Germany Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Germany's services employment was 72.95% in 2025, ranked 137th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Germany's services employment stood at 72.95% in 2025, a rise of +0.34% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 73.39% by 2026. Germany ranked 137th globally.
Germany’s share of employment in services rose steadily over the 35‑year span from 57.92 in 1991 to a record 72.95 in 2025, placing it 137th globally. The upward trajectory mirrors broader structural shifts in advanced economies, where service‑oriented activities have increasingly absorbed labour displaced from manufacturing and agriculture. By 2025 Germany’s services employment rate marginally exceeds the European Union average of 72.86 and is close to Greece’s 73.01, suggesting convergence with other high‑income members of the bloc. The all‑time peak in 2025 reflects both the expansion of digital and knowledge‑intensive sectors and the post‑pandemic acceleration of remote and health‑related services. While the long‑run trend points to further growth, any reversal could arise from substantial policy shifts toward reindustrialisation, major technological disruptions, or a slowdown in demographic labour supply. Continued investment in skill development and digital infrastructure will likely sustain the upward momentum.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 74.14% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 73.77% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 73.39% | - | - |
| 2025 | 72.95% | +0.34% | #137 |
| 2024 | 72.62% | +0.22% | #137 |
| 2023 | 72.39% | +0.44% | #138 |
| 2022 | 71.95% | +0.55% | #140 |
| 2021 | 71.41% | −0.25% | #139 |
| 2020 | 71.66% | −0.01% | #142 |
| 2019 | 71.66% | +0.28% | #141 |
| 2018 | 71.39% | +0.07% | #142 |
| 2017 | 71.31% | −0.04% | #142 |
| 2016 | 71.36% | +0.38% | #143 |
| 2015 | 70.98% | +0.50% | #142 |
| 2014 | 70.48% | −0.34% | #141 |
| 2013 | 70.82% | +0.59% | #142 |
| 2012 | 70.23% | −0.39% | #143 |
| 2011 | 70.61% | +0.99% | #147 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Germany matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw services employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany's services employment was 72.95% in 2025. Ranked 137th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Germany's services employment peaked at 72.95% in 2025.
The lowest services employment in Germany was 57.92% in 1991.
Germany ranks 137th globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Germany's services employment is projected to reach 73.39% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Germany in 2025 was 72.95%. This ranks 137th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_germany_services-employment,
title = {Germany Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/germany/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}