# Austrian labor market and employment trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/austrian-labor-market-and-employment-trends > Updated: 2026-10-08T03:49:48.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 6. Recent data and studies highlight various aspects of the Austrian labor market, ranging from general wage distributions to specific integration challenges. Income statistics indicate that the average gross monthly salary is approximately 2,909 euros, with the top 1 percent of earners receiving more than 12,551 euros gross per month. Research by the Forba institute emphasizes untapped potential due to the underemployment of refugees, noting that the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) often prioritizes immediate placement over long-term qualification matching. Disparities in youth employment remain evident, with first-generation migrant youth showing significantly higher NEET rates than those without a migration background. While specific roles in logistics and customer support increasingly mandate proficiency in Balkan languages, the labor market is facing increased pressure. As of September 2026, approximately 381,200 people were reported as unemployed or in training programs through the AMS, a 1.6 percent increase from the previous year. This rise includes a 6 percent increase in unemployment among women, while male unemployment decreased by 0.6 percent. Unemployment among Austrian citizens increased by 4.3 percent, whereas unemployment among foreign nationals decreased by 0.2 percent. Long-term unemployment rose by 11 percent to 104,101 individuals, accounting for roughly 34 percent of all AMS registrants. Additionally, the number of apprentices in training companies fell by 4.3 percent to 95,000 as of late September. While traditional company apprenticeships declined, inter-company vocational training (ÜBA) saw a 5 percent increase. This shift is partly due to a shortage of apprenticeship positions in Vienna and eastern Austria, contrasted by a surplus of positions in regions like Upper Austria and Tyrol. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Austria apprenticeship numbers decline amid regional shortages Apprenticeship numbers in Austria have fallen by 4.3 percent to 95,000, though inter-company training saw a 5 percent increase amid regional shortages in Vienna. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-apprenticeship-numbers-decline-amid-regional-shortages ### 2026-10-04: Austria unemployment rises, particularly among women Unemployment in Austria has risen to approximately 381,200 people, with a notable 6 percent increase among women and an 11 percent rise in long-term unemployment. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-unemployment-rises-particularly-among-women ### 2026-09-29: Austria seeks workers proficient in Balkan languages Austrian companies are recruiting workers proficient in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian for roles in logistics, customer support, and administration, with some salaries reaching up to 49,000 euros or more. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-seeks-workers-proficient-in-balkan-languages ### 2026-09-25: Austria youth unemployment rates vary by migration background An IHS report for the Austrian Integration Fund reveals that first-generation migrant youth in Austria are over three times more likely to be NEET than those without a migration background. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-youth-unemployment-rates-vary-by-migration-background ### 2026-09-16: Austria faces lost potential as refugees work below skill levels A study by Forba for the Vienna Chamber of Labour shows many refugees in Austria work below their skill levels due to residency uncertainties, language barriers, and lack of qualification recognition. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-faces-lost-potential-as-refugees-work-below-skill-levels ### 2026-09-08: Austria wage statistics reveal income thresholds and labor market trends New data outlines Austrian wage thresholds, noting that 3,427 euros gross monthly marks the entry into better-paid roles, while highlighting the impact of living costs for migrant workers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-wage-statistics-reveal-income-thresholds-and-labor-market-trends --- Cite as: Austrian labor market and employment trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/austrian-labor-market-and-employment-trends