Supermarket jobs in Austria offer a stable monthly income of €1,490–€1,800 and an entry point into the European workforce, but it’s important to be clear from the start: true “easy visa sponsorship” for entry-level supermarket roles is rare. Austria hires foreign workers mainly through its Red-White-Red Card system, which prioritizes skills, language, and qualifications.
That said, Austria’s major retail chains actively recruit foreign workers who already have legal work eligibility or qualify through skilled pathways, making supermarket jobs a realistic and secure option when approached correctly.
Why Supermarket Jobs in Austria Attract Foreign Workers
Supermarket employment remains popular among foreigners because it offers job stability, regulated wages, and strong worker protections, even for roles that do not require higher education.
In our experience reviewing retail hiring trends in Vienna, Graz, and Linz, supermarkets consistently struggle to retain staff due to long hours and customer-facing demands—creating steady openings year-round.
Key reasons foreigners target these jobs:
- Predictable monthly income
- Strong labor law protections
- Health insurance & pension coverage
- Long-term employment contracts
- Pathway to job mobility within Austria
Details of Supermarket Jobs in Austria
Key Points
- Job Title: Supermarket Worker / Supermarket Staff
- Country: Austria
- Knowledge Required: No
- Experience Required: Optional (depends on role)
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes
- Job Type: Full-time / Contract / Permanent
- Minimum Age: 21 years
Common Job Roles in Austrian Supermarkets
Austrian supermarkets hire staff across a wide range of departments. Some positions are unskilled, while others require moderate training or professional experience:
- Grocery Clerk
- Salesperson / Shop Assistant
- Store Manager / Assistant Manager
- Cashier / Checkout Operator
- Stocker / Shelf Organizer
- Cleaner / Janitor
- Butcher / Meat Cutter
- Bakery Assistant
- Food Preparation Worker / Kitchen Helper
- Customer Service Representative
- Loss Prevention Associate
- Delivery Driver / Warehouse Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician (in-store pharmacies)
- Accountant / Inventory Controller
- Shopping Cart Attendant
Average Salaries of Supermarket Workers in Austria
Salaries vary depending on role, location, and experience. Approximate monthly earnings:
- Grocery Clerk: €1,640
- Storekeeper: €1,800
- Cashier: €1,490
- Grocery Packer: €1,770
- Store Manager: €2,200 – €2,800
- Bakery or Meat Department Worker: €1,9
Requirements for Supermarket Jobs in Austria with Visa Sponsorship
Most supermarket jobs are semi-skilled or unskilled, making them accessible to many foreign applicants. Basic eligibility includes:
- Minimum age of 21 years
- Basic understanding of English or German (depending on employer)
- At least one year of experience preferred (not always required)
- Clean criminal record and valid medical fitness
- For skilled roles (e.g., accountant, pharmacist, manager), relevant qualifications are required
- Legal eligibility to work in Austria via work visa or Red-White-Red Card
Benefits of Working in Austrian Supermarkets
Foreign employees in Austrian supermarkets enjoy multiple perks:
- Visa sponsorship and relocation support
- Free or subsidized accommodation for some roles
- Paid overtime and annual bonuses
- Health insurance and social security coverage
- Employee discounts on store products
- Training and career development opportunities
- Equal rights and protections under Austrian labour law
Top Supermarket Chains Hiring in Austria
- Hofer (Aldi Austria) – Over 500 stores nationwide; hires sales assistants, warehouse staff, and managers.
- Spar Austria – Popular across Austria; recruits for customer service, bakery, and logistics roles.
- Lidl Austria – More than 200 stores; offers competitive salaries and benefits for cashiers, stockers, and delivery staff.
How to Apply for Supermarket Jobs in Austria with Visa Sponsorship
Several trusted online platforms list supermarket jobs for foreigners:
REWE Karriere
- Create an account on the REWE career portal
- Browse supermarket job listings
- Review job descriptions and click Apply Now
Apply Now on REWE Karriere
Penny Karriere
- Visit Penny’s official career website
- Register and browse available positions
- Select roles offering visa sponsorship and submit your CV
Apply Now on Penny Karriere
Other platforms such as StepStone Austria, Indeed.at, and LinkedIn Jobs also list verified openings.
Why Austria is a Great Place to Work
Austria consistently ranks high for quality of life, safety, and fair wages. With a strong economy and growing demand for service and retail workers, it is an ideal destination for foreigners seeking employment in Europe.
Whether in bustling Vienna, historic Salzburg, or scenic Graz, motivated candidates will find numerous opportunities with stable income, legal work status, and career growth
Conclusion
Securing a supermarket job in Austria is an achievable goal, but it requires navigating the country’s immigration framework with accurate information. While the demand for retail staff is high, the common promise of “visa sponsorship” for entry-level roles does not align with Austria’s points-based visa system designed for skilled workers.
Your success depends on first securing your legal right to work through alternative means or by qualifying for a skilled position. By targeting reputable chains directly, managing expectations, and focusing on roles where you have a competitive edge, you can turn your ambition of working in Austria into a sustainable and rewarding reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrian supermarkets sponsor visas for foreigners?
For entry-level roles, genuine sponsorship is extremely rare. Austria relies on the Red-White-Red Card system, which prioritizes skills and qualifications.
Is German required for supermarket jobs?
Yes. German is almost always mandatory, especially for customer-facing roles. English alone is usually insufficient.
