AUSTRIA: EMPLOYMENT, SALARIES, COST OF LIVING, AND RELOCATION IN 2026
Austria is one of the most prosperous and stable countries in Europe. Known for its high quality of life, strong economy, excellent healthcare system and attractive salaries, Austria continues to attract skilled workers, students and expats from around the world.
This guide provides an overview of salaries, taxes, living costs, employment opportunities, popular cities, immigration options and useful resources for people considering moving to Austria.
| AUSTRIA AT GLANCE (2026) | |
| Population | 9.1 million |
| Average life expectancy | 82 years |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% |
| Inflation | 2.8% |
| Area | 83,879 km² |
| Form of government | Federal parliamentary republic |
| Income tax | 0–55% |
| Capital | Vienna |
| Currency | Euro |
| Official Language | German |
| Doing Business rank | 27 |
| Average salary | 3,406 euros per month |
| Minimum wage | not set |
Jobs, Salaries, and Business in Austria
Austria offers excellent employment opportunities for qualified specialists. Demand remains strong in engineering, healthcare, construction, tourism, logistics and information technology.
Advantages of Working in Austria
- High salaries
- Excellent work-life balance
- Strong worker protections
- Safe and stable economy
- High quality healthcare
- Modern infrastructure
Information about working in Austria
- Work in Austria
- Shortage Occupations in Austria
- Work in Vienna
- Salary in Austria
- Business in Austria
Popular Jobs in Austria
- Software Developers
- Engineers
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Electricians
- Construction Workers
- Hospitality Professionals
Austria Compared with Other Countries
Useful Salary Tools
Living in Austria
- Work in Austria
- Shortage Occupations in Austria
- Work in Vienna
- Salary in Austria
- Business in Austria
Popular Jobs in Austria
- Software Developers
- Engineers
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Electricians
- Construction Workers
- Hospitality Professionals
Austria Compared with Other Countries
Useful Salary Tools
Living in Austria
Austria consistently ranks among the best countries in the world for quality of life. Vienna regularly appears at the top of international livability rankings.
Pros and Cons of Living in Austria
Advantages
- Excellent quality of life
- High salaries
- Beautiful natural environment
- Strong healthcare system
- Low crime rates
- Reliable public transportation
- Central location in Europe
Disadvantages
- High taxes
- Expensive housing in Vienna
- German language often required
- Bureaucratic procedures
- Higher living costs than Eastern Europe
- Competitive rental market
- Limited opportunities in some rural regions
Information about living in Austria
Useful Cost of Living Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Austria?
Austria offers one of the highest average salaries in Central Europe. Workers earn approximately €3,400–€3,500 per month before taxes, depending on industry and location.
Is Austria expensive to live in?
Austria has a relatively high cost of living compared with many European countries. Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck are among the most expensive cities.
Are taxes high in Austria?
Austria has a progressive tax system. Income tax rates range from 0% to 55% depending on earnings.
Can foreigners easily find a job in Austria?
Austria experiences labor shortages in healthcare, engineering, construction, tourism, IT and skilled trades. Qualified foreign workers often have good employment prospects.
Which countries are most commonly compared with Austria?
Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom are among the countries most frequently compared with Austria.
How much money can a person save in Austria?
Savings potential depends on salary, city and lifestyle. Many workers are able to save a meaningful portion of their income due to Austria’s relatively high wages.
Is Austria a good country for expats?
Austria consistently ranks among the world's best countries for quality of life thanks to its healthcare system, safety, infrastructure and environmental standards.
Explore Other Countries
Considering Austria? Compare salaries, jobs, living costs and relocation opportunities with other popular destinations across Europe and beyond.
Sources
What is the average salary in Austria?
Is Austria expensive to live in?
Are taxes high in Austria?
Can foreigners easily find a job in Austria?
Which countries are most commonly compared with Austria?
How much money can a person save in Austria?
Is Austria a good country for expats?
Explore Other Countries
Considering Austria? Compare salaries, jobs, living costs and relocation opportunities with other popular destinations across Europe and beyond.
The information presented on this page is compiled from publicly available government publications, labor market reports and international statistical organizations.
- Statistics Austria (Statistik Austria)
- Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS)
- Eurostat
- OECD
- European Commission
- Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy of Austria
- Austrian National Bank (OeNB)
About the Author
WageCentre is an independent project focused on immigration, employment, wages, taxes, the cost of living, and international comparisons.
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Learn how salary, tax, cost of living and savings estimates are calculated: Methodology
