Austria is grappling with a significant labour shortage, leaving nearly 200,000 job vacancies unfilled in the first quarter of 2024, according to Statistics Austria.
The country’s official statistics agency reported an average of 196,400 vacancies, an 8.5% increase from the previous quarter’s 181,000 vacancies. This marks the first increase in a year, noted Tobias Thomas, General Director of Statistics Austria. The service sector has the most vacancies, with 113,200 positions open. The manufacturing sector has 46,100 unfilled positions, and the public sector has 37,100.
Austria Seeks Foreign Workers
Austria is increasingly turning to foreign workers to address this labour shortage. The 2023 EURES report underscores the urgent need for skilled workers in various occupations, including:
– Electrical mechanics and fitters
– Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers
– Motor vehicle mechanics and repairers
– Sheet metal workers
– Welders and flame cutters
– Spray painters and varnishers
– Plumbers and pipefitters
– Roofers
– Carpenters and joiners
– Cooks
– Nursing associate professionals
– Construction supervisors
– Physical and engineering science technicians
– Mechanical and electrical engineering technicians
– Systems analysts
– Midwifery professionals
– Generalist medical practitioners
– Engineering professionals
Competitive Salaries in High-Demand Occupations
Some shortage occupations in Austria offer competitive salaries, according to the Economic Research Institute (ERI). For example, medical general practitioners earn an average of €162,974 annually, registered nurses earn €69,552, electrical engineers make €75,384 per year, and automotive mechanics earn €43,001.
Visa Requirements for Foreign Workers
Non-Austrian citizens must apply for a D Visa to work in Austria, with exceptions for EU and EFA residents. Highly skilled workers can apply for a Red-White-Red card, which grants work and residence permits for up to two years. However, those on a Schengen Visa cannot convert it into a long-term work visa.
As of October 2022, over 900,000 foreign workers were employed in Austria, indicating a strong reliance on international labour to fill the workforce gap.
Cost of Living in Austria
Austria ranks among the most expensive countries to live in, ranking 19th globally and 7th in Europe, according to Numbeo. Monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, are estimated at €1,055, while a family of four incurs around €3,590. Rent varies by location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costing approximately €854 and €695 outside the centre. For a three-bedroom apartment, the costs are €1,540 in the city centre and €1,215 outside.
