Can I earn on the side (marginal job) in Austria?
Yes — you may earn on the side, but the threshold matters. The marginal-earnings limit for 2026 is €551.10 per month and was, for the first time, not raised. Earn up to that in one job and you're exempt from full social insurance (accident cover only). If you hold several marginal jobs whose total exceeds the limit, full insurance kicks in and contributions (about 14.62%) fall due retroactively. Key 2026 change: alongside unemployment benefit or emergency assistance you may now earn marginally only in narrow exceptions. In short: yes up to €551.10, but take care with multiple jobs and while drawing benefits.
📋 The rules
- Marginal limit 2026: €551.10 / month
- Up to the limit: accident insurance only
- Several jobs over the limit: full insurance
- Contributions then about 14.62%, retroactive
- Side earning alongside benefits heavily restricted
🔓 Exceptions
- Job already ran ≥26 weeks before unemployment: allowed
- Long-term unemployed 50+ or ≥50% disability: exception
- Marginal job beside a main job: income is pooled for tax
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If several jobs total over €551.10, social-insurance contributions of about 14.62% are charged retroactively and full insurance applies. Earning unlawfully alongside unemployment benefit or emergency assistance in 2026 can mean losing the benefit. Beware a myth: "€551.10 a month is always entirely tax- and contribution-free" is false — it's free only if it's your only low-paid job; multiple jobs over the limit, or a marginal job beside a main job, bring tax and the roughly 14.62% charge. Tip: keep an eye on the total of all earnings and clear any benefit-side earning with the labour office first.
📎 Official sources
- WKO · marginal employment →
- Chamber of Labour · marginal work →
- Chamber of Labour · side earning vs benefit 2026 →
❓ Frequently asked
How much can I earn marginally?
In 2026 the marginal-earnings limit is €551.10 per month, unchanged from the previous year for the first time. Earn up to that in one job and you have accident cover only and are exempt from full social insurance.
What happens with several marginal jobs?
If the total of your marginal jobs exceeds the €551.10 limit, compulsory full insurance kicks in. Social-insurance contributions of about 14.62 percent are then charged retroactively on the marginal income.
Can I earn on the side while on unemployment benefit?
From 1 January 2026 only in narrow exceptions, for example where the job already ran at least 26 weeks before unemployment, for the long-term unemployed aged 50+, or with at least 50 percent disability. Otherwise the side earning can cost you the benefit.
Is the income tax-free?
Only if it's your single marginal job. If you hold several jobs over the limit, or a marginal job beside a fully insured main job, the income is pooled for tax and wage tax plus contributions can arise.
Am I covered for health and pension?
With a marginal job you generally have accident cover only. You can, however, take out voluntary self-insurance for health and pension to build up insurance periods. Ask the ÖGK about this.
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