Brunei: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Brunei?

Brunei's unemployment rate was 5.0% in 2025, up from 4.7% in 2024, according to the final report of the Labour Force Survey 2025 from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS). The youth rate, for people aged 18 to 24, was 18.0%. The labour force was 232,000 people, of whom 220,400 were employed.

The survey covers people aged 18 and over, not 15 and over as in many countries, which matters when comparing rates. DEPS also publishes tables for those aged 15 and over. Of 11,500 unemployed locals aged 18 to 59, 39.1% were aged 18 to 24.

Official sources: DEPS: Labour Force Survey 2025, final report (PDF)

What is the average salary in Brunei?

The average monthly income from all jobs in Brunei was BND1,588 per employed person in 2025, down from BND1,686 in 2024, according to the Labour Force Survey 2025 from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS). The median was BND950. Local workers averaged BND1,797 a month and non-local workers BND1,079.

The figures are gross monthly income reported by workers, including the self-employed. The median, the middle value, is lower than the average because a smaller number of high earners raises the mean. For local workers the median was BND1,100 and for non-local workers BND600.

Official sources: DEPS: Labour Force Survey 2025, final report (PDF)

How many people receive the old age pension in Brunei?

46,186 people received the old age pension in Brunei in 2025, up from 44,247 in 2024, according to the Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2025 of the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, using figures from the Community Development Department. 24,638 recipients were women and 21,548 men.

The non-contributory old age pension is paid under the Old Age and Disability Pensions Act, amended with effect from 1 October 2021. Brunei Muara district had 29,712 recipients. The yearbook reports Employees Trust Fund withdrawals in separate tables.

Official sources: DEPS: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2025 (PDF)

What is Brunei's unemployment rate?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Brunei was 5.3% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.9% (2021) to 9.3% (2017). East Asia & Pacific median: 2.9%; Brunei is 2nd highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 81st highest.

What is the youth unemployment rate in Brunei?

In 2025, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Brunei was 18.2%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at 30.8%; its low point was 2021, at 16.2%. It is 1st highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 7.5%. World rank, highest first: 56th of 174.

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

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate in Brunei was 64.2% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 67.8%; its low point was 2021, at 63.9%. East Asia & Pacific median: 65.3%; Brunei is 15th highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 73rd highest.

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

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 54.4%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 53.7% (2022) to 57.7% (2018). East Asia & Pacific median: 56.3%; Brunei is 14th highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 84th highest.

What share of adults in Brunei have a job?

According to the ILO, the employment to population ratio in Brunei was 60.8% in 2025. The peak was 63.7% in 2005 and the low 59.1% in 2017. It is 16th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 63.1%. World rank, highest first: 64th of 174.

What is vulnerable employment in Brunei?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 4.5%. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 7.0%; its low point was 2022, at 4.5%. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 40.0%, and Brunei placed 24th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 165th of 174.

What share of jobs in Brunei are salaried?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 92.7%. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 56.8%; Brunei is 1st highest of 24. Worldwide: 11th of 174.