The labour market and employment in Austria
- Total area: 83,858.28 km2
- Population 2010: 8,238,700
- Working population: 4,282,100
- Persons in gainful employment: 4,078,000
- Labour force participation rate of 15-64 year olds: 75.1 %
- Manufacturing or services companies: 297,500
(Source: Statistics Austria 2009)
The majority of those in gainful employment work in the services sector (approx. 43%) or in production (25%). Other relevant employment sectors include health care and social services (approx. 10 %), public administration (approx. 7 %), child care and education (approx. 6%) and agriculture and forestry (approx. 5%).
(Source: Labour Market Statistics, annual results 2009; Statistics Austria)
In the services and production sectors, the largest number of companies are in the following segments:
- Retailing
- Freelance services
- Hotel and restaurant trade
- Construction
- Manufacturing of goods
The largest number of working people are found in retailing, manufacturing and construction. This includes not only employees, but also self-employed persons.
(Source: Structural Business Statistics Survey 2009, Production and Services; Statistics Austria)
Company sizes
Small and medium sized companies predominate in Austria. In 2009, 87% of companies in the field of production or services had less than ten employees and 98% of companies had less than 50 employees. Large companies with more than 250 staff only account for a tiny proportion of 0.5%.
(Source: Structural Business Statistics Survey 2009, production and services; Statistics Austria)
General information about Austria can be found in the publication "Austria. Data. Figures. Facts" of Statistics Austria.