ÖBB Expands Workforce by 625 in Upper Austria for 2026

ÖBB to Recruit 625 Staff and Trainees in Upper Austria for 2026

In 2026, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) will expand its workforce in the Upper Austria region by recruiting approximately 375 new employees. The state-owned operator will concurrently offer nearly 250 paid vocational training positions to support its operational pipeline. This initiative targets around 130 different professional specializations within the company.

Recruitment and Training Details

The recruitment drive is a direct response to both regional operational requirements and broader workforce planning. ÖBB is focusing on filling a wide range of roles while also investing heavily in internal training for critical railway professions. Continuous training programs are scheduled throughout the year for locomotive engineers, conductors, shunters, and traffic dispatchers, with the 250 places in Upper Austria specifically allocated for these courses.

A key component of the company’s recruitment strategy is that all vocational training programs are fully paid from the first day. This model is designed to attract candidates from other industries seeking a career change without an initial income loss. According to ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä, the demand for stable employment has grown, a factor that contributed to the company receiving over 140,000 applications in the previous year. The operator supports its workforce with benefits that include flexible work schedules, childcare services, support for employees with family care responsibilities, and access to dedicated employee housing.

The initiative aligns with ÖBB’s function as a major economic entity in the country. Austrian Minister of Mobility Peter Hanke noted that investments in the railway sector create jobs and generate regional economic value that extends beyond transport services.

Industry Context and Labor Market Pressures

ÖBB’s large-scale recruitment in Upper Austria occurs within a tightening European rail labor market characterized by skills shortages and increasing competition for qualified personnel. Data from Carrington West’s 2026 Rail Salary Survey & Guide indicates that the industry is experiencing rising salary expectations and a shrinking talent pool, particularly for experienced design engineers and commercial staff. The report describes a complex market affected by deferred projects and structural reforms, making workforce forecasting difficult.

The strategy of offering fully paid, in-house training for core operational roles is a direct countermeasure to these market pressures. By developing talent internally, ÖBB can secure a pipeline of qualified staff for essential positions like locomotive engineers and dispatchers, mitigating the risks and costs associated with competing for experienced professionals in the open market. This long-term investment in human capital is crucial for maintaining service levels and supporting future network expansion amid sector-wide labor constraints.

Next Steps

Recruitment for the positions will proceed throughout 2026, with specific opportunities listed on the ÖBB corporate career platform. The continuous training programs for key operational roles will accept candidates on an ongoing basis to feed the operational pipeline.