceptions for certain apprenticeships and part-time jobs where younger individuals can work with parental consent. There are no maximum age limits for working in Austria, meaning that as long as you meet the qualifications and health requirements for the job, you can work regardless of age. However, age-related factors may influence the type of job you are eligible for, particularly in physically demanding roles.