Singapore Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Singapore's labor force participation was 69.67% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Singapore's labor force participation stood at 69.67% in 2025, a rise of +0.47pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 68.97% by 2026. Singapore ranked 29th globally.
Singapore's labor force participation rate has experienced a gradual yet steady increase over the past three and a half decades, with a notable peak in 2021 when it reached 70.69% of the working-age population. Since then, the rate has decreased marginally, reaching 69.67% in 2025, still higher than the trough in 1990. This upward trend is comparable to that of Paraguay, which also achieved a peak of 70.25% in 2025, but lags behind other peer countries such as Burkina Faso, which has maintained a consistent 70.00% participation rate over the past few years. The improvement in Singapore's labor force participation rate is a testament to the country's robust economic growth and favorable business environment, which have contributed to higher employment rates and a more skilled workforce. However, the country's aging population and increasing reliance on foreign labor may pose challenges to sustaining this trend, and a decline in the participation rate could be anticipated if these factors are not adequately addressed.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 68.46% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 68.71% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 68.97% | - | - |
| 2025 | 69.67% | +0.47pp | #29 |
| 2024 | 69.20% | −0.19pp | #31 |
| 2023 | 69.39% | −0.34pp | #32 |
| 2022 | 69.73% | −0.95pp | #31 |
| 2021 | 70.69% | +1.97pp | #26 |
| 2020 | 68.71% | −0.27pp | #30 |
| 2019 | 68.99% | +0.41pp | #34 |
| 2018 | 68.58% | −0.36pp | #34 |
| 2017 | 68.94% | −0.30pp | #35 |
| 2016 | 69.24% | −0.29pp | #36 |
| 2015 | 69.53% | +0.97pp | #32 |
| 2014 | 68.56% | +0.79pp | #38 |
| 2013 | 67.77% | −0.17pp | #41 |
| 2012 | 67.94% | +0.57pp | #39 |
| 2011 | 67.38% | +0.01pp | #44 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore 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
Singapore's labor force participation was 69.67% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 0.7% increase from the previous year.
Singapore's labor force participation peaked at 70.69% in 2021.
The lowest labor force participation in Singapore was 61.03% in 1990.
Singapore ranks 29th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Singapore's labor force participation is projected to reach 68.97% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Singapore in 2025 was 69.67%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_labor-force-participation,
title = {Singapore Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}