Hi everyone. Welcome back! If you’re a foreign worker looking to move to Austria in 2024, you’re in the right place. Today I'll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a job in Austria, the visa process, cost of living, and more.
When it comes to work visas, Austria offers several options depending on your qualifications and the type of job you’re applying for.
Red-White-Red CardThe most common visa is the Red-White-Red Card, designed for highly skilled workers, key professionals, and shortage occupations. This visa is valid for 24 months and ties you to your employer.
Job Seeker VisaThis visa is perfect if you're a highly skilled worker but don’t have a job offer yet. It allows you to stay in Austria for 6 months to search for a job.
EU Blue CardIf you already have a job offer from an Austrian employer, this visa is designed for highly skilled professionals with a higher salary threshold than the Red-White-Red Card. It's also valid for 24 months but allows you to change employers after the first year.
Pros and Cons of Living in Austria
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of living in Austria as an expat.
Pros:
High Quality of Life: Austria consistently ranks high for quality of life with excellent healthcare, education, and public transportation.
Work-Life Balance: Austrians enjoy a great work-life balance, with 25 days of paid vacation on average and a 40-hour workweek.
Beautiful Scenery: Austria is known for its stunning landscapes, from the Alps to beautiful cities like Vienna and Salzburg.
Cons:
High Taxes: Austria has a progressive tax system, and if you’re a high earner, taxes can take a significant chunk of your salary.
German Language Requirement: While English is widely spoken in business, proficiency in German is often a requirement for most jobs.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in cities like Vienna can be relatively high compared to other European countries.
Average Salaries & Cost of Living
The average salary in Austria is approximately €52,000 per year, but this varies significantly based on your industry and experience level. But something else you’d need to factor in is the cost of living because Austria isn’t one of the cheapest places to live.
Cost of Living:
For a Single Person:The estimated monthly cost for a single person living in Austria is around €1,500 - €2,000, including rent, groceries, and transportation.
For a Family of 4:The cost for a family of 4 is higher, averaging €3,500 - €4,500 per month depending on location, with Vienna being on the higher end.
Top 5 Highest Paid Jobs in Austria
But if you’re thinking it’s way too high, Austria is also a decent paymaster. The jobs that can earn you the highest salary in Austria based on their average pay are:
Medical Doctors – especially specialists, can earn between €100,000 - €150,000 per year.
Pharmacists – with an average salary of €80,000 annually.
Engineers – depending on specialization, can make around €70,000 - €90,000 annually.
IT Specialists – such as software developers and data scientists earn approximately €60,000 - €80,000 annually.
Finance Managers – average salaries range from €80,000 - €100,000 per year.
And if you’re wondering where and how to begin your search, it’s simple. To start your job search, you can use top job portals like:
Some of the leading job agencies that can help you are:
Manpower Austria
Randstad Austria
Trenkwalder Personnel Services
These platforms and agencies list a wide variety of jobs, from entry-level positions to highly skilled roles, making it easier for foreign workers to find something suitable.
Top Industries for Foreign Workers
In terms of the industries that frequently offer sponsored jobs to foreign workers we have
Information Technology (IT)
Healthcare and Nursing
Engineering
Tourism & Hospitality
Research and Academia
And some of the major companies that are known for hiring foreign workers and offering visa sponsorship include Siemens, Red Bull, OMV Group, RHI Magnesita, and Vienna General Hospital (AKH Wien).
Let’s wrap up with the visa costs and the time it takes to find a job.
Visa Costs:The cost of obtaining a work visa in Austria, like the Red-White-Red Card, is around €120 - €150. This doesn’t include other fees such as legal services or document translations.
Job Search Timeline:On average, it can take 3 to 6 months to find a job in Austria as a foreign worker. The timeline depends on your industry, skills, and language proficiency.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while searching for a job in Austria:
German language skills are a big plus and can significantly boost your chances of getting hired.
Networking is key! Attend industry events, conferences, and meet-ups to make connections.
Tailor your CV to meet Austrian standards. Make sure it's professional, concise, and highlights relevant experience.
Patience is important. The job market can be competitive, especially in high-demand sectors.
That’s it for today’s video on how to get a job as a foreign worker in Austria! Until next time!
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