A detailed list reveals current average incomes, broken down by age and gender. (Image: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.com)
Where do I stand with my income compared to my peers – do I earn more or less? The Krone newspaper has the brand-new, official figures and provides the ultimate salary check for all of Austria. But be careful: The truth might surprise you!
We provide information on the actual income situation of Austrians by age. Do you earn more? Or less? The figures are available for all employed people, as well as for women and men. The "Krone" newspaper lists the latest official facts in a clear table. And: Top experts share their best secrets and reveal the most effective strategies for every age group to boost your income immediately.
The official data for 2024 have only recently become available
This comprehensive comparison is based on the latest data from the Austrian Social Insurance Association for 2024, which has only been available since the beginning of September. These figures represent the actual gross incomes of all workers and employees, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time. Apprentices were not included in this survey.
Monthly incomes are shown, which already include special payments such as vacation and Christmas bonuses. For a correct comparison, simply divide your annual gross salary by twelve. In any case, the table provides the most realistic overview of what people in this country earn monthly.
Across all age groups, the gross median income last year was €3,501. The median is the exact middle value: This means that half of all employees earn more, the other half less. This figure of €3,501 represents a significant increase of 8.4 percent compared to 2023 and almost 17 percent compared to 2022. This significant increase was driven primarily by high inflation and the corresponding collective bargaining negotiations.
Men earn on average 38 percent more than women
The statistics once again reveal the enormous gap between the incomes of women and men. The so-called gender pay gap remains enormous: In 2024, the median income for women was €2,897, while for men it climbed to €3,998. On average, men earn a whopping 38 percent more than women.
Incomes increase with age. Men already break the €4,000 median income mark between the ages of 30 and 34. Women, on the other hand, never reach this level and only cross the €3,000 threshold between the ages of 45 and 49. There are many reasons for this massive discrepancy: Women are more likely to work part-time and are more often employed in lower-wage sectors. Parental leave also often has a negative impact on career paths and salary development. However, some of the earnings gap remains unexplained to experts and points to persistent, de facto unequal treatment.
Compensation expert Martina Ernst shares tips for higher pay. (Image: Photography Cochic)
Tips for higher salaries in your generation
The well-known compensation expert and salary coach Martina Ernst has compiled the best tips for “Krone” readers to increase their income, regardless of their generation:
What applies to everyone
When it comes to salary, the market value of the position you hold within the company and the concrete added value you deliver in that role are what counts most. A healthy self-esteem is no substitute for facts, but those who know what they achieve can actively and convincingly address the next step in their development or salary.
Gen Z (up to 29 years): The employer is not your opponent
“I want to be paid fairly – right from the start.” "I know what I'm worth—but I'm unsure how to negotiate it." "Money is important—but not everything."
Impulses for a good salary:
- During the interview, ask the employer what salary range is expected for the position.
- Ask in the interview how your performance will be measured in the company.
- Thank them for the offer and first ask what exactly it includes: Many benefits are worth real money.
- A good corporate culture and training opportunities are more important than the amount of the first salary – especially at the beginning of a career.
Tip: Salary negotiations are not a fight, you both want to work well together – win-win is the motto
Millennials (30-39 years): Career, child and cash
"I want to advance my career—but also have time for my family." "I need a good salary—because I'm thinking about owning property, traveling, and security." "I have experience—and I want it to pay off."
Impulses for a good salary:
- Define clear salary goals: What do you need, what do you want, what is realistic?
- Find sponsors and mentors – this exchange will help you move forward!
- Actively negotiate benefits: flexible working hours, childcare, home office, continuing education – all of these have real value.
- After maternity leave? Don't let yourself be sold short! The skills you develop as a parent—leadership, organizational talent, stress resistance—are worth their weight in gold in any job.
Tip: Whoever takes on more or greater responsibility in projects or leadership roles – don’t forget: added value is worth more!
Generation Y (40-49 years): Experience is your capital – make it visible
"I function – even under pressure." "I have a lot to offer – but others sell themselves better." "I want security – but not at any price." "I need creative freedom."
Impulses for a good salary:
- Talk about your performance – without bragging: Use concrete examples, numbers, and successes to show how your performance is driving the company's goals forward.
- Negotiate not only salary, but also flexibility in your tasks – and benefits such as sabbaticals, continuing education, home office, and health offers.
- Use your technical expertise strategically: You are the bridge between analog and digital – this makes you particularly valuable in transformation processes.
- Pay attention to your energy and set clear boundaries – only when you are fit can you be successful.
- Network effectively: Even if you're not a fan of self-promotion, it opens up career opportunities and may pave the way to self-employment.
Tip: Experience is your career booster – if you demonstrate what you can do – not just what you have done – then you will benefit the company.
Generation X (50-59 years): Step forward instead of retreat
“I have a lot of experience – how can I use it even better?” “Am I too old to change?” “Will AI replace me?”
Impulses for a good salary:
- Stay open to learning; even the younger generation is learning new tools every day.
- Don't underestimate your professional and life experience—and at the same time, look forward to the fresh perspectives of your younger colleagues. This is how projects become successful—and a bonus is realistic.
- Smart dialogue with important key people increases your impact within the company and opens up the opportunity for better-paid jobs.
- Perhaps now is the right time for a new career phase, e.g. as a freelancer or in interim management – your many years of experience and your network will pay off.
Tip: You don't have to relearn everything—but you can rethink many things. Openness and experience are a powerful combination—and keep you young and in demand.
Baby Boomer Generation (60+ years): Supporting others – challenging yourself
"I've worked hard my entire professional life – my experience comes at a price." "I want to pass on my knowledge – but not just as a gap-filler." "I'm open to new things – if it makes sense." "AI is exciting, but by the time it replaces me, I'll already be gone."
Impulses for a good salary:
- Stay curious: Many baby boomers are more open to AI than expected – because they bring composure and a sense of perspective. Use new tools to effectively share your knowledge.
- Actively shape the transition: mentoring, coaching, project work or part-time models.
- Use your experience as a bridge: You know processes, people, and connections—that's worth money. Digitalization projects, in particular, require experience, insight, and a human touch.
Tip: Those who share knowledge and remain open remain effective – and why not in a new phase of their professional life!
Viennese salary expert Conrad Pramböck, on the other hand, advises anyone who wants to increase their salary to show more commitment in the short term, take on more responsibility in the medium term, and look for better-paying job options in the long term.
Salary figures for full-time employees only will not be available until early 2026
Incidentally, the umbrella organization of social insurance funds does not collect comparative data exclusively for full-time employees, as it does not record the number of weekly working hours. Income comparisons based purely on full-time or even hourly figures are conducted by Statistics Austria. Their figures for 2024 will not be available until early 2026. The Krone will report on this.
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