What professions are in demand in Austria

Austria is a country with a high standard of living, a stable economy, and ample employment opportunities. Both highly qualified specialists and workers in various fields are valued here. If you are considering moving or looking for work in this country, it is important to know which professions are most in demand.

Why Austria needs skilled workers

Austria has been experiencing a shortage of skilled workers for several years. This applies to both private companies and government agencies. The reasons include an aging population, technological developments, and changes in the labor market.

Many specialists are retiring, and there are not enough young people to replace them. This is particularly noticeable in healthcare, construction, and technical professions. The number of vacancies is growing, but they are slow to be filled.

The economy is growing, and new projects are emerging in energy, construction, and IT. There is a shortage of local personnel, so employers are looking for specialists abroad, especially in engineering, logistics, and digital professions.

Some Austrians are leaving to work in other EU countries where salaries are higher. This increases the need for new employees. In addition, young people are increasingly choosing creative and humanitarian fields, while demand remains high for technical specialties.

In response, Austria is simplifying employment procedures for foreigners and creating incentive programs.

Top 10 most in-demand professions in 2025

The situation on the Austrian labor market is changing, but there are areas where demand remains consistently high. This is especially true for skilled professionals and employees in fields that are difficult to automate. If you are planning to move or want to change your career, you should pay attention to these areas.

Here are the professions in demand in Austria in 2025:

  • Medical staff — doctors, nurses, caregivers. There is a particularly acute shortage of staff in nursing homes and clinics.
  • Engineers — mechanical engineering, construction, electrical engineering. Demand remains consistently high.
  • IT specialists — developers, testers, system administrators. Digitalization has swept across all industries.
  • Teachers and educators — especially in kindergartens and elementary schools. German language skills are required.
  • Accountants and financial accounting specialists — including payroll and account management.
  • Cooks and restaurant service staff — from fast food to haute cuisine.
  • Construction workers — bricklayers, tilers, assemblers. There is a lot of work, but not enough specialists.
  • Drivers — public transport, freight transport, logistics.
  • Agricultural workers — especially for seasonal work.
  • Care workers for the elderly — in demand in private households and institutions.

These professions are not just in demand — many of them are among the highest-paid professions in Austria. For example, IT specialists and doctors can earn between €3,500 and €7,000 per month, depending on their experience and region.

Which sectors are particularly short of workers

In 2025, the Austrian labor market will experience a serious shortage of personnel in several areas. This is due to the growing elderly population, the development of digital technologies, and the expansion of construction projects. Some areas have been understaffed for years, so employers are willing to consider foreign specialists and offer attractive conditions.

The healthcare sector consistently ranks first in terms of staff shortages. There is a particularly acute shortage of nurses, caregivers, and geriatric care specialists. This work is difficult but important and well paid. Given demographic changes, demand will only increase.

There is also a shortage of workers in construction. Qualified engineers and designers are needed, as well as workers such as bricklayers, fitters, and electricians. The boom in residential and commercial construction requires a constant influx of new workers.

The IT sector continues to develop. The increase in digital services and the introduction of automation are making professions related to programming, data security, and system administration in high demand. However, due to high requirements, employers are increasingly looking for specialists abroad.

Education is one of the areas in dire need of personnel. Schools and kindergartens are short of teachers, especially in rural areas. The situation is similar in the hotel and restaurant business: Austria remains a tourist destination, and there is a constant shortage of staff in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

Agriculture also regularly needs seasonal workers. This is especially true for harvesting and plant care in the spring and summer. Although the work is temporary, there are many job openings on a regular basis.

If you are considering employment in these areas, your chances of finding a job are higher. The Group Working platform helps you find current job vacancies in Austria in sectors where employers are willing to work with foreigners.

What are the requirements for foreign specialists?

Foreigners who want to work in Austria need to take into account a number of requirements. These relate to education, language, and willingness to adapt to local conditions. The higher your qualifications, the better your chances of finding a job in sought-after fields.

The most important thing is knowledge of German. Usually, level B1 is required, and for medicine, education, and the public sector, level B2 is required. Without a good command of the language, finding a job is difficult, especially in professions that involve constant contact with people.

It is also important to have your diploma recognized. Foreign education must be officially recognized in Austria. This is a key step for engineers, doctors, and other specialists.

Citizens of countries outside the EU must have a work visa. One popular option is the red-white-red card. To obtain it, you need an invitation from an employer and a complete set of documents.

Work experience and quick adaptation are important advantages. Employers value stability and are reluctant to hire people who may leave after a couple of months.

Knowledge of Austrian standards, terminology, and procedures also plays an important role. Courses within the country will help fill in the gaps and strengthen your resume.

The company Group Working supports foreign specialists at all stages — from job selection to document preparation and visa support.

How to get a job in Austria: step by step

The job search process in Austria may seem complicated, but if you take it step by step, it becomes quite feasible. This is especially true if you are targeting in-demand professions in Austria and are ready to adapt. Below is a clear plan of action.

  • Study the job market
  • Determine which industries currently have the most vacancies. Pay attention to areas with staff shortages.
  • Prepare your resume and cover letter
  • Your resume should be written in the European format and translated into German. A cover letter increases your chances — briefly describe your experience and motivation.
  • Send applications and follow up
  • Respond not only to open vacancies, but also send unsolicited applications. Companies value proactive candidates.
  • Go to an interview
  • It can be online or offline. Prepare yourself: find out more about the company, rehearse answers to key questions, and check your language skills.
  • Apply for a work visa
  • After receiving an offer from an employer, you will need to apply for a work permit. One of the most common options is a red-white-red card.
  • Relocation and adaptation
  • After arriving in Austria, you will need to register at your place of residence, obtain health insurance, open a bank account, and sign an employment contract.

If you want to go through this process confidently and without unnecessary stress, it is worth seeking professional support. The Group Working team accompanies candidates at all stages: from job selection to paperwork and adaptation to a new place. It is a reliable partner that helps you find not just a job, but stability and prospects in Austria.

Working in this country can be a great start to life in Europe. The main thing is to act consistently, prepare in advance, and be open to new opportunities.

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