Switzerland Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Switzerland's female labor participation was 62.22% in 2025, ranked 34th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Switzerland's female labor participation stood at 62.22% in 2025, a decline of +0.31pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 62.27% by 2026. Switzerland ranked 34th globally.
Switzerland’s female labor‑force participation has risen steadily over the 36‑year span from 51.61 % in 1990, the all‑time trough, to 62.22 % in 2025, placing the country 34th globally. The upward trajectory peaked in 2019 at 63.08 %, after which a modest decline to the current level reflects broader post‑pandemic labor market adjustments. Compared with peers of similar ranking, Switzerland’s rate is marginally lower than Australia’s 62.51 % and slightly above Norway’s 62.09 %, suggesting that while the Swiss figure is competitive among high‑income economies, it remains modest relative to the very highest performers. The long‑term increase is driven by progressive family‑policy reforms, expanded part‑time opportunities, and higher educational attainment among women. Continued policy support for affordable childcare and flexible work arrangements will be crucial to sustain the upward trend and potentially lift participation beyond the 2019 peak.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 62.23% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 62.25% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 62.27% | - | - |
| 2025 | 62.22% | −0.31pp | #34 |
| 2024 | 62.53% | +0.16pp | #33 |
| 2023 | 62.38% | +0.44pp | #36 |
| 2022 | 61.93% | −0.70pp | #35 |
| 2021 | 62.63% | −0.01pp | #31 |
| 2020 | 62.64% | −0.44pp | #30 |
| 2019 | 63.08% | +0.07pp | #28 |
| 2018 | 63.01% | +0.30pp | #29 |
| 2017 | 62.71% | −0.23pp | #30 |
| 2016 | 62.93% | +0.57pp | #31 |
| 2015 | 62.36% | +0.37pp | #32 |
| 2014 | 61.99% | +0.78pp | #36 |
| 2013 | 61.21% | +0.31pp | #41 |
| 2012 | 60.90% | +0.29pp | #43 |
| 2011 | 60.61% | +0.59pp | #42 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Switzerland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2016. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Switzerland's female labor participation was 62.22% in 2025. Ranked 34th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Switzerland's female labor participation peaked at 63.08% in 2019.
The lowest female labor participation in Switzerland was 51.61% in 1990.
Switzerland ranks 34th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Switzerland's female labor participation is projected to reach 62.27% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Switzerland in 2025 was 62.22%. This ranks 34th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_switzerland_female-labor-participation,
title = {Switzerland Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/switzerland/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}