Thinking about relocating to Austria or Germany? This comprehensive Austria vs Germany comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional considering a move to Europe, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
0%
Same pays more
Austria
€ 52.000
avg. salary
Germany
52.000 €
avg. salary
Austria vs Germany Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 52.00052.000 €Median Salary
€ 44.00044.000 €Minimum Wage
€ 024.960 €Top 10%
€ 85.00080.000 €Work-Life Balance: Austria vs Germany
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
38.5-40 hours
35-40 hours
Annual Leave
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
20-30 days (minimum 20 days)
Public Holidays
13 days
9 days
Sick Leave
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
6 weeks at 100%, then 70% (up to 78 weeks)
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
14 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
1 month (Papamonat)
Up to 14 months parental leave (shared)
Austria vs Germany for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Austria
Why Work in Austria
Exceptional Quality of Life
Vienna regularly tops global livability rankings. Beautiful nature, rich culture, and excellent public services.
13th and 14th Month Salary
Employees receive 14 salary payments per year, with special payments taxed at only 6%.
Strong Worker Protections
Extensive collective agreements (Kollektivvertrage) ensure good working conditions and benefits.
Central European Location
Easy access to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Eastern Europe for business and travel.
Excellent Healthcare & Education
High-quality public healthcare and education system, including free university education.
Challenges of Living in Austria
High Tax Rates
Progressive tax rates up to 55% on very high incomes. Effective rates around 35-45% for most earners.
German Language Required
Unlike Netherlands, German is essential for most jobs. English-only positions are limited.
No Statutory Minimum Wage
Wages depend on collective agreements, which can be complex to navigate.
Bureaucracy
Austrian bureaucracy can be slow and requires patience, particularly for foreign nationals.
Conservative Business Culture
More traditional than Netherlands or UK; building relationships takes time.
Germany
Why Work in Germany
Strong Job Security
German labor laws provide excellent protection against unfair dismissal and strong worker rights.
Excellent Engineering & Tech Sector
World-renowned industries offering cutting-edge work in automotive, manufacturing, and technology.
Quality Healthcare
Universal healthcare system with high-quality medical care and reasonable costs.
Central European Hub
Excellent transportation networks and central location for European travel and business.
Strong Economy
Stable economy with low unemployment and consistent growth opportunities.
Challenges of Living in Germany
High Tax Burden
Combined income tax and social security contributions can reach 42-45% of gross salary.
Language Barrier
Unlike the Netherlands, German is often required in the workplace, especially outside major cities.
Bureaucracy
German bureaucracy can be challenging, with many processes requiring in-person visits and German documents.
Church Tax
Members of certain religions pay an additional 8-9% church tax on income tax.
Complex Tax System
Six tax classes and numerous deductions make understanding your net salary complicated.
Tax Rates Austria vs Germany
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Austria
- Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%
- Tax-free amount of EUR 12,816
- 13th/14th month salaries taxed at 6% flat rate
- Social security contribution of 17.99%
- Family Bonus Plus of EUR 2,000/child/year
Germany
- Progressive tax system from 14% to 45%
- Six tax classes based on marital status
- Optional church tax (8-9% of income tax)
- Solidarity surcharge for high earners
- Social security split between employer and employee
Best Cities to Work in Austria and Germany
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Austria
Germany
How to Find Jobs in Austria vs Germany
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Austria
LinkedIn for international roles, karriere.at is Austria's leading job portal.
University Career Services
TU Wien, WU Vienna, and other universities have strong industry connections.
Germany
LinkedIn for international roles, Xing is Germany's local professional network essential for German-speaking positions.
Major German job portals with extensive listings across all industries and experience levels.
Official government portal with job listings and comprehensive immigration information.
Official job portal with verified positions and support services for job seekers.
German Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Robert Half, Hays Germany, and Kienbaum help place international professionals.
Work Visa Options: Austria vs Germany
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Austria Work Visas
Red-White-Red Card
Austria's main skilled worker visa with points-based system.
EU Blue Card Austria
For highly qualified workers with university degrees.
Red-White-Red Card Plus
For family members and transition from initial RWR Card.
Job Seeker Visa
For highly qualified individuals to search for work in Austria.
Germany Work Visas
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified workers. Germany issues most EU Blue Cards in Europe.
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräftevisum)
For qualified professionals with vocational training or university degree.
Job Seeker Visa
Allows qualified professionals to enter Germany and search for work.
IT Specialist Visa
Special visa for IT professionals without formal degrees but with practical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions: Austria vs Germany
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Austria vs Germany?
The average salary in Austria is € 52.000 per year, while in Germany it is 52.000 € per year. This represents a 0% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Austria or Germany?
Austria offers 25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years) annual leave and 13 public holidays with a 38.5-40 hours work week. Germany offers 20-30 days (minimum 20 days) annual leave and 9 public holidays with a 35-40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Austria and Germany?
In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat). In Germany, maternity leave is 14 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is Up to 14 months parental leave (shared).
Is it better to work in Austria or Germany as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Austria offers: Exceptional Quality of Life, 13th and 14th Month Salary. Germany offers: Strong Job Security, Excellent Engineering & Tech Sector. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Austria and Germany?
Austria: Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%. Germany: Progressive tax system from 14% to 45%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Austria or Germany
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
