Born in Heiligenkreuz, Burgenland, Kühbauer began his professional career at Admira Wacker, making his Austrian Bundesliga debut in 1987 at the age of 16.

Two years later, he returned to Austria to join his childhood club, SV Mattersburg, where he finished his playing career after the 2007–08 season.

The 2022–23 season saw significant improvement, as Kühbauer led the team to a third-place finish, securing their return to European competition.

[7] In May 2024, Kühbauers return as head coach of Wolfsberger AC was announced, with him taking over the position from Manfred Schmid ahead of the 2024–25 season.

[8] On 16 February 1997, Kühbauer's pregnant wife, Michaela, was driving to Vienna International Airport to pick him up after Rapid's winter break in Dubai.