Australia Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Australia's labor force participation was 66.54% in 2025, ranked 48th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Australia's labor force participation stood at 66.54% in 2025, a decline of +0.18pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 66.85% by 2026. Australia ranked 48th globally.
Australia's labor force participation rate has shown a modest upward trend over the past 36 years, with the latest figure standing at 66.54% in 2025. This rate has not surpassed its all-time peak of 67.02% reached in 2023, but has made notable progress from its all-time trough of 62.60% in 1993. Notably, Australia's labor force participation rate has been surpassed by peer countries such as Switzerland, which boasts a rate of 66.75%. Thailand, another peer country, has a slightly higher rate of 66.68%. The steady increase in labor force participation over the years indicates a positive shift in the country's workforce dynamics. However, a decline in this trend could be triggered by potential shifts in the country's demographics, economic conditions, or government policies, which would have significant implications for the country's labor market and economic growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.97% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.91% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 66.85% | - | - |
| 2025 | 66.54% | −0.18pp | #48 |
| 2024 | 66.72% | −0.30pp | #48 |
| 2023 | 67.02% | +0.13pp | #48 |
| 2022 | 66.89% | +0.74pp | #45 |
| 2021 | 66.15% | +1.12pp | #44 |
| 2020 | 65.03% | −1.06pp | #52 |
| 2019 | 66.09% | +0.28pp | #52 |
| 2018 | 65.80% | +0.56pp | #54 |
| 2017 | 65.25% | +0.30pp | #60 |
| 2016 | 64.95% | −0.12pp | #63 |
| 2015 | 65.08% | +0.29pp | #64 |
| 2014 | 64.79% | −0.24pp | #64 |
| 2013 | 65.03% | −0.22pp | #62 |
| 2012 | 65.25% | −0.27pp | #59 |
| 2011 | 65.51% | +0.03pp | #59 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Australia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia's labor force participation was 66.54% in 2025. Ranked 48th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Australia's labor force participation peaked at 67.02% in 2023.
The lowest labor force participation in Australia was 62.60% in 1993.
Australia ranks 48th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Australia's labor force participation is projected to reach 66.85% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Australia in 2025 was 66.54%. This ranks 48th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_australia_labor-force-participation,
title = {Australia Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/australia/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}