Austria has a long-standing history in textiles and apparel, with deep-rooted craftsmanship and innovation. Working in this sector allows you to be part of a tradition that blends heritage with modern design.
Austrian textile and apparel companies are known for their premium quality, precision, and attention to detail. Professionals gain valuable experience working in an environment that prioritizes excellence and sustainability.
Austria places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices, sustainable materials, and advanced production techniques. This focus on innovation makes the industry attractive for those interested in shaping the future of fashion and textiles.
From textile engineering and production to design, marketing, and retail, Austria’s textile and apparel industry offers a wide range of career paths suited for different skills and ambitions.
Austrian textile and fashion products enjoy global recognition, providing employees with opportunities to engage in international markets and collaborations.
Austria’s textile and apparel sector combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge design and technology, making it an exciting place for creative professionals from around the world.
The industry actively welcomes skilled international candidates, offering roles in design, product development, production, and sustainability. Multicultural teams bring diverse perspectives that shape global trends.
Austria is a leader in eco-friendly textiles and circular fashion solutions, giving international professionals the chance to contribute to meaningful projects with global impact.
Located in the heart of Europe, Austria offers international candidates access to both local and broader EU markets, opening doors for cross-border collaborations and career growth.
Beyond the professional opportunities, Austria provides a safe, culturally rich, and high-quality living environment, making it an attractive destination for building both a career and a lifestyle.
Austria is strong in producing high-performance textiles used in automotive, medical, protective clothing, and industrial applications. These products focus on innovation, durability, and safety.
The country has a growing fashion industry that blends traditional Austrian styles with contemporary designs. This includes ready-to-wear clothing, luxury fashion, and bespoke tailoring.
Austrian companies produce high-quality home textiles such as bedding, curtains, upholstery fabrics, and interior design materials, often emphasizing sustainability and comfort.
Austria is known for its expertise in functional sportswear, ski clothing, and outdoor gear, driven by the country’s alpine lifestyle and demand for performance-oriented apparel.
With a strong focus on environmental responsibility, Austria is a leader in organic fibers, recycled materials, and eco-friendly textile production.
Austria maintains a rich heritage of traditional garments such as Dirndl and Lederhosen, which remain important for cultural identity and tourism.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/Year) |
Avg. Salary (USD/Year) |
Avg. Salary (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Textile Engineer |
€50,000 |
$55,000 |
₹4,600,000 |
|
Apparel Designer |
€45,000 |
$49,500 |
₹4,140,000 |
|
Fashion Merchandiser |
€42,000 |
$46,200 |
₹3,860,000 |
|
Pattern Maker |
€38,000 |
$41,800 |
₹3,500,000 |
|
Garment Technologist |
€40,000 |
$44,000 |
₹3,680,000 |
|
Quality Control Manager |
€46,000 |
$50,600 |
₹4,230,000 |
|
Production Manager |
€55,000 |
$60,500 |
₹5,060,000 |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
€65,000 |
$71,500 |
₹5,980,000 |
|
Textile Chemist |
€52,000 |
$57,200 |
₹4,780,000 |
|
Sustainability Manager |
€60,000 |
$66,000 |
₹5,520,000 |
|
Retail Buyer |
€44,000 |
$48,400 |
₹4,050,000 |
|
Fashion Illustrator |
€36,000 |
$39,600 |
₹3,310,000 |
|
E-Commerce Specialist |
€42,000 |
$46,200 |
₹3,860,000 |
|
Textile Research Scientist |
€58,000 |
$63,800 |
₹5,340,000 |
|
Product Development Manager |
€62,000 |
$68,200 |
₹5,700,000 |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager (Fashion) |
€54,000 |
$59,400 |
₹4,970,000 |
|
Brand Manager |
€57,000 |
$62,700 |
₹5,240,000 |
|
Visual Merchandiser |
€39,000 |
$42,900 |
₹3,590,000 |
|
Fashion Stylist |
€35,000 |
$38,500 |
₹3,220,000 |
|
Textile Machine Operator |
€32,000 |
$35,200 |
₹2,940,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Textile Engineering, Fashion Design, Apparel Technology, Business, or related fields. |
|
Work Experience |
Relevant professional experience in textiles, apparel, fashion, supply chain, or related roles is highly valued. |
|
Technical Skills |
Knowledge of textile production, garment technology, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), pattern making, sustainability practices, or fashion marketing depending on job profile. |
|
Language Requirements |
Proficiency in English is often required. German language skills (B1/B2) are highly preferred for workplace and daily life. |
|
Work Visa / Permit |
Must obtain a valid Austrian work permit or Red-White-Red Card (for skilled professionals). |
|
Recognition of Qualifications |
Foreign degrees and diplomas may need recognition/equivalence by Austrian authorities. |
|
Soft Skills |
Creativity, attention to detail, communication skills, teamwork, and adaptability to European work culture. |
|
Health & Insurance |
Proof of health insurance and meeting health standards required for visa approval. |
|
Age Requirement |
No strict limit, but most employers prefer candidates in employable working age (18–65). |
|
Networking & References |
Professional references and networking (via LinkedIn, fashion fairs, or textile exhibitions) increase job prospects. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Textile Engineer |
Develop and improve fabrics, test textile properties, oversee production processes. |
|
Apparel Designer |
Create clothing designs, research trends, prepare sketches, work with production teams. |
|
Fashion Merchandiser |
Analyze market trends, plan collections, manage stock and product displays. |
|
Pattern Maker |
Create garment patterns, ensure fit and accuracy, adapt designs for production. |
|
Garment Technologist |
Oversee garment construction, test quality and performance, improve production efficiency. |
|
Quality Control Manager |
Implement quality standards, inspect raw materials and finished products, reduce defects. |
|
Production Manager |
Plan and manage textile/apparel production, supervise staff, ensure deadlines and cost control. |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
Coordinate sourcing, logistics, inventory, and vendor relationships across the supply chain. |
|
Textile Chemist |
Develop dyes, finishes, and treatments, research sustainable materials, test chemical safety. |
|
Sustainability Manager |
Implement eco-friendly practices, ensure compliance with environmental standards, monitor waste reduction. |
|
Retail Buyer |
Select apparel collections for stores, negotiate with suppliers, forecast consumer demand. |
|
Fashion Illustrator |
Produce sketches and digital designs, visualize collections, assist designers with presentations. |
|
E-Commerce Specialist |
Manage online sales platforms, optimize product listings, track digital marketing performance. |
|
Textile Research Scientist |
Conduct research on new fibers, smart textiles, and innovative materials. |
|
Product Development Manager |
Oversee concept-to-market product cycle, coordinate design and production teams. |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
Build brand presence, drive sales strategies, manage client relationships. |
|
Brand Manager |
Define brand identity, oversee advertising campaigns, maintain consistent messaging. |
|
Visual Merchandiser |
Design in-store displays, optimize product placement, enhance customer shopping experience. |
|
Fashion Stylist |
Select and coordinate outfits for clients, photoshoots, or fashion shows. |
|
Textile Machine Operator |
Operate weaving, knitting, or finishing machines, maintain production quality and safety. |
Job Profile |
General Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Textile Engineer |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in Textile Engineering or related field; knowledge of fabric testing and production processes. |
|
Apparel Designer |
Degree/Diploma in Fashion Design; portfolio of creative work; CAD software skills. |
|
Fashion Merchandiser |
Degree in Fashion Business/Marketing; knowledge of retail operations and market analysis. |
|
Pattern Maker |
Diploma in Pattern Making/Garment Technology; CAD pattern software proficiency. |
|
Garment Technologist |
Degree in Apparel Technology/Textiles; understanding of garment construction and quality standards. |
|
Quality Control Manager |
Degree in Quality Management/Textiles; experience in inspection, compliance, and audits. |
|
Production Manager |
Degree in Textile Production/Industrial Engineering; leadership and planning skills. |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
Degree in Logistics/Supply Chain/Business; knowledge of sourcing, inventory, and ERP systems. |
|
Textile Chemist |
Degree/Master’s in Textile Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; lab and testing experience. |
|
Sustainability Manager |
Degree in Sustainability/Environmental Science/Textiles; knowledge of eco-certifications and compliance. |
|
Retail Buyer |
Degree in Business/Marketing/Fashion Management; strong negotiation and trend forecasting skills. |
|
Fashion Illustrator |
Diploma/Degree in Fashion Illustration/Design; proficiency in sketching and digital design tools. |
|
E-Commerce Specialist |
Degree in E-Commerce/Marketing/Business; digital marketing and SEO knowledge. |
|
Textile Research Scientist |
Master’s/PhD in Textiles/Materials Science; research and innovation expertise. |
|
Product Development Manager |
Degree in Fashion/Textile Management; experience in new product lifecycle management. |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
Degree in Marketing/Business/Fashion; proven sales and branding experience. |
|
Brand Manager |
Degree in Business/Marketing; expertise in brand strategy and communications. |
|
Visual Merchandiser |
Diploma/Degree in Fashion/Interior Design/Visual Merchandising; creative design skills. |
|
Fashion Stylist |
Diploma in Styling/Fashion; experience with photoshoots, events, or personal styling. |
|
Textile Machine Operator |
Vocational training in textile machinery; technical and mechanical skills for production. |
Job Profile |
Typical Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Textile Engineer |
2–5 years in textile production or fabric testing. |
|
Apparel Designer |
1–4 years design experience; portfolio required. |
|
Fashion Merchandiser |
2–5 years in merchandising/retail analysis. |
|
Pattern Maker |
1–3 years with CAD pattern software and garment fitting. |
|
Garment Technologist |
2–4 years in garment construction/quality assurance. |
|
Quality Control Manager |
5–8 years in textile QC and compliance. |
|
Production Manager |
5–10 years in manufacturing, including supervisory roles. |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
6–10 years in sourcing, logistics, or procurement. |
|
Textile Chemist |
3–6 years in labs, R&D, or chemical finishing. |
|
Sustainability Manager |
5–8 years in sustainability, compliance, or CSR. |
|
Retail Buyer |
2–5 years in buying, procurement, or fashion retail. |
|
Fashion Illustrator |
0–3 years; strong portfolio may replace experience. |
|
E-Commerce Specialist |
1–4 years in online retail, SEO, or digital marketing. |
|
Textile Research Scientist |
5–10 years plus Master’s/PhD in textiles/materials. |
|
Product Development Manager |
5–8 years in product lifecycle management. |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
6–10 years in sales, brand promotion, or B2B markets. |
|
Brand Manager |
5–8 years in brand development and communication. |
|
Visual Merchandiser |
1–3 years in retail displays or store design. |
|
Fashion Stylist |
0–3 years; client work or portfolio highly valued. |
|
Textile Machine Operator |
1–2 years in machine operation (vocational training accepted). |
Company Name |
Specialization / Focus Area |
Opportunities for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|
|
Lenzing AG |
Global leader in sustainable fibers (TENCEL™, Modal, Viscose). |
R&D, textile engineering, sustainability, global supply chain. |
|
Wolford AG |
Luxury lingerie, hosiery, and bodywear brand. |
Fashion design, merchandising, product development, retail. |
|
Getzner Textil AG |
High-quality shirting fabrics, technical textiles. |
Textile engineering, weaving, quality control, exports. |
|
Backhausen Interior Textiles |
Premium interior & upholstery textiles. |
Design, production, and sales for international markets. |
|
Palmers Textil AG |
Leading Austrian lingerie and hosiery brand. |
Fashion design, retail, brand management, marketing. |
|
Huebner GmbH |
Technical textiles and mobility solutions (transport, industry). |
Technical textiles, R&D, and engineering. |
|
Teufelberger Holding AG |
Ropes, cords, and high-performance textile solutions. |
Technical textiles, production, innovation. |
|
Eska Gloves |
Specialized protective and luxury gloves. |
Design, production technology, global trade. |
|
Salewa (Austria HQ in Innsbruck) |
Outdoor sportswear and equipment. |
Product design, sportswear technology, retail, marketing. |
|
Dynafit |
High-performance sports & ski apparel. |
Apparel design, marketing, supply chain, international retail. |
|
KTC Limited (Austria operations) |
High-quality outdoor and workwear textiles. |
Apparel production, sourcing, and technical development. |
|
Red Bull GmbH (Fashion & Merch Division) |
Lifestyle apparel & merchandising. |
Branding, product development, e-commerce, design. |
|
Schöffel Austria |
Outdoor clothing and gear. |
Apparel design, sustainability, international markets. |
|
Fussenegger Textil |
Traditional & modern home textiles. |
Textile production, design, international distribution. |
|
Seidra Textilwerke |
Fabrics, knitwear, and sustainable textiles. |
Production, R&D, design, and quality control. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/Year) |
General Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Textile Engineer |
€50,000 |
Degree in Textile Engg.; knowledge of fabrics & production |
Lenzing AG, Getzner Textil |
Develop new fabrics, test materials, oversee production. |
|
Apparel Designer |
€45,000 |
Fashion Design degree; CAD skills; portfolio |
Wolford, Palmers, Wolford AG |
Design clothing lines, sketch concepts, work with production teams. |
|
Fashion Merchandiser |
€42,000 |
Degree in Fashion Business/Marketing; retail knowledge |
Wolford, Palmers, Red Bull Merch |
Plan collections, analyze trends, manage stock displays. |
|
Pattern Maker |
€38,000 |
Diploma in Pattern Making; CAD proficiency |
Wolford, Palmers, Salewa |
Draft garment patterns, ensure fit and accuracy. |
|
Garment Technologist |
€40,000 |
Apparel Tech degree; knowledge of garment construction |
Wolford, KTC Limited |
Oversee garment production, test quality, improve processes. |
|
Quality Control Manager |
€46,000 |
Textile/Quality Management degree; QC experience |
Lenzing, Getzner, Teufelberger |
Inspect raw materials, enforce standards, reduce defects. |
|
Production Manager |
€55,000 |
Industrial/Textile Production degree; leadership |
Getzner, Teufelberger, Fussenegger |
Manage production schedules, supervise teams, ensure targets. |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
€65,000 |
Degree in Logistics/Business; ERP skills |
Lenzing AG, Teufelberger, Schöffel |
Manage sourcing, logistics, and vendor networks. |
|
Textile Chemist |
€52,000 |
Degree in Textile Chemistry; lab/R&D experience |
Lenzing, Backhausen |
Develop dyes/finishes, test fibers, ensure chemical safety. |
|
Sustainability Manager |
€60,000 |
Sustainability/Env. Science degree; eco-cert knowledge |
Lenzing, Schöffel, Salewa |
Implement eco-friendly practices, monitor compliance. |
|
Retail Buyer |
€44,000 |
Business/Marketing degree; negotiation skills |
Palmers, Wolford, Red Bull |
Select collections, forecast demand, negotiate suppliers. |
|
Fashion Illustrator |
€36,000 |
Diploma in Illustration/Design; sketching & digital tools |
Wolford, Palmers |
Produce sketches, visualize collections, assist designers. |
|
E-Commerce Specialist |
€42,000 |
E-commerce/Marketing degree; SEO skills |
Wolford, Red Bull, Salewa |
Manage online sales, optimize listings, track digital performance. |
|
Textile Research Scientist |
€58,000 |
Master’s/PhD in Textiles/Materials Science |
Lenzing, Getzner, Teufelberger |
Research innovative fibers, develop smart textiles. |
|
Product Development Manager |
€62,000 |
Fashion/Textile Mgmt degree; lifecycle expertise |
Wolford, Lenzing, Dynafit |
Oversee product creation, coordinate teams from idea to launch. |
|
Sales & Marketing Manager |
€54,000 |
Degree in Marketing/Business; proven sales skills |
Wolford, Palmers, Red Bull |
Build brand presence, manage campaigns, grow sales. |
|
Brand Manager |
€57,000 |
Degree in Marketing/Branding; communication skills |
Wolford, Palmers, Red Bull |
Define brand strategy, oversee campaigns, manage identity. |
|
Visual Merchandiser |
€39,000 |
Fashion/Interior/VM degree; creative skills |
Palmers, Wolford, Retail chains |
Design store displays, optimize customer experience. |
|
Fashion Stylist |
€35,000 |
Diploma in Styling/Fashion; portfolio of styling work |
Wolford, Red Bull Merch |
Coordinate looks for shoots, events, or retail campaigns. |
|
Textile Machine Operator |
€32,000 |
Vocational training in textile machinery |
Getzner, Seidra, Fussenegger |
Operate textile machines, monitor production quality. |
Visa / Permit Type |
Eligibility for Textile & Apparel Candidates |
Key Features / Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
Red-White-Red Card (Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations) |
Non-EU/EEA nationals with a job offer in Austria in a recognized shortage occupation (some textile technical roles may qualify if demand exists). |
Valid up to 2 years, tied to employer; pathway to long-term residence. |
|
Red-White-Red Card Plus |
For Red-White-Red Card holders after 2 years of employment. |
Allows free access to Austrian labor market (no employer tie). |
|
EU Blue Card |
University graduates with a job offer in Austria and a minimum annual salary threshold (approx. €45,000–€50,000, varies yearly). |
Valid up to 2 years, can lead to permanent residence. |
|
Job Seeker Visa (Highly Qualified Workers) |
Highly qualified professionals (e.g., textile engineers, R&D specialists) who score enough points in Austria’s points system. |
6-month visa to enter Austria and search for a job. |
|
Work Visa (Employer-Sponsored) |
Non-EU applicants with a confirmed job offer in Austria. |
Tied to a specific employer; valid for duration of contract. |
|
Student Residence Permit |
For studying textiles/fashion in Austrian universities (e.g., University of Applied Arts Vienna). |
Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) during studies; pathway to post-study work. |
|
Job-Seeking Post-Study Visa |
International graduates of Austrian universities in textiles, fashion, or design. |
12-month extension of student visa to search for a job. |
|
Seasonal Work Visa |
For short-term textile or apparel production roles (rare, but possible in manufacturing peaks). |
Temporary permit, not a pathway to permanent residence. |
