Ireland Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Ireland's labor force participation was 64.84% in 2025, ranked 60th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Ireland's labor force participation stood at 64.84% in 2025, a decline of +0.17pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 65.76% by 2026. Ireland ranked 60th globally.
Ireland’s labor force participation has risen steadily over the 36‑year span from 60.49 % in 1990 to 64.84 % in 2025, placing the country 60th globally. The series peaked at 66.62 % in 2007, shortly before the global financial crisis, and reached its lowest point of 60.18 % in 1992, a period marked by domestic recession and high emigration. The post‑crisis recovery and sustained growth in high‑skill sectors have driven the gradual upward trend, keeping Ireland’s participation rate closely aligned with peers such as Denmark (64.94 %) and Uruguay (64.99 %). While the recent figure matches the Dominican Republic and Bhutan at 64.84 %, modest gains remain possible through policies that encourage higher female and older‑worker participation, especially as demographic ageing intensifies. Continued investment in flexible work arrangements and lifelong training could further lift Ireland’s participation rate and improve its international standing.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.39% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.07% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 65.76% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.84% | −0.17pp | #60 |
| 2024 | 65.01% | −1.17pp | #60 |
| 2023 | 66.18% | +1.74pp | #50 |
| 2022 | 64.44% | +0.90pp | #66 |
| 2021 | 63.55% | +2.46pp | #67 |
| 2020 | 61.09% | −1.22pp | #86 |
| 2019 | 62.31% | +0.17pp | #85 |
| 2018 | 62.14% | +0.22pp | #86 |
| 2017 | 61.92% | −0.20pp | #85 |
| 2016 | 62.12% | +0.34pp | #85 |
| 2015 | 61.78% | +0.07pp | #89 |
| 2014 | 61.71% | −0.20pp | #90 |
| 2013 | 61.91% | +0.32pp | #84 |
| 2012 | 61.59% | −0.34pp | #89 |
| 2011 | 61.93% | −0.67pp | #84 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland 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
Ireland's labor force participation was 64.84% in 2025. Ranked 60th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Ireland's labor force participation peaked at 66.62% in 2007.
The lowest labor force participation in Ireland was 60.18% in 1992.
Ireland ranks 60th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's labor force participation is projected to reach 65.76% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Ireland in 2025 was 64.84%. This ranks 60th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_labor-force-participation,
title = {Ireland Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}