Photo: Madalin Pentelie · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 03 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Romania: Work & Labour
Can people find work, and on what terms?
Romania is placed 122nd 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 48.26 (2025); Labour Income Share 44.55 (2025).
Share
Work & Labour
122nd
of 182 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Romania 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
48.26
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Higher is better
Romania: 48.26. 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 Eastern Europe
- 71.2 Moldova
- Land neighbours
- Bulgaria 54.13 · Hungary 57.84 · Moldova 71.2 · Serbia 54.93
Key 3 of 4
Unemployment Rate
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
5.992
Unemployment (% of labour force)
Lower is better
Romania: 5.992. 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 Eastern Europe
- 1.505 Moldova
- Land neighbours
- Bulgaria 3.536 · Hungary 4.521 · Moldova 1.505 · Serbia 7.123
Key 4 of 4
Vulnerable Employment
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
13.05
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Lower is better
Romania: 13.05. 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 Eastern Europe
- 4.931 Russia
- Land neighbours
- Bulgaria 6.922 · Hungary 7.829 · Moldova 58.62 · Serbia 23.89
02Over time
Which way Romania 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
RomaniaWorld median
Romania rose from 47.51 in 2000 to 48.26 in 2025; the world median went from 55.86 to 57.72.
Every year’s figures
Year Romania World median 2025 48.255 57.720 2024 48.683 57.694 2023 48.847 58.158 2022 49.682 57.688 2021 49.534 56.066 2020 49.380 55.691 2019 49.985 57.871 2018 49.664 56.911 2017 49.283 56.738 2016 47.931 56.845 2015 47.749 56.788 2014 47.081 56.774 2013 46.527 56.229 2012 46.642 56.289 2011 46.325 56.297 2010 46.762 56.212 2009 43.969 56.255 2008 48.018 57.308 2007 47.455 56.933 2006 46.900 56.685 2005 46.904 56.129 2004 46.668 55.465 2003 47.196 55.630 2002 46.602 55.843 2001 47.553 56.018 2000 47.508 55.861 Labour Income Share
Labour income share of GDP (%) · higher is better
RomaniaWorld median
Romania rose from 42.79 in 2004 to 44.55 in 2025; the world median went from 46.01 to 46.23.
Every year’s figures
Year Romania World median 2025 44.5 46.230 2024 44.6 46.060 2023 41.2 45.900 2022 40.5 45.615 2021 40.8 45.433 2020 44.2 47.267 2019 42.4 46.277 2018 42.1 46.187 2017 42.3 46.467 2016 41.9 46.798 2015 37.8 46.876 2014 38.1 47.281 2013 37.5 46.887 2012 36.5 46.231 2011 36.8 45.679 2010 39.5 46.024 2009 39.3 47.071 2008 41.3 45.312 2007 39.0 45.246 2006 44.4 45.670 2005 45.6 46.265 2004 42.8 46.012 Unemployment Rate
Unemployment (% of labour force) · lower is better
RomaniaWorld median
Romania fell from 6.969 in 2000 to 5.992 in 2025; the world median went from 6.918 to 5.084.
Every year’s figures
Year Romania World median 2025 5.992 5.08 2024 5.400 5.15 2023 5.589 5.21 2022 5.614 5.34 2021 5.590 6.04 2020 5.035 6.38 2019 3.912 5.36 2018 4.187 5.35 2017 4.927 5.59 2016 5.901 5.90 2015 6.812 6.41 2014 6.802 6.58 2013 7.096 6.71 2012 6.794 6.79 2011 7.177 6.90 2010 6.959 7.04 2009 6.859 6.67 2008 5.787 5.79 2007 6.413 6.00 2006 7.270 6.50 2005 7.174 7.09 2004 7.719 6.80 2003 6.950 6.95 2002 8.112 6.91 2001 6.561 6.96 2000 6.969 6.92 Vulnerable Employment
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment) · lower is better
RomaniaWorld median
Romania fell from 35.32 in 2000 to 13.05 in 2025; the world median went from 35.67 to 28.67.
Every year’s figures
Year Romania World median 2025 13.05 28.67 2024 13.25 29.04 2023 13.32 29.33 2022 13.42 29.67 2021 13.70 30.01 2020 14.16 30.54 2019 14.55 29.98 2018 15.47 30.15 2017 16.44 29.93 2016 16.73 29.91 2015 18.91 30.26 2014 21.86 30.47 2013 22.52 31.14 2012 23.02 31.00 2011 22.89 31.41 2010 24.68 32.37 2009 22.51 32.59 2008 22.32 31.76 2007 23.49 33.47 2006 23.68 34.27 2005 25.13 34.66 2004 24.48 35.51 2003 29.03 35.90 2002 29.15 35.96 2001 35.27 35.27 2000 35.32 35.67
03In context
Romania 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.
Romania 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Moldova | 11th | 71.2 | 60.04 | 1.505 | 58.62 |
 Hungary | =39th | 57.84 | 51.3 | 4.521 | 7.829 |
 Bulgaria | 44th | 54.13 | 50.72 | 3.536 | 6.922 |
 Serbia | 98th | 54.93 | 53.64 | 7.123 | 23.89 |
| Romania | 122nd | 48.26 | 44.55 | 5.992 | 13.05 |
 Ukraine | not placed | — | — | — | — |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Eastern 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 Romania in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Romania is ahead of the world, and behind
32 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 median15
Statistics on which Romania does better than the middle country measured.
Gini Index of Monthly EarningsILO · 2024 · world median 0.3370.2240.337No real change since 2014
Romania: 0.224 · 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 73rd of 75 · derived, 1st = worst.
Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · 2024 · world median 0.5751.920.575No earlier reading
Romania: 1.92 · 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 Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8111.8641.81No earlier reading
Romania: 11.86 · 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 170th of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3213▼ Worsened since 2015
Romania: 21 · 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.
Informal Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 36.763.16136.76No earlier reading
Romania: 3.161 · world median 36.76 · Informal employment (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.857 to 94.44; lower is better.
Position 88th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 9812698▼ Worsened since 2015
Romania: 126 · 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.
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 47,384100,23847,384▲ Improved since 2015
Romania: 100,238 · 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 33rd of 168 · derived.
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 22.1650.7122.16▲ Improved since 2015
Romania: 50.71 · 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 43rd of 182 · derived.
Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4)ILO · 2024 · world median 12.568.79712.56▲ Improved since 2014
Romania: 8.797 · 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 55th of 76 · derived, 1st = worst.
Average Monthly Earnings of EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 1,6363,4201,636▲ Improved since 2014
Romania: 3,420 · world median 1,636 · Average monthly earnings of employees (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 193.28 to 9,307; higher is better.
Position 25th of 75 · derived.
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 09.90No earlier reading
Romania: 9.9 · world median 0 · Unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,23059,80125,230No real change since 2010
Romania: 59,801 · world median 25,230 · Human capital per person — present value of future earnings (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 700.38 to 735,422; higher is better.
Position 52nd of 151 · derived.
Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6821.3916.68No earlier reading
Romania: 21.39 · 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 51st of 139 · derived.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.967.245.9No earlier reading
Romania: 67.2 · 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.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per WorkerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6,74210,8346,742▲ Improved since 2015
Romania: 10,834 · 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 62nd of 151 · derived.
Behind the world median9
Statistics on which Romania does worse than the middle country measured.
Firms with a Female Top ManagerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 19.1619.0419.16No earlier reading
Romania: 19.04 · 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 94th of 179 · derived.
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · world median 1.611.781.61▲ Improved since 2015
Romania: 1.78 · 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.
Fatal Occupational InjuriesILO · 2023 · world median 2.0052.2542.005▲ Improved since 2013
Romania: 2.254 · 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.
Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · world median 35.8634.6635.86▼ Worsened since 2014
Romania: 34.66 · 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 50th of 86 · derived.
Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · world median 14.3117.0414.31▼ Worsened since 2014
Romania: 17.04 · 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 38th of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 32.0717.6332.07No earlier reading
Romania: 17.63 · 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.
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 53.3641.8153.36No real change since 2015
Romania: 41.81 · 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 143rd of 182 · derived.
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · world median 12.8324.5412.83▼ Worsened since 2015
Romania: 24.54 · 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 32nd of 182 · derived, 1st = worst.
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 61.6651.3361.66No real change since 2015
Romania: 51.33 · 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 155th of 182 · derived.
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.
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · world median 18.8832.5718.88No real change since 2015
Romania: 32.57 · 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 10th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · world median 657.951,799657.95Moved since 2014
Romania: 1,799 · 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.
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 38.8938.4838.89Moved since 2015
Romania: 38.48 · 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 93rd of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · world median 59.5156.4859.51Moved since 2015
Romania: 56.48 · 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 101st of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0112.6615.01No earlier reading
Romania: 12.66 · 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 77th of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · world median 14.3810.9514.38Moved since 2015
Romania: 10.95 · 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 104th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 31.8414.4631.84Moved since 2015
Romania: 14.46 · 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 141st of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Share of Temporary EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 13.451.79213.45Moved since 2014
Romania: 1.792 · 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.
No current reading for Romania
Low Pay 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 Romania’s 16 topics
Work & Labour is Romania’s 16th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Food & Agriculturejoint 23rd of 1844/4 keys
- Governance & Institutions43rd of 1944/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation43rd of 1764/4 keys
- Gender & Equality48th of 1834/4 keys
- Development & Human Capital53rd of 1963/3 keys
- Poverty & Inequalityjoint 44th of 1593/3 keys
- Energy46th of 1653/3 keys
- Risk & Resiliencejoint 66th of 1934/4 keys
- Digital & Technologyjoint 68th of 1984/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade66th of 1774/4 keys
- Peace & Security66th of 1774/4 keys
- Democracy & Civil Libertiesjoint 79th of 1984/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainabilityjoint 78th of 1864/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing85th of 2003/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge129th of 1983/4 keys
- Work & Labour122nd of 1824/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on work & labour
The three countries placed highest of 182, and the leaders Romania 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 Eastern Europe
Belarus=8th4/4 keysThis page
Romania122nd4/4 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 Romania 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
Romania 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 Romania rank on work & labour?
Romania is placed 122nd 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 Romania?
48.26 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 Romania?
44.55 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 Romania compare with Hungary on work & labour?
Hungary is placed joint 39th of 182, and Romania 122nd. Employment-to-Population Ratio: Hungary 57.84, Romania 48.26; Labour Income Share: Hungary 51.3, Romania 44.55; Unemployment Rate: Hungary 4.521, Romania 5.992; Vulnerable Employment: Hungary 7.829, Romania 13.05.
How have Romania’s work & labour figures changed?
Employment-to-Population Ratio rose from 47.51 in 2000 to 48.26 in 2025; Labour Income Share rose from 42.79 in 2004 to 44.55 in 2025; Unemployment Rate fell from 6.969 in 2000 to 5.992 in 2025; Vulnerable Employment fell from 35.32 in 2000 to 13.05 in 2025.
Which work & labour statistics are missing for Romania?
No current reading is published for Romania on Low Pay 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 32 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
Romania’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Romania (banner) — Madalin Pentelie, CC0
- 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). Romania: Work & Labour — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/romania/work