Laos: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in the Lao PDR?

The Lao PDR's unemployment rate was 1.19% in 2025, according to modelled International Labour Organization estimates published by the World Bank. The latest national estimate in the same data, from 2022, was 1.21%.

Youth unemployment, for ages 15 to 24, was 2.38%. Unemployment counts people without work who are looking for and available for a job. 66.1% of people aged 15 and over were in the labour force in 2025.

Official sources: World Bank · national estimate · labour force

How many Lao workers work for themselves or their family?

76.4% of workers in the Lao PDR were in vulnerable employment in 2025, according to modelled International Labour Organization estimates published by the World Bank, down from 77.8% in 2020.

Vulnerable employment counts own-account workers, who work for themselves without employees, and contributing family workers, who help in a family business or farm. The estimates are modelled from national survey data, so they can differ from the Lao Statistics Bureau's own survey results.

Official sources: World Bank

How much is the minimum wage in Laos?

1,600,000 LAK a month (about $79): that is the statutory minimum wage in Laos for 2024, according to the ILO. That is the highest since at least 2012.

What is the average wage in Laos?

$178 a month: that is average monthly earnings of employees in Laos for 2022, according to the ILO. East Asia & Pacific median: $404 a month; Laos is 10th highest of 10. Worldwide: 87th of 98.

What is the unemployment rate in Laos?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in Laos was 1.2% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at 3.3%; its low point was 2010, at 0.7%. It is 22nd highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 2.9%. World rank, highest first: 167th of 174.

How many young people in Laos are unemployed?

2.4%: that is unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Laos for 2025, according to the ILO. The peak was 5.8% in 2017 and the low 1.6% in 2010. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 7.5%, and Laos placed 23rd highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 167th of 174.

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

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 66.1%. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 12th highest of 24 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 65.3%. Worldwide: 51st of 174.

What is female labour force participation in Laos?

61.6%: that is the labour force participation rate for women in Laos for 2025, according to the ILO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 56.3%; Laos is 9th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 40th of 174.

What share of adults in Laos have a job?

The ILO puts the employment to population ratio in Laos at 65.3% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 63.1%, and Laos placed 10th highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 36th highest.

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

76.4%: that is the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Laos for 2025, according to the ILO. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 40.0%; Laos is 1st highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 17th of 174.

What share of jobs in Laos are salaried?

In 2025, the share of workers who are paid employees in Laos was 22.9%, according to the ILO. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 56.8%, and Laos placed 23rd highest of 24. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 155th highest.