Every year, Austria publishes an official list of shortage occupations, jobs where employers cannot find enough qualified workers locally. This creates real opportunities for skilled professionals, especially non-EU nationals, to live and work in Austria.

Here are the top 10 most in-demand jobs in Austria: 

1. Agricultural machinery engineers (German: LandmaschinenbauerInnen)

Agricultural machinery engineers are in demand because Austria’s farming sector is highly mechanised. Modern agriculture depends on specialised machines, and there aren’t enough qualified engineers to design, maintain, and improve them. 

The second most in-demand jobs are medical staff positions. According to an OECD report, Austria’s population is getting older rapidly. The share of people aged 65+ increased from 15% in 2000 to 20% in 2023 and is projected to reach 28% by 2050, which significantly increases demand for healthcare and nursing services.

2. Graduate nurses (German: Dipl.-Gesundheits- und KrankenpflegerInnen)

Graduate nurses, including general nurses, psychiatric nurses, children’s nurses, surgical nurses, and nursing managers, are urgently needed. Austria’s population is ageing rapidly, increasing demand for healthcare services. According to a report by the Pulitzer Centre, the country is expected to need around 200,000 additional nursing and care workers by 2050. 

3. Medical doctors (German: Physicians- Ärzte/Ärztinnen) 

Doctors across nearly all specialities are in short supply, including general practitioners and specialists. Demand is rising due to an ageing population and retiring physicians. At the same time, Austria is not training enough new doctors to fully replace those retiring, according to a report released by the Austrian Court of Audit (Rechnungshof Österreich). 

4. Electrical engineers (TechnikerInnen für Starkstromtechnik)  

Electrical engineers, including installation technicians, power systems engineers, renewable energy planners, and HTL electrical engineering graduates, are essential for Austria’s energy transition. As the country expands renewable energy, modernises its power grid, and electrifies infrastructure, demand for qualified engineers continues to grow.

5. Power engineering technicians (German: TechnikerInnen für Starkstromtechnik)

Power engineering technicians, including electrical technicians, power systems engineers, renewable energy planners, and installation specialists, help design, install, and maintain electrical systems. These professionals are critical to renewable energy projects and modern infrastructure, and Austria needs more of them to support its climate and energy goals.

6. Graduate power engineers (German: DiplomingenieurInnen für Starkstromtechnik)

University-trained power engineers, such as power systems engineers, renewable energy planners, installation engineers, and electrical engineers with university degrees, play a key role in planning and managing electricity networks, renewable energy systems, and industrial infrastructure. Demand is rising as Austria invests heavily in clean energy and electrification.

7. Train drivers (German: TriebfahrzeugführerInnen)

Train drivers are in high demand as Austria expands its rail network. Rail transport is central to the country’s climate strategy, but many experienced drivers are retiring, and training new ones takes time.

8. Cost accountants (Kalkulanten/Kostenrechner)

Cost accountants help companies plan budgets and calculate project costs, especially in construction and engineering. Demand is growing due to infrastructure development and complex industrial projects, while too few qualified professionals are entering the field.

9. Roofers (German: DachdeckerInnen),

Roofers are needed for housing construction, repairs, and energy upgrades, including insulation and solar panel installation. Demand is rising as Austria modernises buildings, while many experienced workers are retiring and too few new workers are entering the profession.

10. Motor vehicle mechanics (German: KraftfahrzeugmechanikerInnen)

Motor vehicle mechanics, including car, truck, and motorcycle technicians, are essential for maintaining Austria’s large number of cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Demand is driven by Austria’s large vehicle fleet, growing logistics sector, and the increasing technical complexity of modern and electric vehicles. At the same time, many experienced mechanics are retiring, and too few new workers are entering the trade.

These are just 10 of the 64 shortage occupations officially recognised by Austria. If your profession is on the list, your chances of securing employment and qualifying for a work visa, such as the Red-White-Red Card, are significantly higher.

You can find the full list of shortage occupations on Austria’s official migration website: www.migration.gv.at