SHORTAGE OCCUPATIONS IN AUSTRIA
Austria has a highly skilled labour market and a strong demand for qualified workers in selected sectors. A shortage occupation can improve your chances of finding an employer, but it is not a shortcut to a job or residence permit. Applicants from outside the EU and EEA normally need relevant training, a binding job offer and the right to work in Austria.
This guide explains where demand is strongest in 2026, how Austria’s shortage-occupation system works and what international applicants should check before accepting a job offer.
CONTENTS
Austria’s labour market in 2026
Austria’s labour market combines advanced manufacturing, engineering, tourism, healthcare and professional services. The capital has the broadest concentration of international employers, while individual federal provinces may offer stronger demand for care workers, construction specialists, industrial technicians or tourism staff. For many newcomers, working in Vienna is the most accessible starting point, although competition for English-speaking roles can be high.
A salary offer should be assessed alongside tax, housing and daily expenses. The figures for salary in Austria become more meaningful when compared with the expected cost of living in Austria.
Occupations with strong demand
Austria publishes shortage-occupation lists every year. Some occupations apply nationwide, while others apply only in specific federal provinces. The official wording can be very detailed, so applicants should check whether their exact training and planned role match the current list.
| Area | Examples of occupations | What international applicants should know |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare and care services | Registered nurses, specialist nurses, doctors, care workers, social-care professionals | Many roles are regulated and usually require recognition, authorisation and German-language skills. |
| Electrical engineering and energy | Electrical engineers, power-engineering technicians, installation specialists, renewable-energy technicians | Formal technical training and documented experience are important; German expands the number of available roles. |
| Construction and building services | Civil engineers, bricklayers, roofers, tilers, painters, joiners, HVAC and installation workers | Many occupations are regional shortages, so the job location must match the listed federal province. |
| Industry and mechanical trades | Machinery technicians, agricultural-machinery specialists, welders, maintenance technicians, metal workers | Employers usually expect recognised vocational training, safety knowledge and evidence of practical work. |
| Tourism, logistics and local services | Cooks, bakers, transport specialists, warehouse workers and selected retail or service roles | Demand can be seasonal or regional. Check the contract, collective agreement and permit route before relocating. |
Important. A shortage occupation does not automatically provide a right to move to Austria. A non-EU applicant still needs a suitable job offer, relevant qualifications, adequate pay and an eligible residence permit.
Healthcare often offers strong long-term demand, but it is also one of the most regulated sectors. Foreign nurses, doctors and other licensed professionals may need formal recognition before they can work under the protected Austrian job title.
Regulated professions and German language requirements
Regulated professions require a specific qualification, licence or official authorisation. This commonly affects healthcare, public-school teaching and other roles involving public responsibility. Recognition may require diploma assessment, translated documents, professional registration, language evidence or additional training.
For non-regulated roles, the employer decides whether your education and work history are suitable. A clear CV, references, technical certificates and a portfolio can be more useful than a broad description of past duties.
Note. English can be sufficient in some international companies and specialist technology roles. It does not replace German in healthcare, public services, education, construction sites or many customer-facing jobs.
Before applying, prepare diplomas, transcripts, employment references and certified translations where required. This reduces delays when an employer asks for proof of training or when recognition is necessary.
Red-White-Red Card for non-EU citizens
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have different labour-market rights from applicants from other countries. A third-country national applying as a skilled worker in a shortage occupation will usually use the Red-White-Red Card route.
The applicant normally needs completed training relevant to the shortage occupation, a binding Austrian job offer and at least 55 points under the official system. Points are awarded for qualifications, professional experience, age and language skills.
The card is generally issued for 24 months and is linked to the employer named in the application. After meeting the relevant employment conditions, the holder may later be eligible for a Red-White-Red Card Plus with broader access to the labour market.
Not being on the shortage list does not always end the process. Depending on the salary and qualifications, another route may be available for key workers, highly qualified applicants or EU Blue Card candidates. Compare the financial side of an offer with the net salary calculator before committing to a move.
How to improve your chances of finding a job
Target the exact Austrian occupation
Use the German occupation title as well as its English equivalent when searching. Check whether the profession appears on the nationwide list or only in named provinces, and make sure your qualifications match the official category.
Show practical evidence of your skills
Technical applicants should include equipment, systems, projects and safety training. Healthcare and education applicants should clearly state their licence or recognition status. Specific evidence is more persuasive than a generic CV.
Build German into your plan
German language ability makes employment more realistic and widens the range of vacancies. Even basic German can help during recruitment, while stronger proficiency is often essential for regulated and public-facing roles.
Check the financial offer carefully
Austria does not use one statutory national minimum wage; pay is often determined by collective agreements. Gross salary, annual payments, taxes and housing costs should all be considered. The relocation savings planner can help estimate a realistic financial reserve.
Compare Austria with other destinations
Austria may suit one profession better than another. Engineers, healthcare workers and technical specialists may also compare opportunities in Germany, Switzerland or the Netherlands. The country comparison catalogue helps compare income, living costs and potential savings in one place.
The strongest route is practical and gradual: identify the right region, verify the occupation, prepare documents, assess the job offer and apply only for roles that match your experience. More detail on employment conditions is available in the guide to working in Austria.
Sources
- Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy of Austria
- Migration Platform Austria
- Public Employment Service Austria — AMS
- Statistics Austria
- Recognition in Austria — Berufsanerkennung
Frequently Asked Questions
What jobs are most in demand in Austria in 2026?
Demand varies by federal province, but healthcare, electrical engineering, construction, technical trades, industry and selected service occupations remain important areas. Always check the current nationwide and regional shortage lists for the exact occupation.
Does a shortage occupation guarantee a Red-White-Red Card?
No. You still need relevant training, a binding job offer, sufficient points under the official criteria and pay that meets the applicable legal or collective-agreement requirements.
Do I need German to work in Austria?
It depends on the role. English may be enough in some international companies and specialist technology roles. German is usually important in healthcare, trades, public services and customer-facing work.
How long is the Red-White-Red Card valid?
The Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers is generally issued for 24 months and is linked to the employer named in the application. A later Red-White-Red Card Plus may provide wider labour-market access.
Can foreign nurses and doctors work in Austria?
Yes, but healthcare professions are regulated. Applicants usually need their qualifications recognised, must meet professional registration requirements and commonly need suitable German-language skills.
Is Vienna the best city for finding a job in Austria?
Vienna has the largest and most international job market, especially in services, technology and professional roles. Other provinces can offer stronger opportunities in tourism, care, industry, construction and skilled trades.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WageCentre, with a degree in finance and 15+ years of professional experience. He writes about salaries, taxes, labour markets, immigration and financial planning for relocation.
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