Bhutan: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Bhutan?

Bhutan's unemployment rate was 3.4% in 2025, according to the Labour Force Survey Report 2025 from the National Statistics Bureau. Of 394,937 people in the labour force, 13,353 were without work, seeking work and available. The rate was 4.5% for women and 2.6% for men, and 6.0% in urban areas against 2.0% in rural areas.

Thimphu had the highest rate among dzongkhags, at 6.2%. Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers make up 43.2% of employment, the largest occupational group. Labour force participation was 64.9%, according to the bureau's Statistical Yearbook 2025.

Official sources: NSB: Labour Force Survey Report 2025 (PDF)

What is youth unemployment in Bhutan?

Youth unemployment in Bhutan, for people aged 15 to 24, was 18.0% in 2025, or 6,017 young people, according to the Labour Force Survey Report 2025 from the National Statistics Bureau. That is more than five times the overall rate of 3.4%.

The youth rate only counts young people who are in the labour force; students are not included. The report breaks youth unemployment down by sex, dzongkhag and thromde (city). The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment also arranges overseas job placements; the Statistical Yearbook records 1,335 placements in 2024-25, most for Class XII leavers.

Official sources: NSB: Labour Force Survey Report 2025 (PDF) · NSB: Statistical Yearbook of Bhutan 2025 (PDF)

How much is the minimum wage in Bhutan?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2024, is 3,750 BTN a month (about $45). The peak was 5,586 BTN a month in 2016 and the low 3,000 BTN a month in 2012.

What is the average wage in Bhutan?

In 2025, average monthly earnings of employees in Bhutan was $322 a month, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2018 was 2024, at $337 a month; its low point was 2018, at $230 a month. Of 57 countries with 2025 data, 51st highest.

What is Bhutan's unemployment rate?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Bhutan was 3.2% in 2025. The peak was 5.9% in 2022 and the low 2.0% in 2012. Across South Asia the middle value was 4.1%, and Bhutan placed 6th highest of 6. Worldwide: 130th of 174.

What is the youth unemployment rate in Bhutan?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Bhutan was 17.1% in 2025. The peak was 27.2% in 2022 and the low 7.0% in 2012. Across South Asia the middle value was 16.5%, and Bhutan placed 3rd highest of 6. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 60th highest.

What share of people in Bhutan are in the labour force?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate in Bhutan at 64.8% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 62.6% (2018) to 69.7% (2009). South Asia median: 57.2%; Bhutan is 1st highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 62nd of 174.

What is female labour force participation in Bhutan?

The ILO puts the labour force participation rate for women in Bhutan at 56.7% in 2025. The peak was 65.6% in 2009 and the low 52.5% in 2022. It is 1st highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 35.5%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 66th highest.

What is the employment rate in Bhutan?

62.7%: that is the employment to population ratio in Bhutan for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 67.4% in 2006 and the low 59.3% in 2022. It is 1st highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 54.9%. World rank, highest first: 51st of 174.

What is vulnerable employment in Bhutan?

69.0%: that is the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Bhutan for 2025, according to the ILO. That is the lowest since at least 2005. South Asia median: 63.2%; Bhutan is 3rd highest of 6. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 28th highest.

How many people in Bhutan are employees?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are paid employees in Bhutan at 30.5% in 2025. The peak was 30.8% in 2010 and the low 27.0% in 2015. South Asia median: 34.7%; Bhutan is 4th highest of 6. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 142nd highest.