Austria is more than just alpine landscapes and Vienna’s cultural charm it’s also one of Europe’s strongest job markets. With a thriving economy, high living standards, and demand for skilled professionals, Austria has become a magnet for international talent. If you’re planning your career in the country, knowing the Highest Paying Jobs in Austria is essential.
Salaries vary widely by sector, region, and level of experience, but top earners often work in industries such as medicine, engineering, finance, and IT. In 2025, Austria’s average gross annual salary sits at around €52,000, but high-demand professions can bring in more than €120,000 per year. Whether you’re a student planning your degree, a professional considering relocation, or simply curious about Austria’s labor market, this topic will give you a detailed, data-driven look at salaries, career paths, and future growth opportunities.
55 Highest Paying Jobs in Austria
If you’re planning your career in Europe, knowing the Good Paying Jobs in Austria can help you align your education, skills, and long-term goals. To ensure accuracy, this article uses multiple reputable sources:
- StepStone Gehaltsreport – one of Austria’s largest salary databases.
- Glassdoor Austria – employee-reported salary data.
- PayScale & SalaryExpert – international compensation benchmarking.
- Statistics Austria (Statistik Austria) – official national statistics.
- OECD & Eurostat – EU labor market comparisons.
Below is a comprehensive list of 55 top-paying professions in Austria, with average gross annual salaries.
| Rank | Profession | Average Gross Annual Salary (EUR) |
| 1 | Surgeon | €152,000 |
| 2 | Anesthesiologist | €148,000 |
| 3 | Corporate Lawyer | €142,000 |
| 4 | Investment Banker | €136,000 |
| 5 | Dentist | €134,000 |
| 6 | IT Director | €128,000 |
| 7 | Orthopedic Specialist | €126,000 |
| 8 | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | €124,000 |
| 9 | Pharmaceutical Manager | €121,000 |
| 10 | Software Engineering Manager | €118,000 |
| 11 | Pilot (Captain) | €116,000 |
| 12 | Radiologist | €115,000 |
| 13 | Risk Manager (Finance) | €112,000 |
| 14 | Marketing Director | €110,000 |
| 15 | Data Scientist Lead | €108,000 |
| 16 | Petroleum Engineer | €106,000 |
| 17 | Judge | €105,000 |
| 18 | Actuary | €102,000 |
| 19 | University Professor (Medicine/Law) | €101,000 |
| 20 | Sales Director | €99,000 |
| 21 | Civil Engineer Manager | €96,000 |
| 22 | IT Security Specialist | €94,000 |
| 23 | Airline First Officer | €93,000 |
| 24 | Corporate Consultant (Big 4) | €91,000 |
| 25 | Architect (Senior) | €90,000 |
| 26 | HR Director | €88,000 |
| 27 | Logistics Director | €87,000 |
| 28 | Bank Branch Manager | €86,000 |
| 29 | Pharmacist (Senior) | €85,000 |
| 30 | Electrical Engineer (Lead) | €84,000 |
| 31 | Mechanical Engineer (Lead) | €83,000 |
| 32 | Airline Dispatcher | €82,000 |
| 33 | Financial Analyst (Senior) | €81,000 |
| 34 | IT Project Manager | €80,000 |
| 35 | Biomedical Engineer | €79,000 |
| 36 | Supply Chain Manager | €78,000 |
| 37 | Tax Consultant | €77,000 |
| 38 | Product Manager (Tech) | €76,000 |
| 39 | Airline Cabin Crew Purser | €75,000 |
| 40 | Insurance Underwriter (Senior) | €74,000 |
| 41 | Business Development Manager | €73,000 |
| 42 | Quality Assurance Manager | €72,000 |
| 43 | Mechanical Design Engineer | €71,000 |
| 44 | Digital Marketing Manager | €70,000 |
| 45 | Nurse Anesthetist | €69,000 |
| 46 | Civil Engineer (Mid-Level) | €68,000 |
| 47 | IT Consultant | €67,000 |
| 48 | Journalist (Senior Editor) | €65,000 |
| 49 | School Principal | €64,000 |
| 50 | Hotel Manager (Luxury) | €63,000 |
| 51 | Physiotherapist (Specialized) | €62,000 |
| 52 | Social Worker (Senior) | €60,000 |
| 53 | Teacher (Gymnasium Senior) | €58,000 |
| 54 | Chef (Executive, 5-star hotel) | €57,000 |
| 55 | Police Inspector (Senior) | €55,000 |
Why Salaries Differ: Sector & Regional Factors
Not all jobs in Austria pay the same, even when the level of effort and responsibility feels similar. Salary levels are shaped by a mix of industry trends, regional differences, and personal qualifications.Understanding why the Highest Paying Jobs in Austria vary so much between regions, industries, and levels of experience can help professionals make smarter career decisions.
1. Industry & Sector
Sectors like healthcare, finance, and IT consistently offer the highest pay. For example, surgeons and anesthesiologists earn nearly three times the Austrian average salary, while careers in hospitality or education are closer to the median.
2. Region & City Size
Where you work matters. Professionals in Vienna typically earn 15–20% more than those in smaller towns, thanks to the presence of multinational companies, financial hubs, and international organizations.
3. Education & Credentials
Higher qualifications lead to significantly higher pay. A master’s or PhD can increase income by 25–40%, while professional certifications (like PMP, CFA, or IT security accreditations) also add strong earning power.
4. Experience & Seniority
Austrian employers reward long-term expertise. Senior professionals can earn 50% more than entry-level workers in the same field.
5. Company Size
Larger corporations, especially in Vienna and Graz, tend to pay above-average salaries compared to SMEs, as they have bigger budgets and more competitive hiring practices.
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Austria – Career Paths
Austria’s highest-paying careers don’t just happen overnight. They require years of study, training, and steady professional growth. Below is a closer look at the top 10 most lucrative professions in Austria, along with the typical path you’ll need to follow if you want to reach them.
1. Surgeon
- Earnings: Up to €152,000/year.
- Pathway: Complete a 6-year medical degree, followed by a residency and up to 6 years of specialization. After gaining experience as a hospital surgeon, many move into senior consultant roles or open private practices.
2. Anesthesiologist
- Earnings: Around €148,000/year.
- Pathway: Medical degree → 5-year anesthesiology specialization → Resident physician → Consultant. Progression depends heavily on hospital experience and academic research.
3. Corporate Lawyer
- Earnings: Approx. €142,000/year.
- Pathway: Study law, complete the Austrian bar exam, then join a corporate law firm. Advancement usually follows the route from legal associate → senior counsel → partner or general counsel in multinational firms.
4. Investment Banker
- Earnings: Up to €136,000/year.
- Pathway: Degree in finance, economics, or business. Many pursue an MBA. Start as an analyst in a bank, progress to associate → vice president → managing director. Bonuses can make this career especially rewarding.
5. Dentist
- Earnings: Around €134,000/year.
- Pathway: Complete a 5-year dentistry program, followed by clinical practice. Dentists often start as assistants, then build private clinics or specialize in orthodontics or prosthodontics.
6. IT Director
- Earnings: Approx. €128,000/year.
- Pathway: Computer science or IT degree → software engineer or systems analyst → project manager → IT lead. Strong leadership and knowledge of cybersecurity, cloud, and AI accelerate promotion to director level.
7. Orthopedic Specialist
- Earnings: About €126,000/year.
- Pathway: Medical degree + orthopedic residency (5 years). Careers develop in hospitals before transitioning into senior surgeon or specialist consultant positions.
8. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Earnings: Around €124,000/year.
- Pathway: Degree in accounting, finance, or economics → auditor or financial analyst → finance manager → VP of finance → CFO. Certifications like CFA or ACCA boost progression.
9. Pharmaceutical Manager
- Earnings: Approx. €121,000/year.
- Pathway: Background in pharmacy, chemistry, or biotechnology. Many start in R&D or regulatory affairs, then rise to team leader → project head → managerial positions in pharmaceutical companies.
10. Software Engineering Manager
- Earnings: Around €118,000/year.
- Pathway: Computer science degree → software developer → senior engineer → technical lead → manager. Experience with agile project management and large teams is essential for leadership roles.
5-Year Outlook: Which Roles Will Grow Until 2030 in Austria?
Future trends show that many of the Highest Paying Jobs in Austria – especially in IT, healthcare, and green energy – will remain in strong demand until 2030. Austria’s job market is evolving quickly, driven by technology, healthcare demand, and sustainability initiatives. According to EU Labour Market Projections (CEDEFOP) and Austria’s AMS (Public Employment Service), employment in several high-paying roles is expected to grow between 8% and 20% by 2030. Below are the key trends:
| Sector | Growth Rate (2025–2030) | Example Roles |
| Tech & IT | +12–15% | Software Engineers, AI Specialists |
| Healthcare | +10–12% | Surgeons, Radiologists |
| Green Energy & Env. | +15–18% | Renewable Engineers |
| Finance & Consulting | +8–12% | Investment Bankers, Consultants |
| Aviation & Tourism | +6% | Airline Pilots |
| Legal & Compliance | +7–8% | Corporate |
1. Tech & Digital Transformation
- Software Engineers & IT Specialists: Austria’s digital economy is forecast to expand by 12–15% by 2030, increasing demand for developers, cloud architects, and cybersecurity experts.
- AI & Data Science: The AI sector alone is expected to create 5,000+ new jobs by 2030 in Austria, especially in Vienna’s growing startup ecosystem.
2. Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Doctors & Medical Specialists: With an ageing population (20% of Austrians will be over 65 by 2030), healthcare demand will surge. Roles like surgeons, anesthesiologists, and radiologists may see 10–12% growth.
- Pharmacists & Biotech Experts: The Austrian biotech sector is projected to expand at 8% annually, creating stable, well-paying opportunities.
3. Green Economy & Engineering
- Renewable Energy Engineers: Austria targets 100% renewable electricity by 2030, which will fuel strong job growth in solar, wind, and hydro sectors. Engineering jobs in this field may rise by 15–18%.
- Environmental Consultants: Demand for sustainable business strategies is growing, with consulting roles expected to grow by 10%.
4. Finance & Business Strategy
- Financial Analysts & Investment Bankers: Austria’s financial sector is predicted to grow steadily at 8–9%, driven by Vienna’s role as a regional finance hub.
- Management Consultants: Business advisory roles, especially those tied to digital transformation, could expand by 12%.
5. Skilled Trades & Specialized Roles
- Aviation Pilots: With tourism expected to rebound and grow by 6% annually, demand for commercial pilots will continue rising.
- Legal Professionals: Globalization and EU compliance needs will boost demand for corporate lawyers and tax advisors (projected 7–8% growth).
Cost of Living VS Salary in Austria
While Austria offers some of Europe’s most competitive salaries, understanding how those earnings balance against everyday expenses is essential – especially for expats and international professionals. While the Highest Paying Jobs in Austria offer six-figure salaries, it’s important to compare them with living costs in cities like Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg.
On average, Austria’s monthly living costs (excluding rent) range from €1,000–€1,300 for a single person. Housing is the biggest expense, and costs vary significantly between cities. Vienna, as the capital and economic hub, is more expensive, while cities like Graz, Linz, or Innsbruck are slightly more affordable.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) | Notes |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment, Vienna) | €1,000–€1,200 | Central locations higher |
| Rent (1-bedroom, smaller city) | €700–€900 | Graz, Linz, Salzburg |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, internet) | €200–€250 | For a standard apartment |
| Groceries & Food | €350–€450 | Fresh produce & dining out |
| Transportation (public) | €50–€60 | Vienna monthly pass €51 |
| Health Insurance | €200–€250 | Mandatory but comprehensive |
| Leisure & Entertainment | €150–€250 | Restaurants, gyms, activities |
Total Monthly Cost:
- Vienna: €1,900–€2,200
- Other Cities: €1,400–€1,700
Salary vs Savings Potential
When compared with Austria’s average gross annual salary of €52,000 (€3,000 net/month), professionals can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. In high-paying sectors like medicine, IT, and finance, where salaries exceed €100,000/year, disposable income after expenses can be substantial.
- A Software Engineering Manager earning €118,000/year can still save €3,000–€4,000/month after living costs.
- A Surgeon with €152,000/year can comfortably save €5,000+/month, even in Vienna.
- Mid-level professionals (€60,000–€80,000/year) usually balance living comfortably with moderate savings.
Top Companies in Austria Offering High-Paying Jobs
Austria is home to multinational corporations, global banks, and innovative tech firms that consistently pay salaries well above the national average. Multinational firms and leading Austrian employers are behind many of the Highest Paying Jobs in Austria, particularly in banking, IT, pharmaceuticals, and aviation. Below is a list of some of the top employers in Austria across healthcare, IT, finance, aviation, and manufacturing, along with their estimated average gross annual salaries for high-demand roles.
| Company Name | Industry | Headquarters in Austria | Example High-Paying Roles | Average Salary Range (EUR/year) |
| Erste Group Bank AG | Finance & Banking | Vienna | Investment Banker, Risk Manager, CFO | €90,000 – €140,000 |
| OMV Group | Oil, Gas & Energy | Vienna | Petroleum Engineer, Project Manager | €85,000 – €125,000 |
| Boehringer Ingelheim | Pharmaceuticals | Vienna | Pharmaceutical Manager, Biotech Researcher | €80,000 – €120,000 |
| Siemens Austria | Engineering & Technology | Vienna, Linz, Graz | Electrical Engineer Lead, IT Director | €75,000 – €115,000 |
| Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) | Finance & Consulting | Vienna | Corporate Lawyer, Financial Analyst | €85,000 – €130,000 |
| Austrian Airlines (Lufthansa Group) | Aviation | Vienna | Pilot (Captain), First Officer, Dispatcher | €70,000 – €116,000 |
| Microsoft Austria | IT & Software | Vienna | Software Engineering Manager, Cloud Architect | €90,000 – €125,000 |
| Red Bull GmbH | FMCG & Marketing | Fuschl am See | Marketing Director, Brand Manager | €80,000 – €110,000 |
| Voestalpine AG | Steel & Manufacturing | Linz | Mechanical Engineer, Plant Manager | €75,000 – €105,000 |
| Novartis Austria | Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences | Vienna | Medical Researcher, Pharmaceutical Consultant | €85,000 – €118,000 |
Conclusion
Austria offers a competitive job market with salaries that reflect both the country’s strong economy and its high standard of living. From surgeons and IT specialists to investment bankers and renewable energy engineers, the opportunities are diverse and rewarding. Yet, choosing the right career is not only about chasing numbers-it’s also about aligning skills with sectors that are expected to grow steadily until 2030. From surgeons to IT directors, the Highest Paying Jobs in Austria reflect the country’s strong economy, high living standards, and growing demand for skilled professionals.
FAQs
What are the Highest Paying Jobs in the Austria in 2025?
Surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and investment bankers lead the list.
How much can doctors earn in Austria?
Specialists earn between €110,000–€152,000 gross annually.
Do IT professionals have high-paying jobs in Austria?
Yes, IT Directors and Software Engineering Managers can earn €110,000–€128,000/year.
Which city offers the highest salaries?
Vienna, averaging 15–20% higher pay than rural regions.
Are finance jobs among the Highest Paying Jobs in the Austria?
Yes, investment bankers and CFOs are consistently in the top 10.
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