What you earn in nursing in Austria depends on more than the job title alone: federal state, employer, experience and allowances all play a big role. This guide explains how pay is structured, what influences it and how to compare offers fairly.
Key takeaways
- Base pay almost always follows a collective agreement and a salary scheme with steps.
- In Austria, 14 salaries per year are customary (a 13th and 14th salary as holiday and Christmas pay).
- Allowances for night, weekend and public-holiday shifts can noticeably increase earnings.
- Actual figures vary strongly by federal state and employer — the binding source is always the applicable collective agreement.
The roles and how pay is structured
Austrian nursing has three core qualification levels with different scopes of tasks and responsibility — and therefore different pay.
- Registered nurse (DGKP): the advanced service with independent responsibilities — the highest of the three levels.
- Nursing specialist assistant (Pflegefachassistenz, PFA): extended assistance with more competencies than the nursing assistant.
- Nursing assistant (Pflegeassistenz, PA): basic care tasks under supervision.
Base pay is generally not freely negotiated but follows a collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) and its salary scheme. The scheme places you into a job and pay grade based on your role and experience.
What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) is a binding arrangement between the employer and employee sides. It sets minimum salaries, grades, allowances and other conditions. Which one applies depends on the employer and the federal state.
What influences pay
Two nurses with the same diploma can earn different amounts. These factors make the difference:
- Federal state (Bundesland): salary schemes and allowances differ between the nine states.
- Employer / provider (Träger): public (state, municipality, hospital operator), church/non-profit (e.g. Caritas, Diakonie) or private — often each with its own collective agreement.
- Experience: over the years you move up to higher steps in the salary scheme (Vorrückung).
- Qualifications and specialisation: additional training, special fields (e.g. intensive care, OR, anaesthesia) or leadership roles can raise pay.
- Recognition of prior service: relevant years already worked may be credited in full or in part.
Tip for international applicants
Actively ask about the recognition of your prior service. Whether and how many of your previous years are credited can significantly affect your grade — and therefore your pay from day one.
Allowances and 14 salaries a year
On top of base pay, nursing comes with a range of allowances that raise actual earnings — especially in shift and weekend work.
- Night-shift allowance for work at night.
- Sunday, public-holiday and weekend supplements.
- Hardship, hazard or "dirty work" allowances depending on the task and area.
- Allowances for certain functions or special fields.
14 salaries are customary in Austria
In Austria it is standard to receive 14 salaries per year: in addition to the twelve monthly salaries, a 13th (holiday pay) and a 14th (Christmas pay). These special payments are taxed at a favourable rate. So never simply multiply a monthly salary by twelve to estimate the annual figure.
Gross and net: what actually lands in your account
Quoted salaries are almost always gross (brutto). Social insurance and income tax are deducted from the gross figure — what remains is your net pay (netto), the money in your account.
- Social insurance: contributions for health, pension and unemployment insurance.
- Income tax: rises with income (progressive); low incomes pay little or no tax.
- The 13th and 14th salaries are taxed more favourably than the ongoing monthly salary.
Figures are only a rough orientation
All amounts and examples in this guide are rough orientation values, not promises. What you actually earn follows the applicable collective agreement, your grading and your employer. The binding source is always the specific collective agreement and your employment contract.
Pay development and comparing offers
Nursing pay is not static: it rises with years of service, additional training and responsibility. When comparing offers, do not look at base pay alone.
- 1
Clarify the collective agreement
Ask which agreement applies and which grade you would be placed in.
- 2
Check prior service
Have it clarified how many of your previous years will be credited.
- 3
Factor in allowances
Include night, weekend and public-holiday supplements — they add up in shift work.
- 4
Look at the annual salary
Calculate with 14 salaries and compare the annual gross, not just the monthly figure.
- 5
Assess the whole package
Include training opportunities, rosters, team culture and additional benefits.
Compare the annual gross
A higher monthly base salary is not automatically the better offer. Only together with allowances, grading and the 14 salaries does a fair comparison emerge.
Frequently asked questions
Do registered nurses (DGKP) earn more than nursing assistants?
Usually yes: the registered nurse role carries the greatest responsibility and sits higher in the salary scheme than the nursing specialist assistant and nursing assistant. The exact amount depends on the collective agreement and your grading.
What does 14 salaries a year mean?
In Austria it is customary to receive, alongside the twelve monthly salaries, a 13th and 14th salary (holiday and Christmas pay). These special payments are taxed at a favourable rate.
Why do pay figures vary so much?
Because federal state, employer, experience, recognition of prior service and allowances all strongly influence earnings. The binding source is always the applicable collective agreement.
Will my years of experience from abroad be recognised?
Relevant prior service can be credited and improve your grading. Whether and to what extent is decided by the employer under the applicable collective agreement — ask about it actively in the interview.
