Singapore Unemployment Rate
Unemployment as % of total labor force SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS
Singapore's unemployment rate was 2.82% in 2025, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 44.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Singapore's unemployment rate stood at 2.82% in 2025, a rise of +0.87pp from 2024. The IMF projects 2.09% by 2025. Singapore ranked 33rd globally.
Singapore's unemployment rate has demonstrated a notable downward trend over the past four decades, with the all-time trough occurring in 1990 at 1.77%. Following a brief period of stabilization, the rate began to rise, peaking at 6.28% in 1982. Since then, the unemployment rate has generally decreased, with the latest figure standing at 2.82% in 2025, ranking 33rd globally. This improvement is comparable to that of Hong Kong SAR, China, which also boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.80%. In comparison to other countries, Singapore's unemployment rate has been relatively stable over the past few years, with peer countries like Uganda and Mali experiencing slightly higher rates. The trend is likely to continue, with a stable labor market and a strong economy driving employment opportunities. However, a potential shift in the global economic landscape or significant changes in Singapore's labor market policies could alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Unemployment Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 2.10% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 2.10% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 2.10% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 2.09% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 2.09% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 2.09% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.82% | +0.87pp | #33 |
| 2024 | 2.74% | +0.81pp | #32 |
| 2023 | 3.44% | +1.34pp | #55 |
| 2022 | 3.59% | +0.94pp | #54 |
| 2021 | 4.64% | +1.64pp | #61 |
| 2020 | 4.10% | +1.85pp | #46 |
| 2019 | 3.10% | +1.00pp | #39 |
| 2018 | 3.61% | +1.44pp | #51 |
| 2017 | 4.20% | +2.13pp | #64 |
| 2016 | 4.08% | +2.18pp | #52 |
| 2015 | 3.79% | +1.84pp | #48 |
| 2014 | 3.74% | +1.84pp | #48 |
| 2013 | 3.86% | +1.91pp | #51 |
| 2012 | 3.72% | +1.70pp | #47 |
| 2011 | 3.89% | +1.72pp | #50 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw unemployment rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Singapore's unemployment rate was 2.82% in 2025. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 44.5% increase from the previous year.
Singapore's unemployment rate peaked at 6.28% in 1982.
The lowest unemployment rate in Singapore was 1.78% in 1989.
Singapore ranks 33rd globally in unemployment rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Singapore's unemployment rate is projected to reach 2.09% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The unemployment rate of Singapore in 2025 was 2.82%. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_unemployment-rate,
title = {Singapore Unemployment Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/unemployment-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}