Minimum Wage in Austria: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Austria?

Auctioned through sector-specific collective bargaining agreements, Austria does not have a nationwide statutory minimum wage. These agreements set minimum wages for various industries and professional groups, which can vary significantly. The starting minimum wage in many industries is approximately EUR 1,700 per month.

Minimum Wage in Austria Based on Region

Since Austria's minimum wage is determined through sector-specific collective agreements, no national minimum wage exists, and there are no specific regional minimum wages. However, wages can vary depending on the sector and adjustments made through regional collective bargaining agreements. For example, the minimum wage in Vienna may be higher than other regions due to the capital's higher cost of living. Employers should consult relevant collective agreements to determine the appropriate minimum wage based on industry and region.

Average vs Reasonable vs Typical Minimum Wages

Austria does not have a single statutory national minimum wage. Instead, minimum pay levels are set through sectoral collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), which cover the vast majority of workers. As a result, minimum wages vary by industry, role, and seniority. The figures below reflect common benchmarks across collective agreements in 2026, rather than a single legal rate.

Average Minimum Wage: The average minimum wage across sectors in Austria is now approximately €1,800 to €1,950 gross per month for full-time roles. This reflects increases negotiated in recent collective agreements and is higher than older €1,700 benchmarks, which are largely outdated by 2026.

Reasonable Minimum Wage: A reasonable minimum wage – meaning a level aligned with industry expectations and basic living costs – tends to be higher. In sectors requiring specialised skills, such as technology, finance, engineering, and professional services, reasonable minimum wages commonly range from €1,900 to €2,200+ gross per month, depending on the role and experience level.

Typical Minimum Wage: The typical minimum wage in Austria varies by industry and region but, in practice, most sectoral minimums in 2026 fall between €1,800 and €2,000+ gross per month for full-time employment. Some lower-paid sectors may sit slightly below this range, while many skilled sectors exceed it.

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Austria?

Minimum wage laws in Austria apply to various worker types, with slight variations depending on employment status.

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees in Austria are covered by collective bargaining agreements, with gross monthly wages typically ranging from EUR 1,700 to EUR 2,200. Wages in high-demand industries, such as technology and healthcare, tend to be higher.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees are entitled to the same minimum wage rates as full-time employees on a pro-rata basis. For example, a part-time worker who works half the hours of a full-time employee should receive half of the full-time wage.

Interns and Trainees

Interns and trainees are generally entitled to the same minimum wage as employees if their internships are considered employment under Austrian labor law. However, unpaid internships still exist in some fields, such as media and the arts, although the trend is decreasing.

Expats

Expatriates working in Austria are subject to the same minimum wage laws as Austrian nationals. They must adhere to sector-specific collective agreements that determine the minimum wage for their roles. Additionally, expats must ensure compliance with Austrian work permits and visa regulations when moving to Austria for employment.

Minimum Wage for Top Paying Roles in Austria?

In Austria, minimum pay levels are set through sectoral collective bargaining agreements, but for highly skilled professions the agreed minimums rarely reflect actual earnings. In practice, market demand, experience, and qualifications drive pay well above sectoral wage floors.

IT/Software Development: Junior developers typically earn €2 800–€3 200 per month, while senior developers commonly earn €5 000–€5 800+ per month. The typical average salary across experience levels is approximately €4 200–€4 500 per month.

Medical Professionals (Doctors, Surgeons): Medical professionals generally earn €4 500–€6 000 per month, with specialists and surgeons earning €6 000–€8 500+ per month depending on specialty and experience. The typical average salary is approximately €6 200–€6 800 per month.

Legal Professionals (Lawyers, Judges): Earnings commonly range from €3 200–€4 000 per month for junior roles to €6 500+ per month for experienced lawyers and judges. The typical average salary falls around €4 800–€5 200 per month.

Factors Influencing Minimum Wage in Austria

Austria’s approach to minimum wages is shaped by a combination of sector-specific labour agreements, economic conditions, and government-supported collective bargaining, rather than a single national statutory minimum. As a result, minimum pay levels can vary significantly across industries and evolve over time in response to broader economic trends.

Industry-Specific Variations

The minimum wage in Austria varies across industries. Sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance tend to offer higher wages due to the demand for skilled workers. In contrast, retail and hospitality industries may offer lower minimum wages, particularly for entry-level positions.

Economic Conditions

Economic conditions, including inflation and unemployment levels, affect wage levels. Austria's low unemployment rate and stable economy have led to gradual increases in minimum wages, often influenced by inflation rates and cost-of-living adjustments.

Government Policies and Legislation

While Austria does not set a national statutory minimum wage, the government plays an indirect role through labour market policies that promote and support collective bargaining. This framework helps maintain fair wage standards across sectors and ensures that minimum wage adjustments remain broadly aligned with economic conditions.

Tax Implications of Minimum Wage

Minimum wage earners in Austria are subject to the country's progressive income tax system. Employees earning below EUR 13,308 annually are exempt from income tax, but those earning above this threshold will be taxed according to the relevant income tax brackets. Employers are also responsible for social security contributions on behalf of employees.