European Union Industry Employment
Employment in industry SL.IND.EMPL.ZS
European Union's industry employment was 23.91% in 2025, ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
European Union's industry employment stood at 23.91% in 2025, a decline of +0.27% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 23.71% by 2026. European Union ranked 133rd globally.
The European Union’s share of its labour force employed in industry fell from 33.91 percent in 1991, the all‑time peak, to 23.91 percent in 2025, the lowest level recorded over the 35‑year series and placing the bloc at rank 133 globally. This decline reflects the deepening structural shift toward services and high‑technology sectors that accelerated after the 2008 financial crisis and was reinforced by the EU’s Green Deal agenda, which incentivises greener, less labour‑intensive manufacturing. The 2025 figure is only marginally above Morocco’s 23.83 percent and below Korea’s 23.38 percent, underscoring the EU’s convergence with economies that retain modest industrial workforces. While the downward trajectory has been steady, the forthcoming European Industry Act and increased investment in advanced manufacturing could moderate the fall, potentially stabilising industry employment at a slightly higher share in the next decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Industry Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 23.28% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 23.49% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 23.71% | - | - |
| 2025 | 23.91% | −0.27% | #133 |
| 2024 | 24.18% | −0.08% | #133 |
| 2023 | 24.26% | −0.31% | #136 |
| 2022 | 24.57% | −0.21% | #138 |
| 2021 | 24.78% | −0.23% | #141 |
| 2020 | 25.00% | −0.04% | #146 |
| 2019 | 25.04% | −0.06% | #143 |
| 2018 | 25.10% | −0.01% | #143 |
| 2017 | 25.12% | +0.09% | #144 |
| 2016 | 25.03% | −0.05% | #142 |
| 2015 | 25.07% | −0.07% | #146 |
| 2014 | 25.15% | −0.15% | #145 |
| 2013 | 25.29% | −0.42% | #143 |
| 2012 | 25.71% | −0.24% | #150 |
| 2011 | 25.95% | −0.49% | #151 |
Analysis
European Union's industry employment was 23.91% in 2025, a decline of −0.27% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 23.71% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
European Union's industry employment was 23.91% in 2025. Ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year.
European Union's industry employment peaked at 33.91% in 1991.
The lowest industry employment in European Union was 23.91% in 2025.
European Union ranks 133rd globally in industry employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.IND.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
European Union's industry employment is projected to reach 23.71% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The industry employment of European Union in 2025 was 23.91%. This ranks 133rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_european-union_industry-employment,
title = {European Union Industry Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/european-union/industry-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}