What Jobs Are in Demand in Austria?
A 2025 Guide for International Women Navigating the Job Market
By Odunayo Ajike
Moving from Lagos to Vienna had always been Amara’s* dream.
From her childhood obsession with The Sound of Music to her school music teacher’s wide-eyed reverence for Mozart, Vienna shimmered in her mind as the place she would one day call home.
So when the opportunity came in early 2023, she grabbed it with both hands, bringing with her a Master’s degree, five years of work experience, starry eyes, and a heart full of hope. Yet even with glowing references and a CV that could hold its own anywhere, she felt stuck.
Applications went unanswered.
Unscheduled calls from recruiters left her flustered and spiraling into self-doubt.
And promising job descriptions often ended with one cold line: “German fluency required.”
Still, Amara persisted. She attended community events. She joined NIWA.
She met other women—Brazilian architects, Indian software engineers, Syrian teachers, Slovakian academics—each with a story like hers.
What changed everything was information.
Once Amara understood where the real demand was in Austria and how to navigate the system, doors began to open.
She realized she wasn’t the problem.
The system just hadn’t shown her the map.
This blog post is that map.
So… what jobs are in demand in Austria?
Austria, like many EU countries, is experiencing a skilled labour shortage. With an aging population and fast-changing economy, employers are struggling to fill roles in healthcare, engineering, skilled trades, IT, logistics, and hospitality.
The good news? International women, like you, are part of the solution.
Here’s what’s hot right now:
Key Sectors Hiring in Austria (2025 Snapshot)
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW) in Austria has identified key occupations that are deemed shortage and highly-sought professions. These include:
1. Skilled Trades & Engineering
Austria urgently needs:
Electricians, plumbers, and heating technicians
Metalworkers, welders, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists
Mechanical and electrical engineers
Many of these professions are on the official shortage occupation list and qualify for fast-tracked Red-White-Red Cards (a combined residence and work permit for highly skilled individuals from outside the EU, allowing them to live and work in Austria for a specific period, typically two years).
2. Tech & IT
Digitalization continues to fuel demand for:
Software developers (Java, Python, .NET)
Systems analysts and network engineers
Data scientists and IT project managers
Some of these roles are open to English speakers, particularly in international companies (e.g. Dynatrace, Andritz AG, Infineon, etc.) and start-ups (e.g. weXelerate, Bitpanda, etc.)
3. Healthcare & Nursing
Aging populations and healthcare staffing gaps have created strong demand for:
Registered nurses
Nursing assistants and elder-care workers
General practitioners, midwives, and allied health professionals
Certain roles require German proficiency and credential recognition (nostrification).
4. Logistics & Transport
With Austria as a central European hub, key roles include:
Truck drivers (with proper licensing)
Warehouse and logistics coordinators
Bus and tram drivers (in regional areas)
5. Tourism & Hospitality
According to a 2025 Skills Forecast Report, this sector is essential to Austria’s economy, and hiring peaks seasonally. July and August are Austria’s busiest months, followed by the winter season (December-March), especially in Austria’s Alpine regions. Hiring typically ramps up two to three months in advance of these peaks. Some of the roles in demand include:
Chefs and kitchen staff (shortage roles)
Hotel and restaurant service staff
Tour guides and seasonal hospitality workers
6. Business & Finance
While not always on the shortage list, companies seek:
Cost accountants and auditors
Bookkeepers and payroll specialists
Administrative support with German proficiency
7. Education & Childcare (Regional Shortages)
According to the Bundesministerium Arbeit und Wirtschaft Report on Youth and Work in Austria, the following roles have a shortage of talent in various regions in the country:
Kindergarten assistants (National need due to key gaps in various provinces)
Primary teachers (especially bilingual or STEM) (Shortages in Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland)
School social workers and special education support (This is a growing need across regions due to inclusive mandates)
German fluency is typically required in this sector.
Top In-Demand Roles (2025)
These include:
Software Developer
Nurse & Care Worker
Mechanical/Electrical Engineer
Electrician / Technician
Logistics Coordinator / Truck Driver
Chef / Cook
Accountant / Auditor
Kindergarten Assistant
Tip: Check the official Mangelberufsliste (shortage occupation list) for updated roles eligible for faster visa processing.
Where do you look for these jobs?
AMS Jobbörse – Austria’s official job portal
EURES – EU-wide platform
NIWA’s LinkedIn group
Expat Facebook/Meetup groups (especially by profession or city) {e.g. International Women in Vienna (Facebook); Women in AI Austria (Meetup); Self-employed in Austria (Facebook)}
Language & Visa Tips
Many shortage jobs require B1-B2 German, but some roles (especially in IT and logistics) are open to English speakers. Our friend Paula at The List Austria has an amazing list of these companies and further tips for job seekers like you.
Non-EU citizens can apply for a Red-White-Red Card if they meet criteria for a shortage occupation.
Professions like nursing, teaching, or healthcare may require nostrification (degree recognition).
Final Thoughts
Austria’s economy needs skilled talent and women with international experience are strategically positioned to fill this gap, especially with their skills and qualifications. They bring resilience,
perspective, and drive.
Yes, navigating the system can be hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. Communities like NIWA exist to support you with connection, clarity, and encouragement at every step.
So, whether you’re restarting, transitioning, or dreaming again, we have just the space for you here. And that future you’re building? Austria might just be the place where it happens.
*Amara is a fictional character
