In July, 359,374 people in Austria were either unemployed or enrolled in an AMS (Public Employment Service) training program, representing an increase of 17,605 job seekers compared to July of the previous year—a rise of five point two percent. The unemployment rate stood at six point seven percent, up 0.3 percentage points year over year, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs on Friday. The number of long-term unemployed individuals rose by nine point eight percent.
Unemployment among women increased by six point eight percent, while among men it rose by four point three percent. Youth unemployment was up by three point seven percent. The number of apprenticeship seekers immediately available for work rose sharply by seven point three percent. Among foreign nationals, unemployment rose by five point three percent, and among Austrian citizens, it increased by five point five percent.
Notable Growth in Freelance Contracts
The Ministry of Social Affairs also examined the development of freelance service contracts, which continued to rise. In June 2025, around 15,200 fully insured freelance contracts were registered—a three point nine percent increase compared to June 2024. In addition, approximately 26,900 marginal freelance contracts were recorded, up by six point five percent.
The increase was particularly pronounced among men. “With an increase of seven point two percent, the growth in full-insurance freelance contracts in June was significantly higher than for women, whose numbers remained nearly stagnant with a 0.2 percent increase,” the ministry stated. Around one in five freelance service contracts were in the health and social care sector, followed by education and scientific/technical services.
A striking development was seen in the “other postal, courier, and express services” sector, which includes food delivery services. Compared to June 2024, the number of freelance contracts in this sector more than quadrupled.
Fewer Job Openings
Statistics Austria also released labor market data on Friday. In Q2 2025, Austrian companies reported 147,900 open positions, according to a quarterly sample survey. This marks a four percent decrease from the previous quarter and is the fifth consecutive quarter in which job vacancies have declined.
