Latvia: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in Latvia?

Latvia's unemployment rate was 7.0% in the second quarter of 2026, 0.3 points higher than a year earlier, according to the CSB Labour Force Survey. There were 66.2 thousand unemployed people aged 15 to 74. The rate was 8.1% for men and 5.9% for women, and 65.1% of people aged 15 to 74 were in work.

The survey uses the international definition: people without work who are looking for a job and able to start. Eurostat's monthly seasonally adjusted estimate was 7.3% for August 2026. The State Employment Agency publishes a separate, lower count of registered jobseekers.

Official sources: CSB: 65.1 % of the population were employed in Q2 2026 · Eurostat: Unemployment by sex and age, monthly

What is the average salary in Latvia?

Average gross monthly earnings in Latvia were EUR 1,886 in the second quarter of 2026, 4.3% more than a year earlier, according to the Central Statistical Bureau. Average net earnings after tax were EUR 1,401. The median gross wage was EUR 1,527, meaning half of full-time-equivalent employees earned less.

Pay was highest in information and communication activities (EUR 3,257) and lowest in accommodation and food services (EUR 1,256). By region, the Riga region averaged EUR 2,068 and Latgale EUR 1,365. Figures are in full-time units, so part-time pay is converted to a full-time equivalent.

Official sources: CSB: Average gross salary at 1 886 euro

What is the minimum wage in Latvia?

The minimum monthly wage for normal working time in Latvia is EUR 780 from 1 January 2026, according to the Ministry of Welfare. It was EUR 740 in 2025. The amount and the method for the minimum hourly rate are set by Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 656 of 24 November 2015.

The non-taxable minimum for personal income tax rose to EUR 550 a month in 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance, so take-home pay at the minimum wage depends on tax and social contributions. The 2027 amount is reviewed as part of the 2027 budget process.

Official sources: Ministry of Welfare: Minimum monthly wage · Ministry of Finance: Government approves #Budget2026

What is the retirement age in Latvia?

The old-age pension age in Latvia is 65, for people with an insurance record of at least 20 years, according to the Ministry of Welfare. People with at least 30 years of insurance may claim a pension up to two years early, from 63. Parents who meet certain conditions while raising children may retire up to five years earlier.

The average old-age pension paid was EUR 615.70 a month in 2025, up from EUR 550.37 in 2024, according to CSB table PPP040. Pensions are paid by the State Social Insurance Agency.

Official sources: Ministry of Welfare: Seniors · CSB table PPP040: Average size of pensions

How much is the minimum wage in Latvia?

In 2026, the statutory minimum wage in Latvia was 780 EUR a month, according to the ILO. That is the highest since at least 2012.

How much do workers in Latvia earn on average?

According to the ILO, average monthly earnings of employees in Latvia was $2,624 a month in 2025. No year since 2012 has been higher. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was $3,252 a month, and Latvia placed 20th highest of 32. Of 57 countries with 2025 data, 22nd highest.

What is the unemployment rate in Latvia?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 6.6%. The peak was 19.5% in 2010 and the low 6.1% in 2007. It is 17th highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 5.5%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 60th highest.

How many young people in Latvia are unemployed?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in Latvia was 12.9% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 10.6% (2007) to 36.2% (2010). Europe & Central Asia median: 14.2%; Latvia is 28th highest of 47. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 85th highest.

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

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 60.5%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 57.2% (2005) to 61.6% (2020). It is 22nd highest of 47 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 60.3%. Worldwide: 97th of 174.

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

According to the ILO, the labour force participation rate for women in Latvia was 55.2% in 2025. The peak was 55.8% in 2020 and the low 50.4% in 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 54.6%; Latvia is 21st highest of 47. Worldwide: 77th of 174.

How many people in Latvia are employed?

According to the ILO, the employment to population ratio in Latvia was 56.5% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 57.2%; its low point was 2010, at 47.4%. Europe & Central Asia median: 56.6%; Latvia is 25th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 101st of 174.

What is vulnerable employment in Latvia?

In 2025, the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in Latvia was 8.6%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 11.0%; its low point was 2022, at 8.2%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 11.0%, and Latvia placed 32nd highest of 47. Worldwide: 148th of 174.

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

In 2025, the share of workers who are paid employees in Latvia was 86.3%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 87.1%; its low point was 2005, at 85.3%. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 85.5%, and Latvia placed 20th highest of 47. Worldwide: 33rd of 174.