Employment & Labor
Comprehensive labor market statistics including unemployment, wages, labor force participation, and employment distribution across economic sectors.
Unemployment
Algeria's unemployment rate stands at 12.5%, recovering from the pandemic peak of 14.2% in 2020. Youth unemployment remains critical at 26.4%, reflecting structural challenges in job creation.
COVID-19 pandemic caused spike to 14.2% in 2020
Gradual recovery since 2021, nearing pre-pandemic levels
Structural unemployment remains challenge in formal sector
Informal employment estimated at 40% of workforce
Labor Force Participation
Only 42.5% of working-age Algerians participate in the labor force, well below global averages. Low female participation (17%) represents significant untapped economic potential.
Employment by Sector
Services dominate employment at 60%, followed by construction (16.5%) and industry (13%). Despite its economic importance, hydrocarbons employ less than 1% of the workforce.
| Sector | Share of Employment (%) |
|---|---|
| Services | 60% |
| Construction | 16.5% |
| Industry | 13% |
| Agriculture | 10% |
| Hydrocarbons | 0.5% |
Wages
Recent 2024 projections show a significant disparity between the public and private sectors. The public sector average reached **72,400 DZD** following index adjustments, while formal private sector wages average around **38,500 DZD**.
Global average influenced by structural disparity between public and private sectors
Inflation (2021-2024) has outpaced nominal wage growth in the private sector
Purchasing power disparity remains highest in service-tier private employment
Complete Data
Unemployment Rate
% • 15 data points
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 10 | — |
| 2011 | 10 | 0.0% |
| 2012 | 11 | +10.0% |
| 2013 | 9.8 | -10.9% |
| 2014 | 10.6 | +8.2% |
| 2015 | 11.2 | +5.7% |
| 2016 | 10.5 | -6.2% |
| 2017 | 11.7 | +11.4% |
| 2018 | 11.7 | 0.0% |
| 2019 | 11.4 | -2.6% |
| 2020 | 14.2 | +24.6% |
| 2021 | 13.4 | -5.6% |
| 2022 | 12.7 | -5.2% |
| 2023 | 13 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | 12.5 | -3.8% |
Labor Force Participation
% • 15 data points
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 41 | — |
| 2011 | 41.2 | +0.5% |
| 2012 | 42.9 | +4.1% |
| 2013 | 43.2 | +0.7% |
| 2014 | 41.8 | -3.2% |
| 2015 | 41.8 | 0.0% |
| 2016 | 41.8 | 0.0% |
| 2017 | 42.2 | +1.0% |
| 2018 | 42.5 | +0.7% |
| 2019 | 42.3 | -0.5% |
| 2020 | 40.5 | -4.3% |
| 2021 | 41 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | 41.8 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | 42.2 | +1.0% |
| 2024 | 42.5 | +0.7% |