Looking to move jobs or switch careers in Austria? We’ve compiled the latest list of in-demand jobs and how to get a work visa to access them.
Every year, Austria compiles a list of shortage occupations where skilled workers are needed.
The list highlights roles facing critical skills gaps, creating opportunities for qualified non-EU professionals to live and work in Austria.
Which jobs are most in demand in Austria?
Austria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy revises its shortage occupations list each year to identify professions where demand for skilled workers outpaces available talent.
The 2026 nationwide list includes a broad range of roles across several sectors, from agriculture to tech, engineering and health.
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Here’s a look at the top 20 shortage occupations, with the German name in brackets.
1. Engineers for agricultural machinery (LandmaschinenbauerInnen)
2. Graduate nurses (Dipl. Gesundheits- und KrankenpflegerInnen)
3. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for power engineering technology (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für Starkstromtechnik)
4. Special(ist) power engineers (TechnikerInnen für Starkstromtechnik)
5. Graduates in power engineering (DiplomingenieurInnen für Starkstromtechnik)
6. Train drivers (TriebfahrzeugführerInnen)
7. Physicians (Ärzte/Ärztinnen)
8. Cost accountants (Kalkulanten/Kalkulantinnen)
9. Roofers (DachdeckerInnen)
10. Motor vehicle mechanics (KraftfahrzeugmechanikerInnen)
11. Special fitters (SpenglerInnen)
12. Medical technology specialists (Medizinisch-technische Fachkräfte)
13. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for mechanical engineering (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für Maschinenbau)
14. Electrical installers, electrical fitters (Elektroinstallateure/Elektroinstallateurinnen, Elektromonteure/Elektromonteurinnen)
15. Ophthalmic opticians (AugenoptikerInnen)
16. Pipe installers, pipe fitters (Rohrinstallateure/Rohrinstallateurinnen, Rohrmonteure/Rohrmonteurinnen)
17. Vehicle body and radiator sheet metal workers (Karosserie-, KühlerspenglerInnen)
18. Black toppers (SchwarzdeckerInnen)
19. Milling machinists (FräserInnen)
20. Metal turners (DreherInnen)
For the full list, check out this link.
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Which skills are needed in different parts of Austria?
A separate regional list gives an idea of the type of jobs most in demand across states. Here’s a look at a glance:
Carinthia: Tilers, bricklayers, bakers, hairdressers, accountants and construction engineers are in highest demand.
Lower Austria: Tilers, social scientists and statisticians, painters, agricultural technicians, toolmakers and telecommunications technicians top the shortage list.
Upper Austria: Engineers, specialist technicians (data processing, electrical, surveying), healthcare professionals (including dentists), veterinarians, accountants and skilled trades such as furniture makers and insulators are most in demand.
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Salzburg: Hospitality staff (waiters, tourism professionals), tilers, bakers, hairdressers, engineers, welfare workers and dairy specialists are sought after.
Styria: Engineers, social scientists, bakers, hairdressers, specialist technicians, insurance professionals and dietitians are most in demand.
Tyrol: Construction trades (tilers, bricklayers, painters), tourism professionals, electricians, data processing technicians, masseurs and furniture makers are in demand.
Vorarlberg: Education and research professionals (primary teachers, scientists), textile and weaving specialists, tourism workers, waitstaff, data processing technicians and social workers are in demand.
Burgenland: Insurance agents and representatives remain the key shortage occupation.
How does the Red-White-Red card work?
The Red-White-Red (RWR) Card is Austria’s main work and residence permit for non-EU nationals. When issued under the shortage occupation route, it’s valid for 24 months and allows holders to work for a specific employer in Austria.
To qualify as a ‘Skilled Worker in a Shortage Occupation’, you have to meet three core requirements. First, you need to have completed vocational training in an occupation officially listed as being in shortage.
READ ALSO: The immigration changes that await foreigners in Austria in 2026 and beyond
Second, you need a binding job offer from an Austrian employer, with a salary that meets at least the legally required minimum.
And the third requirement is passing Austria’s points-based assessment, where you have to score at least 55 points. Points are awarded based on thinks like qualifications, relevant work experience, language skills and age.
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After that’s completed, applicants can then submit their documentation to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) for assessment.
If approved, the RWR card is issued, allowing the holder to live and work legally in Austria for the duration of the permit.
Another option for skilled workers looking to come to Austria is the EU Blue Card, however, that is much less popular because the salary and other requirements remain high in comparison with other countries such as Germany.
For tips on how to maximise your changes of getting the card, check out Austria’s migration portal.