Seasonal Tourism & Hospitality Jobs in Austria 2025

Seasonal Tourism & Hospitality Jobs in Austria 2025 Austria’s tourism industry creates thousands of seasonal positions each year, with opportunities in world-famous ski resorts of Tyrol and Salzburg during winter, and summer tourism hotspots around crystal-clear lakes and historic cities1. Tourism accounts for nearly 15% of Austria’s GDP, making seasonal workers truly valued members of the economy

Seasonal Timing & Application Windows

Winter Season 2024/2025

• Winter jobs (November-April) in ski resorts, hotels, and restaurants – start applying in August-September1
• The ski season in Europe runs roughly from December 25 to April 262

Summer Season 2025

• Summer season (May-September) in lakes regions, hiking areas, and festivals – applications typically open from February-March1

Types of Jobs Available

Hospitality & Hotels

Kitchen Helper (€1600/month net), Assistant Cook/Commis Chef (€1500-1600/month net), Breakfast Cook (€1600-1700/month net), Demi Chef de Partie (€1600-1700/month net), Chef de Partie (€1800-2000/month net), Sous Chef (€2000-2300/month net)3 – all with free accommodation and meals included.

Other positions include:

• Hotel receptionists
• Housekeeping/Room attendants
• Waiters/waitresses
• Bar staff
• Dishwashers

Ski Resort Specific Jobs

Ski resort jobs include reps, chalet staff, chef jobs, ski guides, cooks, maintenance people, managers and ski resort hotel staff2

• Ski/snowboard instructors
• Lift operators
• Ski technicians
• Chalet hosts and managers
• Resort childcare/nannies

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Language Skills

For customer-facing roles like hospitality, restaurants, or tourism, German skills are usually expected (at least basic conversation). However, many ski resorts, hotels, and international companies offer positions where English is sufficient, especially during peak tourist seasons1.

Work Permits

An EU passport (for jobs in Europe) and/or a catering or childcare qualification will really help when applying for ski jobs2. If you are a British citizen your employer will apply for a seasonal quota permit lasting 6 months. They will then help you obtain a visa that will allow you to work for them in Austria4.

Non-EU citizens must have a legitimate job offer from an Austrian employer in eligible sectors (agriculture, tourism, etc.)5 before applying for seasonal worker visas.

Salary & Benefits

The minimum wage varies by industry but is generally high (around €1,500-1,800 monthly)1. Many positions include additional benefits:

• Free accommodation (often single/double rooms or shared apartments)
• Free meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Ski passes
• Equipment/uniform provided
• Training opportunities

Top Locations

Winter Destinations

• Tyrol: western-most state with over 80 ski resorts, where modern skiing originated over 100 years ago6
• Popular resorts: St. Anton, Innsbruck area, Kitzbühel, Ischgl
• Salzburg region resorts
• Lech am Arlberg

Summer Destinations

• Lake regions
• Hiking areas in the Alps
• Cultural tourism centers like Vienna and Salzburg

Current Market (2025)

245 open jobs for Hospitality in Austria8 are currently listed on Glassdoor alone, indicating strong demand for seasonal workers. The industry is actively recruiting for both the remaining 2024/25 winter season and preparing for summer 2025 positions.

Austria offers excellent opportunities for seasonal workers with its high standards, good working conditions, and beautiful Alpine locations. The key is to apply early, be prepared with necessary documents, and have realistic expectations about language requirements depending on the role you’re seeking.

Taxes, social insurance, and benefits

• You’ll be on Austrian payroll with social insurance from day one (health, pension, accident). If you split a year between Austria and the U.S., the U.S.–Austria totalization agreement helps avoid double social security coverage and can combine credits for future benefits.
• Sonderzahlungen (13th/14th) are taxed at reduced rates within the “Jahressechstel”; 2025 thresholds include a €620 allowance and an updated small-amount threshold (“Freigrenze”).

Expectations by role (rough guide, gross per month, 14x)

• Housekeeping/runner/dish: from ~€2,026; many employers add room/board. 2
• Waiting/bar/reception: ~€2,159–€2,263+ at entry; strong German can lift offers (plus tips). 2
• Cooks: from commis up to chef de partie and beyond; pay varies widely by star level/region but usually above entry minima in top resorts. Use posted offers as benchmarks.

How To Apply

Apply Now

Conclusion

Austria presents an exceptional opportunity for seasonal workers in 2025, offering a combination of competitive wages, stunning Alpine locations, and well-regulated working conditions. The Austrian system of work permits for seasonal workers is governed by quotas, which are fixed annually. There are special quotas for seasonal workers in the tourism and agricultural sectors and for harvesters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to speak German to work in Austria’s tourism sector?

While German skills are beneficial and often expected for customer-facing roles, many ski resorts and international hotels offer positions where English is sufficient, especially during peak tourist seasons. Basic German conversation skills will significantly expand your opportunities and make daily life easier.

2. What are the visa requirements for non-EU citizens?

To carry out seasonal employment in Austria, you must obtain a work permit and, if necessary, a visa.1 If the intended duration of stay is less than 6 months (e.g., for seasonal workers or interns), a work visa for Austria and an additional work permit are required.2 Your employer must first apply for a quota permit (Kontingentbewilligung) from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), after which you can apply for either a C visa (up to 90 days) or D visa (91 days to 6 months).

3. How much can I expect to earn as a seasonal worker?

Kitchen positions typically range from €1,500-2,300 net per month, with most positions including free accommodation and meals. You must offer your hired employees in Austria a minimum of € 3,030 (2025) in gross monthly payments for qualifying under the Red-White-Red Card.3 The actual salary depends on your position, experience, and the specific employer.

4. What’s the maximum duration I can work as a seasonal worker?

In principle, the maximum term of a quota permit is six months. Within a period of twelve months, seasonal workers may be employed under quota permits for a maximum period of nine months.4

5. Can I return to work in Austria next season?

Yes! Seasonal workers who have been employed under seasonal quotas in tourism or agriculture and forestry for at least three months in three of the previous five calendar years, respectively, may register at the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) for further employment in the respective economic sector. As a registered Regular Seasonal Worker you will be issued a seasonal employment permit outside of the quota and without a labour market test.