Sectoral pay is a term that employers who post drivers to perform transport in another country should know. It refers to all components of driver compensation applicable in the country of posting, which employers must take into account when calculating their drivers’ wages.
This is also the case in Austria, which has its own regulations regarding rates for truck drivers, salary supplements, and how their experience affects compensation, which differ significantly from Polish regulations. Moreover, these are regularly updated.
Therefore, if you are looking for information about the sectoral pay for C+E drivers in Austria, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, you will find information on this topic!
Table of contents
- Sectoral pay vs. minimum wage in Austria
- Average earnings of a truck driver in Austria in 2024
- Sectoral pay in Austria – How it is determined?
- How much does a heavy goods vehicle driver earn in Austria? Experience and specialization
- Sectoral pay in Austria - Supplements and bonuses increasing remuneration
- Sectoral pay and work of CE driver in Austria - Summary
- Sectoral pay of a driver in Austria - Frequently asked questions
Sectoral pay vs. minimum wage in Austria
Before we move on to the issue of driver wages in Austria, let’s clarify the difference between sectoral pay and minimum wage, which are concepts that also apply to those performing transport.
Sectoral pay is a term referring to the remuneration system in force in a given country for a specific professional group. It includes not only the minimum wage for a given profession but also bonuses, premiums, and all benefits due, in this case, to truck drivers in Austria.
Importantly, C+E drivers posted to perform transport in Austria are subject to the regulations in force there, so in a situation where their remuneration in the country where the transport company is based would be lower, the employer is obliged to pay the employee the difference in this remuneration, taking into account the C+E driver’s length of service and other factors affecting their remuneration in the country of transport.
On the other hand, minimum wage is a term referring to the national minimum hourly rate. In the case of European Union countries, the minimum wage is specified in the regulations of 22 of the 27 member states, and Austria is one of the 5 exceptions.
If you want to learn more about the rules for calculating sectoral wages, we encourage you to read our article: Rules for calculating sector pay and the Mobility Package - How to correctly calculate sector pay?
Average earnings of a truck driver in Austria in 2024
The average salary of a truck driver in Austria in 2024 was approximately €2,325 gross per month, which gives €32,600 per year. This amount is 4% higher than the average salary in this country.
However, it should be noted that this amount is averaged, and the salary of a C+E driver in Austria depends, among other things, on the experience and specialization of professional drivers.
Minimum and maximum salary of C+E drivers in Austria
The range of wages for truck drivers in Austria is significant and directly linked to years of experience and the type of vehicle operated. Initial earnings start from a minimum of €1,591 gross per month, while experienced drivers can earn over €3,000 gross. It’s worth noting that these amounts are often supplemented by additional benefits in the form of overtime, per diems, and bonuses.
From January 1, 2024, there was an increase in rates for truck drivers. For example, the hourly rate for a tractor-trailer driver without experience has increased to €12.78, which means an increase of €1.13 compared to the previous year.
Does sectoral pay in Austria exceed the national minimum wage?
Sectoral pay in Austria is regulated by collective agreements that guarantee drivers a wage higher than the minimum. According to the Austrian law on preventing wage and social dumping, as well as regulations resulting from the Mobility Package, employees (including C+E drivers) posted to Austria are entitled to at least the same remuneration as Austrian employees, including special benefits, overtime, and other supplements.
On January 1, 2024, there was an increase in sectoral pay rates for drivers in Austria by about 10%, which is a significant increase (from €11.65 to €12.78 per hour). Thanks to this, the remuneration system for drivers in Austria ensures not only higher earnings but also their systematic growth along with the growing experience and professional qualifications of the driver.
Sectoral pay in Austria – How it is determined?
The remuneration system for truck drivers in Austria is based on specific rules, and specific factors determine the amount of sectoral pay in Austria.
Collective agreements in Austria
The minimum wage in Austria is regulated at the sectoral level by social partners representing employees and employers. The level of remuneration is not fixed - it is negotiated annually and established in collective labor agreements (Kollektivverträge) concluded for a given industry. During these negotiations, the inflation rate and the contribution of employees to production growth are of key importance.
Trade unions federated into confederations and employers associated in chambers of commerce participate in the negotiation process. It is worth emphasizing an important fact - membership in the WKO is mandatory for Austrian employers, which ensures the widespread application of negotiated rates. As a result, collective agreements cover approximately 98% of all employees in Austria.
Importance of vehicle type and qualifications
The amount of remuneration for a truck driver in Austria also depends on the type of vehicle driven by the driver, as well as their qualifications. Classification in the collective agreement is according to:
- the type of vehicle the driver operates;
- length of service in the company;
- qualifications held;
- type of transport (goods or persons).
The final amount of remuneration is determined by the specific and actually performed activity by the employee. The remuneration system appreciates specialized skills - for example, drivers with ADR qualifications receive higher rates than drivers without such qualifications.
How much does a heavy goods vehicle driver earn in Austria? Experience and specialization
Professional experience and specialization are key factors affecting the amount of earnings of truck drivers in Austria. Differences in remuneration can be really significant depending on the length of service, qualifications held, and the type of vehicle operated. How exactly do these differences shape up? Let’s look at the detailed data!
Remuneration of an experienced C+E driver in Austria
From January 1, 2024, new regulations came into force in Austria, which provide truck drivers with the following rates, depending on their length of service:
- €12.78 - novice drivers of light vehicles up to 3.5 tons with a maximum of five years of experience receive this rate. This translates to a monthly salary of about €2,210.94.
- €13.07 - for C+E drivers with experience between 5 and 10 years.
- €13.38 - for truck drivers in Austria with experience of 10-15 years.
- €13.69 - hourly rate for truck drivers in Austria with experience between 15 and 20 years.
- €14.00 - remuneration of C+E drivers per hour of work in Austria if they have over 20 years of experience.
CE driver in Austria with ADR certificate
Another factor that affects the amount of remuneration for C+E drivers in Austria is additional certificates and qualifications. An example of such a situation is having an ADR certificate, authorizing the transport of dangerous materials.
Truck drivers in Austria with ADR qualifications receive rates from €13.57 (service up to 5 years) to €14.82 (service over 20 years).
Sectoral pay in Austria - Supplements and bonuses increasing remuneration
Basic remuneration is only part of the actual earnings of a truck driver in Austria. The remuneration system in this country offers numerous supplements and bonuses that significantly increase the total amount received by drivers. What exactly are the benefits due to truck drivers in Austria and what additional amounts can they count on? Let’s look at the details!
What does sectoral pay in Austria Include? Overtime supplement
The remuneration of C+E drivers in Austria can also be increased by overtime, among which two types of benefits can be distinguished:
- 100% of remuneration - due for overtime work at night, on Sundays and holidays, and on days off granted in exchange for work on Sunday or a holiday. This supplement also includes every hour of overtime work resulting from exceeding the average weekly working time standard.
- 50% of remuneration - applies for overtime work in other cases.
It is worth emphasizing that for drivers working permanently outside the company’s headquarters, it is possible to introduce lump sums for overtime. However, the employer is obliged to verify the actual number of hours worked, which ensures that drivers receive the remuneration due.
What does sectoral pay in Austria include? Remuneration for work on holidays and sundays
Austrian sectoral pay also includes separate benefits for work on Sundays and holidays.
A driver working on Sundays and holidays may receive a day off at another time or, if this is not possible, a supplement to remuneration. According to applicable regulations, for each hour of work on Sunday or a holiday, the driver is entitled to a supplement of 100% of remuneration.
It is worth noting that the driver’s working time includes not only driving the vehicle but also all activities related to the performance of transport, such as loading, unloading, or preparing documentation.
Importantly, the Chief Labor Inspectorate confirmed that drivers may receive two supplements simultaneously: for work on Sunday or a holiday and for exceeding the average weekly working time standard.
What does sectoral pay in Austria include? Holiday and christmas supplements
Austrian sectoral pay is also distinguished by two special annual supplements, which constitute a significant supplement to drivers’ salaries. These are:
- Weihnachtsgeld (13th salary) - Christmas bonus, paid most often in November. Its amount usually corresponds to the driver’s monthly salary.
- Urlaubsgeld (14th salary) - holiday bonus, paid most often in summer, when drivers take holidays.
The right to these additional benefits must be included in the collective employment agreement (Kollektivvertrag) or the driver’s individual agreement. If the driver has not worked a full year, the amount of the supplement is proportional to the time worked.
Thanks to these additional components of remuneration, the actual annual earnings of truck drivers in Austria are much higher than would result from the basic hourly rate. This comprehensive remuneration structure is one of the reasons why working as a driver in Austria is financially attractive.
Sectoral pay and work of CE driver in Austria - Summary
Sectoral pay in Austria provides truck drivers with decent and competitive remuneration, which makes this profession attractive on a European scale. Earnings of around €2,325 gross per month put drivers above the national average, which confirms the value of their work in the transport market.
Importantly, professional experience directly translates into the amount of remuneration - novice drivers receive about €24,000 per year, while people with 20 years of experience can count on even more than €40,000 in annual remuneration.
Specialization is the second key factor affecting the level of earnings. Drivers with ADR qualifications obtain significantly higher hourly rates, as do people operating vehicles with a higher tonnage. In addition, there are numerous benefits in the Austrian remuneration system:
- supplements for overtime (50% or 100% of remuneration);
- supplements for work on Sundays and holidays;
- Christmas bonuses (13th salary);
- holiday bonuses (14th salary).
The unique system of collective agreements, functioning in Austria, ensures not only annual valorization of rates but also their systematic growth along with gaining experience. Thanks to this, drivers can plan their career path with greater financial certainty. Although Austria does not offer the highest rates in Europe, it provides a transparent and fair remuneration system that properly appreciates the experience and qualifications held.
Moreover, Polish transport companies posting their C+E drivers to perform transport in Austria are obliged to pay employees remuneration in accordance with Austrian regulations. If this is problematic, the Evotax team will be happy to help you in settling the working time of drivers - not only in Austria but also in Poland and other countries. If you need support, contact us, and our specialists will take care of the rest!
Sectoral pay of a driver in Austria - Frequently asked questions
Below we have collected questions that we most often receive on the topic of the sectoral pay of a C+E driver in Austria and answered them. However, if you do not find an answer to a question that bothers you, contact us, and our specialists will be happy to provide support!
What is the average earning of a truck driver in Austria?
The average salary of a truck driver in Austria is around €2,325 gross per month, which translates into an annual salary of €32,600.
How does experience affect the earnings of drivers in Austria?
Earnings increase with experience. Novice drivers earn about €24,000 per year, after 4-9 years of work about €32,000, and drivers with over 20 years of experience can earn over €40,000 per year.
Do drivers with ADR qualifications earn more?
Yes, drivers with an ADR certificate receive higher rates. They can count on remuneration from €13.57 to €14.82 per hour, depending on the length of service.
What supplements do truck drivers receive in Austria?
Drivers receive supplements for overtime (50% or 100% of remuneration), for work on Sundays and holidays (100% of remuneration), as well as annual Christmas bonuses (13th salary) and holiday bonuses (14th salary).
How is sectoral pay determined for drivers in Austria?
Sectoral pay in Austria is determined through collective labor agreements, negotiated annually by trade unions and employer organizations. It takes into account the type of vehicle, length of service, qualifications, and type of transport.
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