Mexico Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Mexico's unemployment rate was 2.67% in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Mexico's unemployment rate stood at 2.67% in 2025, a rise of +0.00pp from 2024. The IMF projects 2.95% by 2025. Mexico ranked 28th globally.
Mexico’s unemployment rate has remained relatively low and stable over the past four decades, with a recorded rate of 2.67% in 2025, aligning it with peer countries such as Guinea-Bissau and South Korea, which reported nearly identical rates of 2.67% and 2.68% respectively. The indicator reached its historical peak in 1995 at 7.09%, a period marked by the aftermath of the peso crisis, which triggered broad economic instability and job market contractions. In contrast, the lowest unemployment rate was observed in 1981, when it dipped to 0.90%, reflecting tighter labor markets during a period of industrial expansion. Since the early 2000s, the rate has generally stayed below 5%, supported by structural shifts toward services and manufacturing, particularly in export-oriented sectors. The sustained low unemployment suggests strong labor force absorption, though it may also reflect underemployment or informal sector participation, which are persistent features of Mexico’s labor market. Future changes in the unemployment trajectory could hinge on investment in education, formal job creation, and external demand for Mexican exports, especially from the United States.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 3.00% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 3.00% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 2.99% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 2.99% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 3.07% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 2.95% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.67% | +0.00pp | #28 |
| 2024 | 2.68% | −0.12pp | #30 |
| 2023 | 2.77% | −0.51pp | #32 |
| 2022 | 3.26% | −0.88pp | #44 |
| 2021 | 4.02% | −0.39pp | #48 |
| 2020 | 4.44% | +0.95pp | #54 |
| 2019 | 3.48% | +0.15pp | #50 |
| 2018 | 3.28% | −0.15pp | #40 |
| 2017 | 3.42% | −0.45pp | #42 |
| 2016 | 3.85% | −0.49pp | #48 |
| 2015 | 4.31% | −0.53pp | #58 |
| 2014 | 4.82% | −0.12pp | #68 |
| 2013 | 4.92% | −0.01pp | #69 |
| 2012 | 4.89% | −0.30pp | #71 |
| 2011 | 5.18% | −0.13pp | #78 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Mexico matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1999. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The OECD Economic Surveys for Mexico 2026 indicate that the Mexican economy experienced moderated growth in 2025, influenced by heightened global uncertainty and changes in United States trade policies. While non-automotive exports and private consumption provided main support, moderated growth could impact the labor market's capacity to sustain or further reduce the current low unemployment rate of 2.67%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mexico's unemployment rate was 2.67% in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Mexico's unemployment rate peaked at 7.10% in 1995.
The lowest unemployment rate in Mexico was 0.90% in 1981.
Mexico ranks 28th globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Mexico's unemployment rate is projected to reach 2.95% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Mexico in 2025 was 2.67%. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mexico_unemployment-rate,
title = {Mexico Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mexico/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}