Bulgaria Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Bulgaria's services employment was 67.43% in 2025, ranked 112th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Bulgaria's services employment stood at 67.43% in 2025, a rise of +0.41% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 68.54% by 2026. Bulgaria ranked 112th globally.
Bulgaria’s share of employment in services has risen steadily over the 35‑year span from 45.40 percent in 1991 to a record 67.43 percent in 2025, placing the country 112th globally. The upward trajectory mirrors a structural shift common to post‑communist economies, where manufacturing’s relative weight has declined and the tertiary sector has expanded to absorb labor displaced by privatization and technological change. By 2025 Bulgaria’s services employment rate is marginally below that of Cuba (67.56 percent) and Cabo Verde (67.69 percent), yet above Panama (66.95 percent) and Suriname (66.92 percent), indicating a competitive position among similarly ranked economies. The peak reached in 2025 reflects both domestic policy incentives for tourism, information technology and business services and broader EU integration effects that have facilitated labor mobility and investment. Continued growth will depend on the pace of digital transformation, the ability to upskill the workforce and the resilience of demand for high‑value services in the post‑pandemic global economy.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 70.84% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 69.69% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.54% | - | - |
| 2025 | 67.43% | +0.41% | #112 |
| 2024 | 67.03% | +2.86% | #112 |
| 2023 | 64.16% | +0.95% | #104 |
| 2022 | 63.22% | −0.37% | #102 |
| 2021 | 63.58% | +1.11% | #104 |
| 2020 | 62.48% | −1.25% | #104 |
| 2019 | 63.73% | +0.74% | #106 |
| 2018 | 62.99% | −0.50% | #106 |
| 2017 | 63.49% | +0.56% | #106 |
| 2016 | 62.93% | +0.03% | #106 |
| 2015 | 62.90% | −0.20% | #107 |
| 2014 | 63.10% | +0.11% | #106 |
| 2013 | 62.98% | +0.98% | #108 |
| 2012 | 62.00% | −0.01% | #107 |
| 2011 | 62.01% | +2.10% | #107 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bulgaria matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulgaria's services employment was 67.43% in 2025. Ranked 112th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from the previous year.
Bulgaria's services employment peaked at 67.43% in 2025.
The lowest services employment in Bulgaria was 45.40% in 1991.
Bulgaria ranks 112th globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bulgaria's services employment is projected to reach 68.54% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Bulgaria in 2025 was 67.43%. This ranks 112th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bulgaria_services-employment,
title = {Bulgaria Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bulgaria/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}