Belgium: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Belgium?

Belgium's unemployment rate was 5.9% in August 2026, seasonally adjusted, according to Eurostat monthly unemployment data. It was 6.0% in July.

The figure follows the International Labour Organization definition: people aged 15 to 74 without work, available and looking for a job, as a share of the labour force. It is based on Statbel's labour force survey, so it differs from the counts of registered jobseekers published by the regional employment services. Eurostat's annual figures put the employment rate for people aged 20 to 64 at 72.8% in 2025.

Official sources: Eurostat: unemployment by sex and age, monthly · Eurostat: employment rate, annual

What is the minimum wage in Belgium?

Belgium's national minimum wage was €2,234 a month in the second half of 2026, up from €2,112 in the first half, according to Eurostat minimum wage data.

The figure is the gross guaranteed minimum monthly income for a full-time adult worker, before tax and social security contributions. In Belgium it is set by collective agreement in the National Labour Council and is indexed when the health index crosses its pivot. Many sectors have higher minimum rates under their own joint committee agreements. The FPS Employment publishes the rules on wages.

Official sources: Eurostat: monthly minimum wages

What is the minimum wage in Belgium?

The ILO puts the statutory minimum wage in Belgium at 2,234 EUR a month in 2026. That is the highest since at least 2012.

What is the average wage in Belgium?

$7,044 a month: that is average monthly earnings of employees in Belgium for 2025, according to the ILO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2012. Europe & Central Asia median: $3,252 a month; Belgium is 3rd highest of 32. World rank, highest first: 3rd of 57.

How high is unemployment in Belgium?

5.9%: that is the unemployment rate in Belgium for 2025, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2014, at 8.5%; its low point was 2019, at 5.4%. Europe & Central Asia median: 5.5%; Belgium is 22nd highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 71st of 174.

What is youth unemployment in Belgium?

The ILO puts unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Belgium at 17.8% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 14.2% (2019) to 23.7% (2013). It is 19th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 14.2%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 57th highest.

How many people in Belgium are working or looking for work?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate in Belgium at 54.3% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 54.6%; its low point was 2006, at 53.1%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 60.3%, and Belgium placed 39th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 136th highest.

What share of women in Belgium are in the labour force?

49.8%: that is the labour force participation rate for women in Belgium for 2025, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 50.0%; its low point was 2005, at 45.7%. It is 36th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 54.6%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 114th highest.

How many people in Belgium are employed?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 51.1%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 48.7% (2006) to 51.5% (2022). It is 37th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 56.6%. World rank, highest first: 131st of 174.

How many workers in Belgium are self-employed or family workers?

11.0%: that is the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Belgium for 2025, according to the ILO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.0%, and Belgium placed 24th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 136th of 174.

What share of workers in Belgium earn a wage or salary?

In 2025, the share of workers who are paid employees in Belgium was 85.4%, according to the ILO. Since 2005 it has ranged from 84.5% (2020) to 85.8% (2008). Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 85.5%, and Belgium placed 25th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 39th highest.