Photo: Pudelek (Marcin Szala) derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 03 of 18 · Country Index 2026
North Macedonia: Work & Labour
Can people find work, and on what terms?
North Macedonia is placed 143rd 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 45.57 (2025); Labour Income Share 45.13 (2025).
Share
Work & Labour
143rd
of 182 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place North Macedonia 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
45.57
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Higher is better
North Macedonia: 45.57. 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 Southern Europe
- 62.13 Malta
- Land neighbours
- Albania 57.24 · Bulgaria 54.13 · Greece 47.52 · Serbia 54.93
Key 3 of 4
Unemployment Rate
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
12.26
Unemployment (% of labour force)
Lower is better
North Macedonia: 12.26. 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 Southern Europe
- 2.896 Malta
- Land neighbours
- Albania 10.93 · Bulgaria 3.536 · Greece 8.54 · Serbia 7.123
Key 4 of 4
Vulnerable Employment
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
12.34
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Lower is better
North Macedonia: 12.34. 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 Southern Europe
- 6.346 Croatia
- Land neighbours
- Albania 46.03 · Bulgaria 6.922 · Greece 23.06 · Serbia 23.89
02Over time
Which way North Macedonia 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
North MacedoniaWorld median
North Macedonia rose from 35.76 in 2000 to 45.57 in 2025; the world median went from 55.86 to 57.72.
Every year’s figures
Year North Macedonia World median 2025 45.57 57.720 2024 45.80 57.694 2023 44.93 58.158 2022 45.26 57.688 2021 43.46 56.066 2020 43.47 55.691 2019 43.79 57.871 2018 41.60 56.911 2017 41.01 56.738 2016 40.45 56.845 2015 39.75 56.788 2014 39.20 56.774 2013 38.80 56.229 2012 37.40 56.289 2011 37.35 56.297 2010 35.57 56.212 2009 37.00 56.255 2008 36.14 57.308 2007 35.16 56.933 2006 33.87 56.685 2005 33.39 56.129 2004 33.53 55.465 2003 33.86 55.630 2002 36.09 55.843 2001 36.76 56.018 2000 35.76 55.861 Labour Income Share
Labour income share of GDP (%) · higher is better
North MacedoniaWorld median
North Macedonia fell from 48.94 in 2004 to 45.13 in 2025; the world median went from 46.01 to 46.23.
Every year’s figures
Year North Macedonia World median 2025 45.13 46.230 2024 45.35 46.060 2023 45.56 45.900 2022 45.31 45.615 2021 45.71 45.433 2020 46.69 47.267 2019 43.72 46.277 2018 43.73 46.187 2017 44.43 46.467 2016 43.33 46.798 2015 42.95 46.876 2014 43.21 47.281 2013 42.14 46.887 2012 45.72 46.231 2011 46.12 45.679 2010 47.27 46.024 2009 47.01 47.071 2008 44.11 45.312 2007 41.74 45.246 2006 46.20 45.670 2005 45.11 46.265 2004 48.94 46.012 Unemployment Rate
Unemployment (% of labour force) · lower is better
North MacedoniaWorld median
North Macedonia fell from 32.2 in 2000 to 12.26 in 2025; the world median went from 6.918 to 5.084.
Every year’s figures
Year North Macedonia World median 2025 12.26 5.08 2024 12.27 5.15 2023 13.17 5.21 2022 14.48 5.34 2021 15.80 6.04 2020 16.58 6.38 2019 17.41 5.36 2018 21.21 5.35 2017 22.86 5.59 2016 24.31 5.90 2015 26.40 6.41 2014 28.22 6.58 2013 29.02 6.71 2012 31.10 6.79 2011 31.50 6.90 2010 33.14 7.04 2009 32.35 6.67 2008 33.93 5.79 2007 35.23 6.00 2006 36.39 6.50 2005 37.32 7.09 2004 37.16 6.80 2003 36.69 6.95 2002 31.94 6.91 2001 30.52 6.96 2000 32.20 6.92 Vulnerable Employment
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment) · lower is better
North MacedoniaWorld median
North Macedonia fell from 21.61 in 2000 to 12.34 in 2025; the world median went from 35.67 to 28.67.
Every year’s figures
Year North Macedonia World median 2025 12.34 28.67 2024 12.58 29.04 2023 9.94 29.33 2022 12.15 29.67 2021 12.66 30.01 2020 13.77 30.54 2019 16.70 29.98 2018 18.32 30.15 2017 18.65 29.93 2016 19.44 29.91 2015 21.75 30.26 2014 22.77 30.47 2013 23.43 31.14 2012 22.01 31.00 2011 21.94 31.41 2010 22.12 32.37 2009 22.41 32.59 2008 22.89 31.76 2007 21.80 33.47 2006 22.42 34.27 2005 22.69 34.66 2004 18.94 35.51 2003 19.90 35.90 2002 22.75 35.96 2001 23.83 35.27 2000 21.61 35.67
03In context
North Macedonia 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.
North Macedonia 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bulgaria | 44th | 54.13 | 50.72 | 3.536 | 6.922 |
 Serbia | 98th | 54.93 | 53.64 | 7.123 | 23.89 |
 Greece | 127th | 47.52 | 51.3 | 8.54 | 23.06 |
| North Macedonia | 143rd | 45.57 | 45.13 | 12.26 | 12.34 |
 Albania | =146th | 57.24 | 44.54 | 10.93 | 46.03 |
 Kosovo | not placed | — | — | — | — |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Southern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 182.
Placed either side on work & labour
The countries immediately above and below North Macedonia in the topic’s list.
Lesotho=140th
Malawi=140th
Angola142nd- North Macedonia143rd
Jordan144th
Tunisia145th- Albania=146th
04Context, no vote
Where North Macedonia is ahead of the world, and behind
28 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 median10
Statistics on which North Macedonia does better than the middle country measured.
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 9827098No real change since 2015
North Macedonia: 270 · 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.
Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · 2024 · world median 0.5751.720.575No earlier reading
North Macedonia: 1.72 · 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.
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 32.0744.332.07No earlier reading
North Macedonia: 44.3 · 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.
Working Poverty RateILO · 2025 · world median 4.8850.7254.885▲ Improved since 2015
North Macedonia: 0.725 · world median 4.885 · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.007 to 86.02; lower is better.
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 22.1634.0122.16▲ Improved since 2015
North Macedonia: 34.01 · 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 62nd of 182 · derived.
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 47,38465,97447,384No real change since 2015
North Macedonia: 65,974 · world median 47,384 · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2,456 to 262,554; higher is better.
Position 60th of 168 · derived.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per WorkerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6,74212,0786,742▲ Improved since 2015
North Macedonia: 12,078 · world median 6,742 · Agricultural value added per worker (constant 2015 US$). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 210.77 to 150,632; higher is better.
Position 58th of 151 · derived.
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · world median 1.611.391.61▼ Worsened since 2015
North Macedonia: 1.39 · 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 040No earlier reading
North Macedonia: 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.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.962.545.9No earlier reading
North Macedonia: 62.5 · 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.
Behind the world median9
Statistics on which North Macedonia does worse than the middle country measured.
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 323▼ Worsened since 2015
North Macedonia: 2 · 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.
Firms with a Female Top ManagerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 19.1616.4319.16No earlier reading
North Macedonia: 16.43 · 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 110th of 179 · derived.
Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · world median 14.3118.4714.31▲ Improved since 2014
North Macedonia: 18.47 · 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 35th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · world median 35.8631.6335.86No real change since 2014
North Macedonia: 31.63 · world median 35.86 · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 7.226 to 56.69; higher is better.
Position 59th of 86 · derived.
Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4)ILO · 2024 · world median 12.5617.8412.56▲ Improved since 2014
North Macedonia: 17.84 · 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 22nd of 76 · derived, 1st = worst.
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 53.3642.7453.36▲ Improved since 2015
North Macedonia: 42.74 · 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 139th of 182 · derived.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8156.5841.81No earlier reading
North Macedonia: 56.58 · 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 43rd of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 61.6651.9461.66▼ Worsened since 2015
North Macedonia: 51.94 · 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 153rd of 182 · derived.
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · world median 12.8328.7512.83▲ Improved since 2015
North Macedonia: 28.75 · 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 21st of 182 · derived, 1st = worst.
Level with the median, or no median to compare2
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,23025,23025,230▲ Improved since 2010
North Macedonia: 25,230 · 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 76th of 151 · derived.
Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6816.6816.68No earlier reading
North Macedonia: 16.68 · 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 70th of 139 · derived.
No better end7
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · world median 18.8830.6318.88No real change since 2015
North Macedonia: 30.63 · 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 17th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · world median 657.951,554657.95Moved since 2014
North Macedonia: 1,554 · 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.
Share of Temporary EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 13.4518.9813.45Moved since 2014
North Macedonia: 18.98 · 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.
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · world median 59.5160.8759.51Moved since 2015
North Macedonia: 60.87 · 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 88th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · world median 14.388.50314.38Moved since 2015
North Macedonia: 8.503 · 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 113th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 38.8937.1638.89Moved since 2015
North Macedonia: 37.16 · 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 116th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 31.8416.5931.84Moved since 2015
North Macedonia: 16.59 · 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 134th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for North Macedonia
Average Monthly Earnings of Employees (last 2014), Fatal Occupational Injuries, Gini Index of Monthly Earnings, Informal Employment Rate, Low Pay Rate and Public Sector Employment. 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 North Macedonia’s 16 topics
Work & Labour is North Macedonia’s 15th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Health & Wellbeingjoint 30th of 2004/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture29th of 1844/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience32nd of 1934/4 keys
- Peace & Security41st of 1773/4 keys
- Development & Human Capitaljoint 55th of 1963/3 keys
- Economy & Innovation52nd of 1764/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions70th of 1944/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality69th of 1593/3 keys
- Democracy & Civil Liberties89th of 1984/4 keys
- Gender & Equality85th of 1834/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade83rd of 1772/4 keys
- Digital & Technology95th of 1984/4 keys
- Energyjoint 87th of 1653/3 keys
- Education & Knowledge122nd of 1983/4 keys
- Work & Labour143rd of 1824/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability154th of 1864/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on work & labour
The three countries placed highest of 182, and the leaders North Macedonia 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 Europe
Iceland1st4/4 keysHighest in Southern Europe
Slovenia18th4/4 keysThis page
North Macedonia143rd4/4 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 North Macedonia 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
North Macedonia 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 North Macedonia rank on work & labour?
North Macedonia is placed 143rd 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 North Macedonia?
45.57 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 North Macedonia?
45.13 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 North Macedonia compare with Greece on work & labour?
Greece is placed 127th of 182, and North Macedonia 143rd. Employment-to-Population Ratio: Greece 47.52, North Macedonia 45.57; Labour Income Share: Greece 51.3, North Macedonia 45.13; Unemployment Rate: Greece 8.54, North Macedonia 12.26; Vulnerable Employment: Greece 23.06, North Macedonia 12.34.
How have North Macedonia’s work & labour figures changed?
Employment-to-Population Ratio rose from 35.76 in 2000 to 45.57 in 2025; Labour Income Share fell from 48.94 in 2004 to 45.13 in 2025; Unemployment Rate fell from 32.2 in 2000 to 12.26 in 2025; Vulnerable Employment fell from 21.61 in 2000 to 12.34 in 2025.
Which work & labour statistics are missing for North Macedonia?
No current reading is published for North Macedonia on Average Monthly Earnings of Employees, Fatal Occupational Injuries, Gini Index of Monthly Earnings, Informal Employment Rate, Low Pay Rate and Public Sector Employment. 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 28 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
North Macedonia’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- North Macedonia (banner) — Pudelek (Marcin Szala) derivative work: Jjtkk, CC BY-SA 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). North Macedonia: Work & Labour — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/north-macedonia/work