Australia Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Australia's female labor participation was 62.51% in 2025, ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Australia's female labor participation stood at 62.51% in 2025, a decline of +0.13pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 62.99% by 2026. Australia ranked 32nd globally.
Australia's female labor participation rate has exhibited a gradual upward trend over the past three and a half decades, increasing from a low of 51.77% in 1993 to a peak of 62.65% in 2024, which is identical to Kazakhstan's rate. Notably, the country has made significant strides, with the rate rising to 62.51% in 2025, ranking 32nd globally. This progress is in line with peer countries such as the Netherlands, which boasts a slightly higher rate of 62.71%. The steady increase in female labor participation is a testament to Australia's evolving workforce dynamics and changing societal attitudes towards women's participation in the economy. The country's continued investment in education and childcare infrastructure, as well as its efforts to address persistent pay gaps and workplace biases, will likely play a crucial role in sustaining this trend. However, potential economic downturns or shifts in government policies could potentially alter the trajectory of female labor participation in Australia.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 63.41% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 63.20% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 62.99% | - | - |
| 2025 | 62.51% | −0.13pp | #32 |
| 2024 | 62.65% | +0.07pp | #32 |
| 2023 | 62.58% | +0.05pp | #34 |
| 2022 | 62.52% | +1.01pp | #32 |
| 2021 | 61.52% | +1.38pp | #35 |
| 2020 | 60.14% | −0.89pp | #39 |
| 2019 | 61.03% | +0.40pp | #41 |
| 2018 | 60.63% | +0.75pp | #44 |
| 2017 | 59.88% | +0.50pp | #45 |
| 2016 | 59.38% | +0.23pp | #48 |
| 2015 | 59.15% | +0.45pp | #49 |
| 2014 | 58.70% | −0.03pp | #52 |
| 2013 | 58.74% | −0.09pp | #50 |
| 2012 | 58.83% | −0.10pp | #52 |
| 2011 | 58.93% | +0.25pp | #52 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Australia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia's female labor participation was 62.51% in 2025. Ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Australia's female labor participation peaked at 62.65% in 2024.
The lowest female labor participation in Australia was 51.77% in 1993.
Australia ranks 32nd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Australia's female labor participation is projected to reach 62.99% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Australia in 2025 was 62.51%. This ranks 32nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_australia_female-labor-participation,
title = {Australia Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/australia/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}