Employment in Linz

Local Economy

Austria, a member of the European Union since 1995, is one of the richest countries in the EU and Linz is one of its major economic centers. Upper Austria’s industrial sector is advanced, and there are many important industrial companies in Upper Austria including Borealis, BMW Engine Plant, Siemens VAI Metals Technologies and Rosenbauer International.

Steel, chemicals, tobacco and food items are among the products manufactured and produced in and around Linz. Services and tourism are growing sectors, as is the creative industry, with many innovative companies setting up in Linz in the fields of technology, music, architecture and multimedia.

Job Hunting in Linz 

Before expatriates can take up a job; they need a work permit according to the Law for the Employment of Foreigners (AuslBG), with the exception of residents of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

For any expatriate planning to begin working in Linz, being able to speak German is essential, while training and higher education qualifications are desirable. You might already have a job lined up through your current employer — if not, the Public Employment Service (AMS) offers comprehensive advice to anyone in Austria looking for work, and has information about local vacancies. The Linz branch is situated at Bulgariplatz. Useful job websites include Austria Job, EURES,  and Jobnet.at.

Employment in Austria can either be on a permanent basis or for a limited term. Verbal employment contracts are valid, although in accordance with EU directives, employers must, within one month and in writing, inform the employee about their terms of employment.

Job conditions and other terms between employers and employees are regulated in Austria to a large extent through collective agreements between trade unions and employer organizations. A very high proportion of people working in Austria are trade union members.

Many companies offer practical job days, which give job hunters an insight into everyday work in their profession. Addresses of firms which offer a short placement can be found in the career counseling department of the  Austrian Chamber of Labor. They also offer support for people who want to be self-employed.

Income Taxation in Linz

In Austria your employer deducts tax from your salary and the four income tax brackets are as follows:

• Up to 10,999 EUR — 0%
• 11,000 EUR to 25,000 EUR — 36.5%
• 25,001 EUR to 60,000 EUR — 43.2%
• Over 60,000 EUR — 50%