Denmark: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Denmark?

Denmark's registered unemployment rate was 3.1% in August 2026, with 93,917 people unemployed, according to Statistics Denmark. The labour force survey gives an ILO unemployment rate of 7.1% for people aged 15 to 64 in the second quarter of 2026, according to Statistics Denmark.

The two measures count different people. Registered unemployment counts job-ready people receiving unemployment benefits or social assistance. The ILO measure, from a survey, counts everyone without work who is looking and available, including students seeking a job, so it is higher.

Official sources: Statistics Denmark: unemployed persons · Statistics Denmark: Labour Force Survey

What is the employment rate in Denmark?

76.7% of people aged 15 to 64 in Denmark were in work in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Statistics Denmark labour force survey.

The employment rate is the share of an age group that has a job, including part-time work and students with jobs. It comes from a survey of households, so it is subject to sampling error. The same survey gave an ILO unemployment rate of 7.1% for people aged 15 to 64.

Official sources: Statistics Denmark: Labour Force Survey

How fast are wages rising in Denmark?

Average earnings in Denmark were 3.2% higher in the second quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, according to the standardised index of average earnings from Statistics Denmark. Consumer prices were 2.2% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the consumer price index.

The standardised index is Statistics Denmark's main measure of developments in pay levels. It is a nominal figure, before inflation.

Official sources: Statistics Denmark: earnings · Statistics Denmark: consumer price index

How much do workers in Denmark earn on average?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is $6,992 a month. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2012. It is 4th highest of 32 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $3,252 a month. Of 57 countries with 2025 data, 4th highest.

What is Denmark's unemployment rate?

The ILO puts the unemployment rate in Denmark at 5.5% in 2025. The peak was 7.8% in 2012 and the low 3.7% in 2008. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 5.5%, and Denmark placed 24th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 74th highest.

What is the youth unemployment rate in Denmark?

11.7%: that is unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Denmark for 2025, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2011, at 16.3%; its low point was 2007, at 7.5%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 14.2%, and Denmark placed 30th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 89th highest.

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

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 64.9%. The peak was 66.3% in 2006 and the low 61.3% in 2014. Europe & Central Asia median: 60.3%; Denmark is 9th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 59th of 174.

How many women in Denmark are working or looking for work?

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate for women in Denmark was 60.8% in 2025. The peak was 61.3% in 2006 and the low 56.8% in 2015. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 54.6%, and Denmark placed 10th highest of 47. Worldwide: 45th of 174.

How many people in Denmark are employed?

According to the ILO, the employment to population ratio in Denmark was 61.3% in 2025. The peak was 63.8% in 2006 and the low 57.0% in 2013. Europe & Central Asia median: 56.6%; Denmark is 9th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 63rd highest.

How common is self-employment in Denmark?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 5.4%. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.0%, and Denmark placed 44th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 163rd highest.

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

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 92.1%. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 85.5%, and Denmark placed 4th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 12th highest.