Photo: User:Florian Fuchs · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 03 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Canada: Work & Labour
Can people find work, and on what terms?
Canada is placed 36th of 182 countries on work & labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Employment-to-Population Ratio 60.06 (2025); Labour Income Share 58.7 (2025).
Share
Work & Labour
36th
of 182 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Canada on work & labour — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
Key 1 of 4
Employment-to-Population Ratio
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
60.06
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Higher is better
Canada: 60.06. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 21.21 (São Tomé and Príncipe) to 86.9 (Qatar); the world median is 57.72.
- World median
- 57.72
- Best in Northern America
- 60.06 Canada
- Land neighbours
- United States 59.11
Key 3 of 4
Unemployment Rate
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
6.907
Unemployment (% of labour force)
Lower is better
Canada: 6.907. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.13 (Qatar) to 34.2 (Eswatini); the world median is 5.084.
- World median
- 5.084
- Best in Northern America
- 4.198 United States
- Land neighbours
- United States 4.198
Key 4 of 4
Vulnerable Employment
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
9.555
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Lower is better
Canada: 9.555. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.456 (Qatar) to 90.22 (Chad); the world median is 28.67.
- World median
- 28.67
- Best in Northern America
- 3.81 United States
- Land neighbours
- United States 3.81
02Over time
Which way Canada is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Employment-to-Population Ratio
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%) · higher is better
CanadaWorld median
Canada fell from 60.83 in 2000 to 60.06 in 2025; the world median went from 55.86 to 57.72.
Every year’s figures
Year Canada World median 2025 60.06 57.720 2024 60.63 57.694 2023 61.82 58.158 2022 61.80 57.688 2021 60.29 56.066 2020 57.91 55.691 2019 62.07 57.871 2018 61.72 56.911 2017 61.56 56.738 2016 61.02 56.845 2015 61.31 56.788 2014 61.39 56.774 2013 61.79 56.229 2012 61.64 56.289 2011 61.51 56.297 2010 61.27 56.212 2009 61.29 56.255 2008 63.04 57.308 2007 62.98 56.933 2006 62.49 56.685 2005 62.22 56.129 2004 62.24 55.465 2003 62.03 55.630 2002 61.30 55.843 2001 60.69 56.018 2000 60.83 55.861 Labour Income Share
Labour income share of GDP (%) · higher is better
CanadaWorld median
Canada fell from 60.09 in 2004 to 58.7 in 2025; the world median went from 46.01 to 46.23.
Every year’s figures
Year Canada World median 2025 58.697 46.230 2024 59.020 46.060 2023 58.495 45.900 2022 56.720 45.615 2021 58.753 45.433 2020 61.580 47.267 2019 60.550 46.277 2018 60.471 46.187 2017 59.920 46.467 2016 60.906 46.798 2015 62.050 46.876 2014 60.055 47.281 2013 61.041 46.887 2012 61.055 46.231 2011 60.114 45.679 2010 61.048 46.024 2009 63.188 47.071 2008 60.247 45.312 2007 60.681 45.246 2006 60.003 45.670 2005 59.567 46.265 2004 60.092 46.012 Unemployment Rate
Unemployment (% of labour force) · lower is better
CanadaWorld median
Canada rose from 6.829 in 2000 to 6.907 in 2025; the world median went from 6.918 to 5.084.
Every year’s figures
Year Canada World median 2025 6.91 5.08 2024 6.35 5.15 2023 5.42 5.21 2022 5.28 5.34 2021 7.53 6.04 2020 9.66 6.38 2019 5.69 5.36 2018 5.84 5.35 2017 6.43 5.59 2016 7.04 5.90 2015 6.95 6.41 2014 7.02 6.58 2013 7.14 6.71 2012 7.39 6.79 2011 7.64 6.90 2010 8.18 7.04 2009 8.46 6.67 2008 6.28 5.79 2007 6.16 6.00 2006 6.48 6.50 2005 6.76 7.09 2004 7.19 6.80 2003 7.57 6.95 2002 7.67 6.91 2001 7.22 6.96 2000 6.83 6.92 Vulnerable Employment
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment) · lower is better
CanadaWorld median
Canada fell from 10.58 in 2000 to 9.555 in 2025; the world median went from 35.67 to 28.67.
Every year’s figures
Year Canada World median 2025 9.555 28.67 2024 9.623 29.04 2023 9.468 29.33 2022 9.784 29.67 2021 10.112 30.01 2020 11.028 30.54 2019 10.567 29.98 2018 10.607 30.15 2017 10.520 29.93 2016 10.517 29.91 2015 10.474 30.26 2014 10.534 30.47 2013 10.584 31.14 2012 10.581 31.00 2011 10.557 31.41 2010 10.688 32.37 2009 10.927 32.59 2008 10.362 31.76 2007 10.372 33.47 2006 10.153 34.27 2005 10.234 34.66 2004 10.172 35.51 2003 10.296 35.90 2002 10.069 35.96 2001 9.978 35.27 2000 10.582 35.67
03In context
Canada beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 182 countries on work & labour, never a place within the region.
Canada and the countries it borders
Standing among all 182; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Employment-to-Population RatioEmployed share of the population aged 15+ (%) | Labour Income ShareLabour income share of GDP (%) | Unemployment RateUnemployment (% of labour force) | Vulnerable EmploymentVulnerable employment (% of total employment) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 United Statescompare | 14th | 59.11 | 55.81 | 4.198 | 3.81 |
| Canada | 36th | 60.06 | 58.7 | 6.907 | 9.555 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Northern America
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 182.
Placed either side on work & labour
The countries immediately above and below Canada in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Canada is ahead of the world, and behind
31 more statistics filed under work & labour, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median18
Statistics on which Canada does better than the middle country measured.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per WorkerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6,742150,6326,742▲ Improved since 2015
Canada: 150,632 · world median 6,742 · Agricultural value added per worker (constant 2015 US$). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 210.77 to 150,632; higher is better.
Position 1st of 151 · derived.
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,230351,37525,230No real change since 2010
Canada: 351,375 · world median 25,230 · Human capital per person — present value of future earnings (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 700.38 to 735,422; higher is better.
Position 13th of 151 · derived.
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 22.1669.7622.16No real change since 2015
Canada: 69.76 · world median 22.16 · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.92 to 164.65; higher is better.
Position 23rd of 182 · derived.
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 32.0755.9332.07No earlier reading
Canada: 55.93 · world median 32.07 · Firms offering formal training to permanent full-time workers (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.42 to 79.12; higher is better.
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · world median 1.610.361.61▲ Improved since 2015
Canada: 0.36 · world median 1.61 · Compliance with freedom of association and collective bargaining rights (0 = best, 10 = worst). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 10; lower is better.
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 047.40No earlier reading
Canada: 47.4 · world median 0 · Unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 47,384113,56347,384No real change since 2015
Canada: 113,563 · world median 47,384 · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2,456 to 262,554; higher is better.
Position 26th of 168 · derived.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8117.441.81No earlier reading
Canada: 17.4 · world median 41.81 · Firms competing against unregistered or informal firms (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.926 to 90.5; lower is better.
Position 154th of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6829.3916.68No earlier reading
Canada: 29.39 · world median 16.68 · Employees who are trade union members (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 0.2 to 91.42; higher is better.
Position 26th of 139 · derived.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.983.645.9No earlier reading
Canada: 83.6 · world median 45.9 · Labour force covered in the event of a work injury (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Average Monthly Earnings of EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 1,6364,5051,636▼ Worsened since 2014
Canada: 4,505 · world median 1,636 · Average monthly earnings of employees (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 193.28 to 9,307; higher is better.
Position 17th of 75 · derived.
Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4)ILO · 2024 · world median 12.568.28712.56▼ Worsened since 2014
Canada: 8.287 · world median 12.56 · Composite rate of labour underutilisation, LU4 (% of the extended labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.495 to 49.82; lower is better.
Position 57th of 76 · derived, 1st = worst.
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 53.3660.253.36▼ Worsened since 2015
Canada: 60.2 · world median 53.36 · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 4.663 to 82.91; higher is better.
Position 49th of 182 · derived.
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 9810598▼ Worsened since 2015
Canada: 105 · world median 98 · Paid maternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 410; higher is better.
Firms with a Female Top ManagerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 19.1621.8919.16No earlier reading
Canada: 21.89 · world median 19.16 · Firms with a female top manager (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.429 to 62.9; higher is better.
Position 63rd of 179 · derived.
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 61.6664.5261.66▼ Worsened since 2015
Canada: 64.52 · world median 61.66 · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.34 to 87.01; higher is better.
Position 68th of 182 · derived.
Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · world median 14.3112.9614.31▼ Worsened since 2014
Canada: 12.96 · world median 14.31 · Youth not in education, employment or training (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.975 to 65.73; lower is better.
Position 57th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Gini Index of Monthly EarningsILO · 2024 · world median 0.3370.3340.337▼ Worsened since 2014
Canada: 0.334 · world median 0.337 · Gini index of employees’ monthly earnings (0 = all paid the same, 1 = maximum inequality). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.182 to 0.643; lower is better.
Position 39th of 75 · derived, 1st = worst.
Behind the world median5
Statistics on which Canada does worse than the middle country measured.
Low Pay RateILO · 2024 · world median 17.8918.5117.89▲ Improved since 2014
Canada: 18.51 · world median 17.89 · Employees paid less than two-thirds of the median hourly earnings (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.395 to 41.69; lower is better.
Position 35th of 71 · derived, 1st = worst.
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · world median 12.8313.812.83▼ Worsened since 2015
Canada: 13.8 · world median 12.83 · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.457 to 76.77; lower is better.
Position 85th of 182 · derived, 1st = worst.
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 303▼ Worsened since 2015
Canada: 0 · world median 3 · Paid paternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 196; higher is better.
Fatal Occupational InjuriesILO · 2023 · world median 2.0055.1982.005▼ Worsened since 2013
Canada: 5.198 · world median 2.005 · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.12 to 8.409; lower is better.
Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · 2024 · world median 0.5750.110.575No earlier reading
Canada: 0.11 · world median 0.575 · Labour inspectors per 10,000 employed persons. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.07 to 3.89; higher is better.
No better end8
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · world median 657.952,324657.95Moved since 2014
Canada: 2,324 · world median 657.95 · Statutory minimum wage per month (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.038 to 3,804.
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · world median 59.5180.1559.51No real change since 2015
Canada: 80.15 · world median 59.51 · Employment in services (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 11.56 to 92.17.
Position 19th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0121.0315.01No earlier reading
Canada: 21.03 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.
Position 45th of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · world median 18.8818.7518.88Moved since 2015
Canada: 18.75 · world median 18.88 · Employment in industry (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 3.103 to 39.44.
Position 96th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Share of Temporary EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 13.4511.2413.45No real change since 2014
Canada: 11.24 · world median 13.45 · Employees on temporary contracts (% of employees). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.337 to 72.78.
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 31.8412.9131.84Moved since 2015
Canada: 12.91 · world median 31.84 · Self-employed (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.832 to 91.56.
Position 150th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 38.8931.8638.89Moved since 2015
Canada: 31.86 · world median 38.89 · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.64 to 54.7.
Position 157th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · world median 14.381.10514.38No real change since 2015
Canada: 1.105 · world median 14.38 · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.095 to 85.34.
Position 171st of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for Canada
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management, Informal Employment Rate and Working Poverty Rate. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Work & Labour among Canada’s 15 topics
Work & Labour is Canada’s 11th best-placed topic of 15. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Digital & Technology7th of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions8th of 1944/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Libertiesjoint 15th of 1984/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation18th of 1764/4 keys
- Gender & Equality21st of 1834/4 keys
- Development & Human Capitaljoint 27th of 1963/3 keys
- Food & Agriculture28th of 1844/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality28th of 1593/3 keys
- Health & Wellbeing36th of 2003/4 keys
- Peace & Securityjoint 34th of 1774/4 keys
- Work & Labour36th of 1824/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade38th of 1774/4 keys
- Risk & Resiliencejoint 52nd of 1934/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge70th of 1983/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability150th of 1864/4 keys
No standing on Energy: too few of those topics’ key statistics are published for this country.
06The top of the list
Who leads on work & labour
The three countries placed highest of 182, and the leaders Canada can most readily be measured against.
1
IcelandNorthern Europe
1st of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Hansueli Krapf · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
2
JapanEastern Asia
2nd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
South KoreaEastern Asia
3rd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Americas
United States14th4/4 keysThis page
Canada36th4/4 keys
Positions out of 182 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about Canada and work & labour
On work & labour
Countries in Asia with the highest average salaries 2024
Thirteen Asian countries by gross average monthly wage, each carrying its WORLD rank rather than an Asian one — so the numbers skip, from 11th place to 45th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Highest Average Salaries in 2024
The ten highest-paying countries of 2024, their bars coloured by continent, and six more added for comparison — from Australia in 13th place to India in 85th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Lowest Average Salaries in 2024
The bottom ten of 196 countries, and six more added for comparison. Niger, Madagascar and Liberia are all published at US$47 a month and still carry three different ranks.
08Questions
Canada on work & labour: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Canada rank on work & labour?
Canada is placed 36th of 182 countries on Work & Labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Employment-to-Population Ratio, Labour Income Share, Unemployment Rate and Vulnerable Employment). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Employment-to-Population Ratio figure for Canada?
60.06 in 2025 (employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 57.72.
What is the latest Labour Income Share figure for Canada?
58.7 in 2025 (labour income share of GDP (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 46.23.
How does Canada compare with United States on work & labour?
United States is placed 14th of 182, and Canada 36th. Employment-to-Population Ratio: United States 59.11, Canada 60.06; Labour Income Share: United States 55.81, Canada 58.7; Unemployment Rate: United States 4.198, Canada 6.907; Vulnerable Employment: United States 3.81, Canada 9.555.
How have Canada’s work & labour figures changed?
Employment-to-Population Ratio fell from 60.83 in 2000 to 60.06 in 2025; Labour Income Share fell from 60.09 in 2004 to 58.7 in 2025; Unemployment Rate rose from 6.829 in 2000 to 6.907 in 2025; Vulnerable Employment fell from 10.58 in 2000 to 9.555 in 2025.
Which work & labour statistics are missing for Canada?
No current reading is published for Canada on Female Share of Senior and Middle Management, Informal Employment Rate and Working Poverty Rate. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Wages in money terms are not a key here, because pay figures are hard to compare fairly across countries with very different prices. Labour productivity, working hours, youth unemployment and the balance between farming, industry and services are published on this page as context. The size and growth of the wider economy belong to Economy & Innovation.
How the Work & Labour standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The work & labour method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Employment-to-Population Ratio — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Labour Income Share — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Unemployment Rate — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Vulnerable Employment — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
The other 31 statistics on this page come from 2 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Canada’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Canada (banner) — User:Florian Fuchs, CC BY 3.0
- Iceland — Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Japan — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- South Korea — Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Canada: Work & Labour — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/canada/work