Work conditions in Austria

The Active Population in Figures

Working Conditions

Legal Weekly Duration

40 hours

Retirement Age

65 years old for men, 60 years old for women (gradual increase to 65 years old for women by 2033).

Working Contracts

The employment contracts in Austria are regulated by the Employment Contract Law. However terms & types of such contracts are governed by the collective bargaining agreements ("Kollektivvertrag"). A non-EU person needs to obtain a work-permit before entering into an employment contract.

Labour Laws

Consult Doing Business Website, to obtain a summary of the labor regulations that apply to local entreprises.

Cost of Labour

Minimum Wage

Austria does not have a statutory minimum wage; minimum pay levels are instead determined through collective labour agreements agreed by social partners and overseen by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs. Most collective agreements already provide for minimum wages of at least EUR 1,700 gross 14 times a year.

Average Wage

According to the OECD, the gross average wage is USD 53,132 per year in 2020.

Social Contributions

Social Security Contributions Paid By Employers: Pension insurance: 12.55%
Accident insurance: 1.20%
Health insurance: 3.78%
Unemployment insurance: 3%
Miscellaneus: 0.70%
Family burdens equalisation levy: 3.9%
Chamber of commerce contribution: between 0.34% and 0.42%
Social Security Contributions Paid By Employees: Pension insurance: 10.25%
Health insurance: 3.87%
Unemployment insurance: 3%
Miscellaneous: 1%

Social Partners

Social Dialogue and Involvement of Social Partners

No major strikes have occurred since 2005. The law allows workers to form and join unions. Collective bargaining is protected in law and is freely practiced. Nearly 80% of the labour force works under a collective bargaining agreement. There are nearly nine national unions, which are part of the Austrian Trade Union Federation (OGB).

Labour Unions

Unionisation Rate

32% in the year 2015.

Labour Regulation Bodies