When it comes to salaries in Austria, not all jobs offer the same financial rewards. If you’re curious about which fields pay the most and how factors like education, experience, and location come into play, here’s an overview based on the 2025 Salary Report by Stepstone, as reported by Austrian media.
What’s the average salary in Austria?
The median annual salary in Austria for 2025 is €55,000 gross, including bonuses, 13th and 14th salaries, and commissions. This translates to an average gross monthly salary of around €3,900, which typically leaves employees with a net income of approximately €2,600 per month, depending on tax benefits and deductions.
High earners, who make up the top 25 percent of employees, earn €71,000 or more annually, while the bottom 25 percent earn less than €43,000.
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Top-paying jobs and industries
Doctors lead as the highest earners in Austria, with a median annual salary of €109,750.
Management roles follow with €72,750 annually, while professionals in banking, finance, and insurance earn around €70,250 annually. Other lucrative sectors include the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, IT and Internet services, engineering and machinery, energy and utilities, and the automotive and aerospace sectors.
These industries offer not only substantial financial benefits but also attract skilled foreign workers with their competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.
Do larger companies pay better?
Yes, they do. Companies with over 5,000 employees offer a median salary of €63,750, compared to €51,000 for smaller firms with fewer than 50 employees. Bigger organisations often have larger budgets and higher-paying roles, especially in leadership or specialised fields.
Lower-paying sectors
While some fields offer high salaries, others fall at the lower end of the spectrum. Jobs in hospitality and catering, for instance, have a median annual salary of €43,000.
Agriculture, forestry, tourism, culture, and handicrafts also tend to provide less competitive pay.
These sectors, though essential, often don’t match the financial returns seen in industries like healthcare or technology.
Does education make a difference?
Absolutely. University graduates earn a median annual salary of €66,500, significantly higher than the €52,250 earned by those without a degree.
Work experience is another key factor. Entry-level professionals with less than a year of experience earn €45,000 annually, while those with six or more years of experience make around €55,750.
Gender pay gap: Women earn less
The gender pay gap persists in Austria, with women earning an average of €7,100 less annually than men in full-time roles. That’s about 12.5 percent less overall.
Even when adjusted for factors like job type and seniority, the unexplained gender pay gap is 6.3 percent. Women are underrepresented in higher-paying management roles, which significantly impacts their earnings.
Where in Austria are salaries highest?
Vienna leads with the highest median salary of €59,000, followed by Vorarlberg at €56,750. Here’s how salaries compare across states:
- Vienna: €59,000
- Lower Austria: €53,750
- Styria: €54,500
- Burgenland: €51,750
If you’re eyeing Austria for its career opportunities, knowing where the highest-paying jobs are located can make a difference in your decision.
READ ALSO: What is considered a good salary for foreigners living in Vienna?
Does responsibility boost pay?
Managing a team can add a significant boost to your paycheck. Employees with personnel responsibilities earn a median salary of €63,000, compared to €52,000 for those without.
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