Austria is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most prosperous and stable job markets, known for its strong economy, high living standards, and well-developed social welfare system. As the country enters 2026, Austria continues to provide competitive salaries across a wide range of sectors, attracting both local professionals and international workers seeking stable employment and good work–life balance.
This comprehensive guide explores average salaries in Austria in 2026, highlighting pay differences by industry, job role, region, and level of experience. Whether you are planning a move to Austria, researching job market trends, or preparing for salary negotiations, this article provides a detailed and up-to-date outlook on what workers earn this year.
Average Salary in Austria 2026
In 2026, the average gross annual salary in Austria is approximately €52,000–€55,000, translating to around €3,200–€3,600 gross per month.
Net salaries vary based on tax brackets, insurance contributions, and personal circumstances, but the typical net monthly salary ranges between €2,200 and €2,600.
Austria remains above the EU average in compensation levels, particularly in skilled professions, engineering, healthcare, public administration, and technology.
Minimum Wage in Austria 2026
Unlike many EU countries, Austria does not have a national statutory minimum wage. Instead, wages are determined by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), which cover more than 95% of all workers.
In 2026, the standard CBA-based minimum wage is around €1,800 gross per month, though some sectors offer higher starting rates.
Salaries by Industry in Austria 2026
Salary levels in Austria vary significantly depending on the industry. Below are the most important sectors and their average monthly salaries for 2026.
1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development
The tech sector is one of Austria’s highest-paying industries, driven by digital transformation and strong demand for skilled professionals.
- Software Developer: €4,000–€6,000/month
- IT Project Manager: €5,000–€7,200/month
- Cybersecurity Analyst: €4,500–€6,800/month
- Data Scientist: €4,800–€7,500/month
Vienna and Graz are the leading tech hubs.
2. Engineering and Manufacturing
Austria’s strong industrial base provides competitive wages for engineers and technical professionals.
- Mechanical Engineer: €3,800–€5,500/month
- Electrical Engineer: €4,000–€6,200/month
- Industrial Engineer: €3,700–€5,800/month
- Production Manager: €5,000–€7,000/month
Automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, and high-precision technology dominate this sector.
3. Healthcare and Medicine
Austria’s healthcare system offers above-average wages and excellent working conditions.
- Registered Nurse: €2,800–€3,800/month
- General Practitioner: €5,000–€8,000/month
- Specialist Doctor: €7,000–€12,000/month
- Pharmacist: €3,500–€5,000/month
Medical professionals in private clinics often earn more than those in public hospitals.
4. Finance, Banking, and Insurance
This sector is known for high salaries and strong career growth, especially in Vienna.
- Financial Analyst: €4,000–€6,000/month
- Accountant: €3,200–€4,800/month
- Bank Manager: €6,000–€9,000/month
- Risk Management Specialist: €5,500–€8,500/month
Vienna hosts many international banks and financial institutions.
5. Tourism and Hospitality
Austria’s tourism sector is essential to its economy, especially in Tyrol, Salzburg, and Vienna.
- Hotel Receptionist: €1,800–€2,500/month
- Chef: €2,000–€3,200/month
- Waiter/Waitress: €1,600–€2,200/month
- Hotel Manager: €3,500–€5,500/month
Winter tourism regions offer higher seasonal salaries.
6. Education and Public Sector Jobs
Public sector workers in Austria enjoy stability, strong benefits, and competitive pay.
- Primary School Teacher: €2,800–€3,800/month
- High School Teacher: €3,000–€4,200/month
- University Lecturer: €4,000–€6,000/month
- Government Administrator: €2,500–€3,800/month
Salaries increase significantly with tenure.
7. Retail and Customer Service
Although lower than other industries, retail remains an important employer.
- Retail Salesperson: €1,800–€2,400/month
- Customer Service Agent: €1,900–€2,600/month
- Store Manager: €2,800–€4,000/month
Large retail chains provide better salary packages.
Salaries by Region in Austria 2026
Location plays a major role in determining salary levels, with notable differences across Austrian regions.
1. Vienna
- Highest salaries in Austria
- Strongest opportunities in technology, finance, public administration, and international business
- Average salary: €3,800–€4,300/month
Vienna is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities.
2. Salzburg
- Strong tourism and hospitality industry
- Growing tech and service sectors
- Average salary: €3,200–€3,800/month
3. Tyrol
- Tourism-driven economy with high seasonal salaries
- Strong demand for hospitality workers, engineers, and construction professionals
- Average salary: €3,000–€3,700/month**
4. Styria (Graz)
- Important industrial and tech center
- Home to major engineering and automotive companies
- Average salary: €3,100–€3,800/month**
5. Lower and Upper Austria
- Manufacturing and agriculture play a big role
- Proximity to Vienna supports job growth
- Average salary: €2,900–€3,500/month**
Factors Influencing Salaries in Austria
1. Experience and Education
Higher qualifications and years of experience lead to higher pay, especially in engineering, ICT, and healthcare.
2. Industry Demand
Sectors facing skill shortages—such as IT, medicine, and engineering—offer the most competitive wages.
3. Collective Agreements
CBAs ensure that even entry-level workers receive fair compensation.
4. Company Size
Larger corporations generally offer higher salaries, bonuses, and better benefits.
5. Geographic Location
Urban areas and economically strong regions provide higher pay opportunities.
Future Salary Trends in Austria
The Austrian job market continues to evolve, influenced by technological innovation, automation, and demographic changes. Salary expectations for 2026 and beyond include:
- Continued growth in tech and digital professions
- Higher wages in healthcare due to worker shortages
- Increased demand for STEM-educated professionals
- Strong competition for skilled workers in engineering and industrial sectors
- Gradual rise in inflation-adjusted wages as collective agreements renegotiate pay scales
Overall, Austria remains an excellent destination for professionals seeking stable employment, high salaries, and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the average salary in Austria in 2026?
The average gross salary ranges from €52,000 to €55,000 per year, or around €3,200–€3,600 per month.
2. Does Austria have a minimum wage?
Austria does not have a national minimum wage, but collective agreements set the standard minimum salary, currently around €1,800 gross per month.
3. Which jobs pay the most in Austria?
Top-earning roles include specialist doctors, IT managers, senior engineers, financial executives, and data scientists.
4. Are salaries higher in Vienna?
Yes, Vienna offers the highest salaries due to its concentration of international companies and government institutions.
5. Is Austria a good place for foreign professionals?
Absolutely. Austria offers high wages, strong social benefits, and excellent living standards.
6. Which industries are growing the fastest?
Tech, healthcare, renewable energy, and engineering remain the most dynamic sectors in 2026.