Antigua and Barbuda: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Antigua and Barbuda?

Antigua and Barbuda's unemployment rate was 8.7% in 2018, according to the Statistics Division's Labour Force Survey tables for 2018 and 2015. The rate was 7.3% for men and 9.9% for women, down from 13.8% overall in the 2015 survey. Of a labour force of 51,931 people, 47,429 were employed and 4,502 unemployed.

The 2018 survey is the latest one on the Statistics Division's labour page, which also holds the full survey reports. The participation rate, the share of people aged 15 and over who were working or looking for work, was 72.1% in 2018. The unemployment rate uses the standard definition, which counts people without work who were actively looking for it; the 2015 tables also give a broader measure.

Official sources: Statistics Division: Labour force characteristics by sex, 2018 and 2015 · Statistics Division: Labour statistics

What is the pension age in Antigua and Barbuda?

The social security pension age in Antigua and Barbuda moved to 65 on 1 January 2025, according to an Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board media release of 31 December 2024. Contribution rates rose by 0.5 points at the same time, to 16% of insurable earnings for the private sector and 15% for the public sector; the self-employed rate stayed at 10%. The board says both changes follow its 10th and 11th actuarial reviews.

The board's age benefit page says the pension is 25% of average annual insurable earnings for the minimum number of contributions, plus 1% for each further 50 contributions, up to 50%. Average earnings are taken from the best 5 of the last 10 contribution years. No pensioner receives less than EC$350 a month. People who do not qualify for a pension may receive a one-off age grant.

Official sources: ABSSB: Pension and contribution rate adjustments, December 2024 · ABSSB: Age benefit

What is Antigua and Barbuda's minimum wage?

According to the ILO, the statutory minimum wage in Antigua and Barbuda was 1,559 XCD a month (about $577) in 2024. Since 2012 it has ranged from 1,420 XCD a month (2013) to 1,560 XCD a month (2012).

What is the average monthly salary in Antigua and Barbuda?

The ILO puts average monthly earnings of employees in Antigua and Barbuda at $1,052 a month in 2023. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was $506 a month, and Antigua and Barbuda placed 5th highest of 18. World rank, highest first: 34th of 80.