Netherlands Services Employment
Employment in services SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS
Netherlands's services employment was 84.54% in 2025, ranked 175th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Netherlands's services employment stood at 84.54% in 2025, a rise of +0.31% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 84.63% by 2026. Netherlands ranked 175th globally.
Netherlands’ share of employment in the services sector rose steadily over the 35‑year series, climbing from a low of 70.88 in 1991 to an all‑time peak of 84.54 in 2025, placing the country 175th in the world ranking for that year. The upward trajectory reflects the nation’s long‑standing shift toward a knowledge‑intensive economy, with service‑oriented jobs expanding alongside digitalisation and the growth of finance, logistics and tourism. Compared with peers of similar rank, the Netherlands trails the Channel Islands (85.29) and Hong Kong SAR, China (85.80), yet exceeds Puerto Rico (84.14) and is marginally above the Bahamas (84.44). The consistency of the increase suggests structural resilience, although future variations could arise from demographic ageing, automation pressures or policy reforms aimed at bolstering high‑skill service occupations. Continued investment in education and digital infrastructure will be crucial to sustain the upward trend and narrow the gap with the higher‑ranking peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Services Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 85.01% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 84.82% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 84.63% | - | - |
| 2025 | 84.54% | +0.31% | #175 |
| 2024 | 84.23% | +0.38% | #174 |
| 2023 | 83.86% | −0.03% | #176 |
| 2022 | 83.88% | +0.13% | #178 |
| 2021 | 83.75% | +1.48% | #179 |
| 2020 | 82.27% | +0.22% | #176 |
| 2019 | 82.06% | +0.19% | #176 |
| 2018 | 81.86% | +0.67% | #176 |
| 2017 | 81.19% | −0.51% | #175 |
| 2016 | 81.70% | +0.41% | #176 |
| 2015 | 81.29% | −0.38% | #175 |
| 2014 | 81.66% | +0.54% | #177 |
| 2013 | 81.12% | +1.27% | #178 |
| 2012 | 79.85% | −0.58% | #176 |
| 2011 | 80.44% | +0.91% | #177 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Netherlands 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
Netherlands's services employment was 84.54% in 2025. Ranked 175th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
Netherlands's services employment peaked at 84.54% in 2025.
The lowest services employment in Netherlands was 70.88% in 1991.
Netherlands ranks 175th globally in services employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.SRV.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Netherlands's services employment is projected to reach 84.63% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The services employment of Netherlands in 2025 was 84.54%. This ranks 175th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_netherlands_services-employment,
title = {Netherlands Services Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/netherlands/services-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}