Informative Materials – Austria

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1 Informative Materials – Austria
1.1 Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.2 Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Austria
1.2.1 Employment conditions in Austria; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations
1.2.2 Recognition Procedures for Work Purposes:
1.3 Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Austria (as low-skilled foreigners)
1.4 Information on earning
1.5 Job offers
1.6 Some statistic data
1.7 Link to relevant websites in country
1.8 Useful materials
1.9 References

Education paths leading to a profession as a senior caregiver in Austria can involve both formal and informal training. Here are some common education paths:

  1. Nursing Education (Pflegeausbildung): Becoming a certified nurse (Krankenschwester/Krankenpfleger) can also be a pathway to working as a senior caregiver. Nursing education includes training in caring for patients of all ages, including elderly individuals.

Another way to become a senior caregiver:

  1. Vocational Training in Geriatric Care (Altenpflegeausbildung
  2. Vocational Schools (Berufsschulen)
  3. Courses and Workshops
  4. Mentoring programs
  5. Support groups and knowledge exchange
  6. Self-development programs.

Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

Austria recognizes skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning through the validation procedure. Individuals who have gained caregiving experience or completed relevant courses can have their competencies assessed. The Austrian National Qualifications Framework (Österreichischer Qualifikationsrahmen – ÖQR) provides guidelines for recognising skills acquired through informal and non-formal learning.

Type of care

Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Austria

Employment conditions in Austria; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations

Employment Conditions for Senior Caregivers in Austria: 

Working Hours: The working hours for senior caregivers in Austria can vary depending on the specific job and employer.

Job Search: Conducting a job search in Austria can be done through various channels. Online job portals, professional networks, and recruitment agencies are good starting points. You can also directly contact care facilities, nursing homes, or home care agencies to inquire about job opportunities.

Employment Contracts: When working as a senior caregiver in Austria, it is typical to have a written employment contract that outlines the terms and conditions of your employment.

Living and Cost of Living: Before relocating to Austria, it is important to consider the cost of living, housing options, healthcare, and social security. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations regarding health insurance, taxes, and social benefits.

Recognition Procedures for Work Purposes:

Qualification Recognition: If you have obtained caregiving qualifications from another country, you may need to have them recognized in Austria for work purposes. You should contact the responsible authorities in Austria, such as the Austrian Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation (AQA), to inquire about the specific recognition process for your qualifications.

Language Requirements: Employers typically require a certain level of German language skills, depending on the nature of the caregiving position.

Employment Regulations:

Work Permit: As a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will generally need a valid work permit to work in Austria.

For employment conditions see:

Living and working conditions: Austria (europa.eu)

Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Wirtschaft (bmaw.gv.at)

Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Austria (as low-skilled foreigners)

  1. Public Employment Service Austria
  2. Integration Centers and Migrant Support Organizations
  3. Austrian Integration Fund .

Information on earning

Caregiver Salary Austria – SalaryExpert

The average caregiver gross salary in Austria (2023) is € 34 211 or an equivalent hourly rate of € 16. In addition, they earn an average bonus of € 427 (salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees).

An entry-level caregiver (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of € 26 036.

On the other end, a senior-level caregiver (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of € 39 670.

Job offers

Some statistic data

Beneficiaries of outpatient care services 2019-2021 (2019 -153 152, 2020 – 151 5832, 2021 – 157 537)

Places of residence and nursing beds 2019-2021, number as at end of year (2019 – 92 917, 2020-84 620, 2021-85 330)

Full-time equivalent employees in care services 2021 – 50 695

Expenditure on care services 2021 – 4 445 833 313 €

More information:

Link to relevant websites in country

Useful materials

References