United States Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
United States's labor force participation was 61.70% in 2025, ranked 90th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
United States's labor force participation stood at 61.70% in 2025, a decline of +0.26pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 61.98% by 2026. United States ranked 90th globally.
The United States’ labor force participation rate has slipped from an all‑time peak of 66.15 % in 2000 to a trough of 61.50 % in 2021, before edging to 61.70 % in 2025, placing the country 90th globally. Over the 36‑year span from 1990, when participation stood at 65.29 %, the decline reflects demographic aging, the lingering impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic, and structural shifts toward part‑time and gig work. Compared with peer economies of similar rank, the United States is marginally lower than Argentina’s 61.91 % and slightly above Mexico’s 61.61 %, suggesting that regional labor market dynamics are broadly comparable across the Americas. The modest rebound from the 2021 low indicates a tentative recovery, yet sustained growth will likely depend on policies that raise employment incentives for older workers and expand child‑care support, which could reverse the downward trajectory and lift participation rates in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 62.09% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 62.04% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 61.98% | - | - |
| 2025 | 61.70% | −0.26pp | #90 |
| 2024 | 61.96% | −0.12pp | #87 |
| 2023 | 62.08% | +0.29pp | #89 |
| 2022 | 61.79% | +0.29pp | #90 |
| 2021 | 61.50% | −0.05pp | #87 |
| 2020 | 61.56% | −1.29pp | #80 |
| 2019 | 62.85% | +0.26pp | #82 |
| 2018 | 62.59% | +0.04pp | #81 |
| 2017 | 62.55% | +0.12pp | #79 |
| 2016 | 62.43% | +0.16pp | #81 |
| 2015 | 62.27% | −0.18pp | #83 |
| 2014 | 62.45% | −0.29pp | #81 |
| 2013 | 62.74% | −0.38pp | #76 |
| 2012 | 63.11% | −0.12pp | #77 |
| 2011 | 63.23% | −0.50pp | #72 |
Analysis
United States's labor force participation was 61.70% in 2025, a decline of −0.26pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 61.98% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's labor force participation was 61.70% in 2025. Ranked 90th globally. This represents a 0.4% decrease from the previous year.
United States's labor force participation peaked at 66.15% in 2000.
The lowest labor force participation in United States was 61.50% in 2021.
United States ranks 90th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United States's labor force participation is projected to reach 61.98% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of United States in 2025 was 61.70%. This ranks 90th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_labor-force-participation,
title = {United States Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}