Jamaica Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Jamaica's labor force participation was 69.57% in 2025, ranked 30th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Jamaica's labor force participation stood at 69.57% in 2025, a rise of +0.12pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 71.23% by 2026. Jamaica ranked 30th globally.
Jamaica’s labor force participation rate stands at 69.57 % in 2025, placing the island nation 30th in the world and just below Singapore’s 69.67 % and Botswana’s 68.80 % among peers with similar rankings. The indicator has declined from its all‑time peak of 71.24 % recorded in 1990, reaching a low of 60.49 % in 2010 before rebounding over the subsequent decade. The 36‑year coverage shows a gradual recovery, driven by expanding service‑sector employment and modest improvements in female labor market attachment, yet the rate remains below the early‑1990s high. Structural constraints such as limited formal job creation and persistent informality continue to cap participation levels. Continued investment in skills development, digital transformation, and policies that encourage flexible work arrangements could sustain the upward trajectory, potentially restoring participation to its historic peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 73.13% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 72.18% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 71.23% | - | - |
| 2025 | 69.57% | +0.12pp | #30 |
| 2024 | 69.44% | −0.03pp | #30 |
| 2023 | 69.47% | +1.82pp | #31 |
| 2022 | 67.65% | +1.96pp | #35 |
| 2021 | 65.69% | +0.86pp | #48 |
| 2020 | 64.83% | −2.13pp | #55 |
| 2019 | 66.97% | +1.48pp | #45 |
| 2018 | 65.48% | −0.19pp | #58 |
| 2017 | 65.67% | +0.75pp | #56 |
| 2016 | 64.92% | −0.57pp | #64 |
| 2015 | 65.50% | +2.95pp | #59 |
| 2014 | 62.55% | +0.71pp | #80 |
| 2013 | 61.84% | +1.11pp | #86 |
| 2012 | 60.73% | −0.09pp | #97 |
| 2011 | 60.82% | +0.33pp | #94 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's labor force participation was 69.57% in 2025. Ranked 30th globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Jamaica's labor force participation peaked at 71.24% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Jamaica was 60.49% in 2010.
Jamaica ranks 30th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Jamaica's labor force participation is projected to reach 71.23% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Jamaica in 2025 was 69.57%. This ranks 30th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_labor-force-participation,
title = {Jamaica Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}