Serbia Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Serbia's labor force participation was 59.14% in 2025, ranked 108th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Serbia's labor force participation stood at 59.14% in 2025, a decline of +0.02pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 60.34% by 2026. Serbia ranked 108th globally.
Serbia's labor force participation rate has shown a gradual increase over the past three and a half decades, with the most recent value standing at 59.14% in 2025. This rate has been steadily climbing since its trough of 49.65% in 2010, with the country's economic recovery and growth playing a significant role in this upward trend. The all-time peak of 59.16% was reached in 2024, narrowly surpassing Armenia's 59.39% labor force participation rate, which is the closest among peer countries. Despite this progress, Serbia's labor force participation rate still lags behind many of its regional peers. A continued economic expansion and improvement in labor market conditions would likely contribute to further growth in labor force participation, potentially pushing the rate towards the 60% mark in the coming years. However, the pace of this growth may be influenced by demographic changes and the evolving structure of the Serbian labor market.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 61.94% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 61.14% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 60.34% | - | - |
| 2025 | 59.14% | −0.02pp | #108 |
| 2024 | 59.16% | +1.07pp | #108 |
| 2023 | 58.10% | +1.03pp | #118 |
| 2022 | 57.07% | +0.89pp | #131 |
| 2021 | 56.18% | +2.81pp | #128 |
| 2020 | 53.37% | −0.69pp | #139 |
| 2019 | 54.06% | +0.10pp | #141 |
| 2018 | 53.96% | +0.41pp | #143 |
| 2017 | 53.55% | +0.58pp | #147 |
| 2016 | 52.97% | +1.75pp | #149 |
| 2015 | 51.22% | −0.38pp | #156 |
| 2014 | 51.60% | +0.45pp | #151 |
| 2013 | 51.15% | +1.00pp | #153 |
| 2012 | 50.15% | +0.41pp | #155 |
| 2011 | 49.75% | +0.10pp | #157 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Serbia matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2011. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Serbia's labor force participation was 59.14% in 2025. Ranked 108th globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Serbia's labor force participation peaked at 59.16% in 2024.
The lowest labor force participation in Serbia was 49.65% in 2010.
Serbia ranks 108th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Serbia's labor force participation is projected to reach 60.34% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Serbia in 2025 was 59.14%. This ranks 108th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_serbia_labor-force-participation,
title = {Serbia Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/serbia/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}