Employer cost in Austria at different salaries
| Salary level | Gross salary | Employer SSC | Total employer cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67% of AW | 42,246 EUR | 27.6% | 53,910 EUR |
| 100% of AW | 63,054 EUR | 27.6% | 80,462 EUR |
| 167% of AW | 105,300 EUR | 24.6% | 131,236 EUR |
Worked example
The OECD average wage in Austria for 2025 is 63,054 EUR (about $86,370 in US-dollar purchasing power). On top of that salary the employer pays social security contributions of 27.6%, or 17,408 EUR. That brings the statutory total to 80,462 EUR a year (6,705 EUR a month), or 39 EUR per hour at 2,080 hours. In 2024 the rate at the average wage was 27.6%, so it was essentially unchanged. The employer rate falls from 27.6% at the average wage to 24.6% at 167% of it, a sign that contributions are capped above a ceiling, so high earners cost proportionally less.
Austria ranks #8 of 38 OECD countries for employer contributions at the average wage (OECD average: 16.6%). Employer contributions are a substantial extra cost to budget for.
Sources: OECD Taxing Wages 2025, comparative indicators (single worker, no children; average wage as defined by the OECD for each country) and OECD, Non-tax compulsory payments as an additional burden on labour income in 2025 (Tables 5 and 6) for mandatory pension and insurance payments that are not classed as taxes, such as Australian superannuation. Model estimates: voluntary benefits, local caps and sector-specific schemes are not included.
Related
Frequently asked questions
How much does an employee cost in Austria?
At the OECD average wage of 63,054 EUR, about 80,462 EUR a year including 27.6% employer social security (2025).
What are employer social security contributions in Austria?
About 27.6% of gross pay at the average wage, 27.6% at 67% and 24.6% at 167% of it (OECD model).